As a defenseman, mastering the mental game is just as crucial as sharpening your physical skills on the ice. We recently sat down with Jan Olenginski who just played his last two seasons in the NAHL and the USHL. Here are Olenginski’s three most important mindset keys that can elevate your performance and make you a standout player in the defensive zone.
1. Pre-Scan the Rink for Options
One of the essential mindset keys for defensemen is to pre-scan the rink before the play unfolds. By creating a habit of scanning the rink before the puck reaches you, you gain a valuable split-second advantage. Identify your teammates’ positions, anticipate opponent movements, and strategize your options. This mental preparation empowers you to make quicker, more informed decisions and effectively contribute to your team’s defensive efforts.
2. Watch the Forwards’ Feet
The eyes might be the windows to the soul, but in hockey, a defenseman’s key to success lies in watching the forwards’ feet. Monitoring the opposing forwards’ footwork provides crucial insights into their intentions and potential plays. A quick, agile skater might be gearing up for a burst of speed, while a weight shift could signal an imminent change in direction. By honing your focus on the subtle cues in the forwards’ foot movements, you enhance your ability to predict and counter their offensive maneuvers.
3. Always Move Your Feet
In the fast-paced world of hockey, stagnation is the enemy. A defenseman’s mindset should always include the mantra: “Always Move Your Feet.” Remaining mobile and active on the ice allows you to adapt swiftly to changing situations. Whether it’s intercepting a pass, closing a gap, or maintaining defensive positioning, continuous movement keeps you in control of the play. Embrace the mindset of constant motion, and you’ll find yourself not only defending effectively but also contributing offensively as you transition from defense to attack.
These mindset keys are a solid foundation for a defenseman looking to leave a lasting impact and contribute significantly to his or her team’s success. Interested in learning more about mastering your mindset? Check out our MindSET Method training program today!
Recent Articles & News
News
Bloodline’s Noah Powell Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers
At Bloodline Hockey, we strive to empower athletes to achieve their ultimate potential through the power of mental performance. Today, we are excited to share the news of Noah Powell’s selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. Drafted 148 overall by the Philadelphia Flyers, Noah’s journey from a young player to an NHL draftee is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Noah’s journey with Bloodline Hockey has been nothing short of inspiring. Over the years, we’ve watched him put in countless hours of hard work, both on and off the ice. His commitment to improving his mental game, alongside his physical skills, has truly set him apart.
Vince Malts, our founder and the Director of Mindset & Performance Development for USA Hockey, Atlantic District, couldn’t be more thrilled. “Noah has worked incredibly hard to get here. His dedication to mental conditioning and his relentless pursuit of excellence have been amazing to watch. We’re so excited to see him take this next step and can’t wait to see what he’ll achieve.”
Noah’s success is a shining example of what we’re all about at Bloodline Hockey. We believe that true excellence goes beyond just physical skills. Focusing on mental conditioning, we help our athletes build the resilience and strength they need to face challenges head-on and perform at their best.
This draft pick is a proud moment for all of us. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do – helping athletes reach their full potential through the power of mental conditioning. Congrats to Noah and his family! We’re excited to keep supporting him and watching him grow in his hockey career.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the Bloodline Hockey family. We’re all about nurturing the mental toughness that leads to extraordinary achievements on the ice.
Interested in becoming a Bloodline Athlete? Check out our process here!
News
The Impact of Showcasing Young Talent: A Call for a Balanced Approach on Social Media
Today, I want to share some thoughts on a trend I’ve noticed in youth sports, particularly hockey, and its potential long-term impacts on our players, their families, and the sport.
I recently watched the Brick Invitational Tournament, where the best 10-year-old hockey players from different regions compete. While it’s impressive to see such young talent on display, I’m increasingly concerned about the age at which we’re exposing these players to intense scrutiny and celebration on social media.
The Social Media Spotlight
In the past, advisors typically scouted players who were in their mid-teens. Nowadays, they’re looking at kids as young as 10. This shift means younger players are under the spotlight, with their best moves and highlights shared widely on social media. It’s not uncommon to see a viral clip of a 10-year-old pulling off an incredible play.
But what does this mean for the player development ecosystem? For every highlight reel superstar, countless other young athletes watch and compare themselves. This focus on exceptional individual plays can create unrealistic expectations and pressures, not just for the players but also for their parents and coaches.
A Broader Perspective on Development
Let’s take a step back and ask ourselves: why are we so fixated on showcasing only the best moves? Why don’t we highlight the hard work, the defense, the teamwork – the fundamental aspects of the game that are equally important?
By constantly celebrating only the standout moments, we risk sending a message that success in hockey (and life) is all about those flashy moves. This approach neglects the importance of holistic development. We should be teaching young players the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork – skills that are crucial both on and off the ice.
The Consequences of a Narrow Focus
Reflecting on my own experiences and the insights I’ve gained from mentors and books like “Filters Against Folly” by Nick Peterson, it’s clear that we need to apply a more thoughtful approach to how we use social media in sports. Peterson talks about three filters: numerate, literate, and ecolate. We often do well with the first two – sharing statistics and stories – but we fall short on the third: considering the long-term impact.
When young players see only the highlight-reel moments, they may start to believe that these are the only things that matter. This can lead to a lack of appreciation for the less glamorous, but equally critical, parts of the game. It’s like a child who sees their parent dieting intensely and develops unhealthy eating habits as a result.
A Call to Action
So, what can we do? As coaches, parents, and influencers in the hockey community, we need to broaden the narrative. Let’s celebrate the players who block shots, who backcheck tirelessly, and who support their teammates. Let’s share hard work and resilience stories, not just highlight-reel goals.
By doing this, we help young athletes understand that success is multifaceted. We teach them that every role is important and that true excellence comes from a balanced approach to the game and life.
In conclusion, let’s use our platforms responsibly. Think about the long-term impact of the content we share and strive to create a more balanced, inclusive, and supportive hockey community.
Just think about it.
Watch the video on YouTube here.
News
The Power of ACTION over Analysis
In the world of extraordinary performers and leaders, a recent insight from one of our Evolving Athletes family members sheds light on the importance of perspective, especially during challenging phases of the hockey season. The wisdom shared emphasizes the potential pitfalls of fixating on the “WHY” behind every feeling, as it can often lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, the focus is redirected to understanding the unique aspects of “YOUR WHY” in specific instances. One of the most important things about playing hockey at a higher level is understanding the power of ACTION over Analysis
Consider the scenario of not feeling motivated to train. The advice is to resist getting entangled in the intricacies of why the motivation is lacking. Instead, by simply taking action and going to the gym, one often realizes that the “WHY” didn’t matter nearly as much as anticipated. This principle holds in various aspects of life, including sports performance.
Robby Drazner, a D1 hockey player for the Miami Redhawks in Ohio, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that understanding the “WHY” behind every emotion is not always necessary. He asserts that as long as athletes adhere to the historically successful habits and actions that set them up for success, that’s what truly matters. In his words, “You don’t need to always figure out why you’re feeling a certain way.”
In essence, the key lies in recognizing the personalized nature of this mindset approach. It’s not a one-size-fits-all strategy. The path to success involves choosing what is useful for individual growth, trusting historical performance indicators, and ultimately embracing the simplicity of action over constant analysis. As you navigate the challenges of your extraordinary life, remember: that sometimes, it’s as simple as that.
If you are interested in taking the first steps towards learning the power of action over analysis, check out our MindSET Method start training with us on your time.