posted 16 January 2010 11:18
Here's something that I wanted to throw out to get some opinions on. My son plays very well in practice and even in showcases but can't find the net in real games or carry the puck the same way. The scoring chances that come in practice and showcases never seem to come in games against the same caliber of players. In games he sometimes hardly touches the puck and in practice and showcases he can get around 2 players and score or pass the puck for a nice assist. In games the opportunity to even carry the puck doesn't happen. It's not that he doesn't want to carry the puck in games it just doesn't occur the wat it does in practice and showcases. In practice & showcases he gets lots of shots and opportunities. In games he hardly gets any shots and the shots he gets either miss the net ( in practice he buries it ) or they are weak shots ( off balance etc ). He doesn't know why. He is very skilled and plays at a high level yet he can't figure why this happens. Anyone else ever have this problem ? If so what did you do ?
Posts: 25 | From: | Registered: Jul 2008 | IP: Logged
Dadncoach
Vet
Member # 1258
posted 16 January 2010 15:50
HockeyDad, Not that I know all that is going on, but I have one heart filled suggestion from one Dad to another and that is based on experience and if you can honestley reflect on it with yourself, my biggest suggestion for you as a Dad to your son is.... don't bring it up to him, don't ask him, don't have him wonder. Be a Dad and tell him, Go have fun son and good luck and that is it ! Nothing more. When you have to come on a hockey board to ask other people why you think this is happening, then you are questioning too much. At one brief time as I Dad and a son playing hockey, I speak from experience. EACH PLAYER no matter what level of hockey, have up and down times no matter what level. Each player learns from mistakes or just maybe a little gun shy under certain circumstances and in time learn about them selves and what they are strong at and what they have to work on. The best thing you can do is - "Hey son - go have fun - enjoy the guys and playing the game". TRUST ME ON THIS PLEASE. When you do, you will enjoy the little positive things, instead of focusing on what you perceive as negative things. My son was not the most gifted hocky player, but he was gifted in areas I didn't see that the coach did. He didn't put up big points, but he was a team guy, who cared about the team and his team mates and from that, was picked as a Captain. Why ? because he was a leader who helped the young guys to try to get better -and spent time with them. He didn't let any locker room crap get out of hand. His coach saw him as a leader in the way. He wan't sthe highest scorer, but played defense if need be or penalty kill if need be, or corner pounder if need be. Yes - he a had a pysical presence at 6'3" 215lbs but his character what stood out the most and the young guys looked up to him because of his work ethic and his time spent helping.The coach and younger players respected him for who he was, not how many goals he scored. He understood team and the game. Just for a while not worry about how many goals he scores, just tell him to "go have fun and good luck". I'm sure he has put enough pressure on himself as is..... It isn't easy as a Dad to not see what we want, but I suggest you see him as a young man trying to play a game...... please reflect on what I said and let him find himself at what ever level he is...... Again - if you are asking here, you are asking him I would imagine and that is too much. Goodluck HockeyDad on this, but more so I hope your son good luck and has fun playing a game.........
Posts: 199 | From: ushl country | Registered: Jun 2002 | IP: Logged
HockeyDad
Rookie
Member # 6356
posted 16 January 2010 16:14
Actually, honestly I don't talk to him about it, really. I know it bothers him. I am not a crazy dad who thinks he's breeding an NHL draft choice. When he asks I just tell him to play and let things happen. I feel for him because I know he's fustrated.
Posts: 25 | From: | Registered: Jul 2008 | IP: Logged
hockey dad 22
Vet
Member # 5748
posted 16 January 2010 18:05
Gotta agree with the have fun suggestion. The window to play these games is horribly short...do it while you can and enjoy the ride. As far as missing shots goes, my son's junior coach gave him the best advice I've heard to regain confidence...he was ringing posts and just getting stoned by goalies...told him he was tightening up and trying to shoot too fine. Said, for the next few games, just crank it as hard as you can right at the goalie...end result, he "missed" and scored...pretty simple yet effective.
Anyway, don't push the issue with the lad...things will work out in time and with work. Tell him to play as he practises...sounds like he's loose in practise and maybe getting a little tight in games. Play for fun and the rest will fall into place.
Keep us posted on his season...and you have fun with this yourself.
posted 22 January 2010 12:44
Sit back and relax and enjoy for tomorrow he will be a dad and watching his son. If your tensed and not happy he knows it trust me. If he is a hard worker it will be noticed regardless of points. The wings had a line called a grind line for a reason, low points but great play.
Posts: 217 | From: | Registered: Jun 2008 | IP: Logged
HockeyDad
Rookie
Member # 6356
posted 01 February 2010 10:20
Thanks guys. I mean it.
posted 16 January 2010 11:18
