Your Mindset When Changing Hockey Teams
Changing teams, moving up, or playing under a new coach creates anxiety for many players. Playing under a new system or having a new position coach can interrupt continuity and make you feel like you are starting from square one.
The reality is that you will need to adapt your playing at many times during your hockey career. No matter your age, coaches will try to refine your technique in an attempt to improve your skills.
To get to the next level, you will need to learn to adapt.
Adaptation is important because change is a certainty.
There are two mental approaches you can take towards change, playing on a new team or having a new coach:
The first approach focuses on the negative, “I just started getting comfortable playing this way and now this coach wants to change everything.” Here, you are meeting this new challenge with resistance which slows your progress and keeps you from your potential.
A more productive approach is to see the benefit in change. A new coach can teach skills that can build on your current skill set. Even the way a coach may word his instruction to you could cause something to click in your head and help you improve at a faster rate.
Braden Holtby, goaltender for the Washington Capitals, is in his sixth full NHL season and on his fifth goaltending coach.
Adjusting to another voice could delay the progress of many goalies but Holtby sees the positive in such change. Holtby’s ability to adapt and welcome change helped him win the Vezina Trophy in 2016 and start this season strong with a 2.87 goals-against average.
HOLTBY: “I think [the change of coaches] is something that has really helped me. They’ve all had a different view on things and it’s kind of fortunate because you can take things out of different mindsets and… put it all together.”
Even though repetition is the key to grooving your skills, you also can learn new skills to build on your existing skills, in small increments, to raise your game to the next level.
If you reject or are hesitant to change, your game will not grow. You need to have a growth mindset to improve your game and to adapt new ideas into your existing skill set.
New Washington Capitals’ goalie coach Scott Murray believes Holtby’s growth mindset and ability to adapt to change have added to his success as a goaltender.
MURRAY: “[Holtby] does a really good job always having the big picture in sight. The small details don’t take over the big picture, they add to the big picture.”
The next time you are faced with change, view it as opportunity to raise your game and uncover more of your potential.
Tips for Playing for a New Coach:
Respectfully talk to your new coach. Express your concerns about change.
Look at the new situation as a chance to learn and advance your game. Be sure to make big changes in the off season or preseason.
If you can embrace change, you will have a great opportunity to grow your game and learn new skills.
Improve Concentration in Sports!
Improve Concentration in Sports!If you’re an athlete who is frequently distracted, loses focus in competition, or wants to learn more about how to focus better under pressure, The Focused Athlete is for you!
Concentration and the ability to focus under adversity is what championship athletes do best.
It only takes one distraction to enter your mind for you to lose a critical point, miss a putt, or lose a second off your lap time. You cannot afford to let distractions run wild in your mind and cause you to make errors at critical times in the game!
The Focused Athlete is a complete system to teach you how to focus like a champion and harness the power of a zone focus every tie you step on the playing field, court, track or course in practice and games!
This workbook and CD program consists of 2 audio CDs that include 14 days of focus boosting exercises and a simple to follow workbook that guides you through each of the 14 days, helps you apply strategies, and customizes the exercises to your personal focus challenges.
Discover:
- How to quickly identify distractions that sabotage your concentration and how to quickly refocus after distractions.
- How to use pregame routines to help you harness the power of zone concentration before competition.
- How to use preshot routines before shots or serves to help you be more task-focused instead of worrying about results.
Learn more about one of our most popular CD programs in The Confident Athlete Series…
The Focused Athlete: A 14-Day Plan For Superior Concentration
What are customers saying about our mental game programs?
“I can see that ‘The Confident Athlete Series‘ program is really sort of a lifestyle change. Just as weight loss involves a change in eating habits, confidence involves a change in thinking habits. I recently participated in a registered Skeet tournament and shot the best doubles score I’ve shot in four years. I attribute that score to your program!”
~Kevin Lutgen, Shooter
“As a result of reading and implementing ‘The Confident Athlete Series,’ I am once again enjoying golf and letting bad shots roll off my shoulders and appreciating my good shots without attaching expectations. Thanks Dr. Cohn!”
~Stu Blasius, P.G.A. Golf Professional
“I enjoyed ‘The Confident Athlete Series’ very much. I particularly liked the format, the ease of the program, and the 2 CDs that accompanied the workbook – 10-20 minutes a day was simple to adhere to and put in my busy schedule. I love the part about confidence with grace, and what I want to portray and feel the minute I step foot into Los Angeles for nationals. I love the affirmations, the relaxation techniques, and just the entire perspective of the program.”
~Sarah, US National Aerobic Gymnastics Team
Boost Your Self-Confidence And Focus With Expert Mental Game Coaching!
Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.
You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!
What are our mental coaching students saying?
“Peaksports.com website is so exciting. I researched them all and without a doubt your mental training site is the best! The vast amount of programs you provide helps athletes and coaches achieve higher levels of excellence in sports.”
~Doug Bolander, Hockey Coach
“I just wanted to let you know that my son skated this weekend at our Regional Competition. He worked his mental game and everything you taught him. He skated two wonderful programs, scored a personal best and ended up with the title of Pacific Northwest Regional Champion at the Intermediate level. Thank you for your wonderful training. He had the right focus and had so much fun at this competition. The title is sweet icing on the cake.”
~Pomaika’i, Sports Parent
“Kayleigh handled the pressure very well while many of the girls around her crumbled. She skated very well & ended 6th among the top 40 in the country. She achieved her personal best in both her short program & overall & tied her personal best in the long. I think you have really helped her!”
–Kathy Maksymec, parent
“Ashley wanted me to let you know that she placed very well at her competition this past weekend, thanks to you! She won the short, won the long, and had her personal best. She now looks at her competitions like ice shows and has fun. It is really nice to see her thoroughly enjoying the skate. She is very focused and very confident. We definitely attribute this to you.”
~Brenda Glassco, Skating Parent
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