TEAMWORK IS THE KEY AT EVERY LEVEL Hockey is the ultimate team sport, but not every player buys in.

Everyone benefits when hockey clubs show their players how their daily work contributes to the larger whole.

When teams start failing to meet expectations, clubs need to know the main obstacles that are preventing the team from delivering on-ice results. Coaches need this information so they can create impactful changes that help their team secure on-ice success.

But what if the coaches instead create issues by messing with the chemistry? Having 70+ kids cycle on and off the roster can do that to a team.

While coaches say they value teamwork, players say they believe the coaches really want to see the players compete with one another. And that happens in just about every practice with the winner rewarded with more ice-time. And all too often the loser finds himself on the outside looking in.

It’s time to clear up the confusion: Let’s take a look at some of the biggest obstacles hurting teamwork and how teams can get results.

Use real-time visuals.

To function effectively as a team, players must understand how they function within the bigger picture.

People might disengage if they don’t realize how integral their work is to the team’s overall success.

Showing players how their role matters can motivate and inspire them to improve their performance.

Feedback also allows players to see their progress. Coaches can now use real-time performance analytics to initiate constructive dialogue with players, including solutions-oriented feedback as part of the discussion. These sit-downs should be ongoing so players can stay on task and address potential issues if and when they arise.

Encourage solutions-oriented thinking.

When problems arise, how does the team react?

What is the player mindset?

Do team members feel as if they’re just scraping by?

 Focus on shifting their perspective.

 Players should look for solutions and stay positive, especially when pressure is high.

 Maybe stay optimistic?

Maybe remember you have control over your attitude, approach, work ethic?

 Teams plagued by negativity and pessimism are more prone to losing games.

The optimist thinks about how to overcome challenges instead of complaining about roadblocks.

Players should collaborate and confront these obstacles by asking what will be most productive in the moment. Trigger optimism when challenges arise, then break the large concern down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Finally, make a collective decision on how each person will contribute in the new approach.

Winning is the result of players being set up for success. That begins with the first camp and runs through to the conclusion of the playoffs. Celebrate coaches and players moving up the ladder of development and do absolutely everything possible to foster the elevation.