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!
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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.
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The Truth About Unlocking More Playing Time
In the realm of hockey, understanding why playing time may be elusive is a challenge every player faces. The journey to optimal performance often lies in asking the right questions. In our latest video, we delve into three fundamental questions that ANY player, irrespective of skill level, can pose when trying to unlock more playing time.
Coaches, from amateur to professional levels, sometimes find it challenging to articulate the reasons behind playing time decisions. However, as players, our growth hinges on our ability to engage with meaningful questions. These questions are not just queries; they are mindSET skills that, when honed, lead to tangible solutions for real-world challenges.
Here are the three questions every player should consistently explore:
(1) What specific behavior am I not executing consistently?
Identify the exact behavior causing concern. Clarity is the first step toward improvement.
(2) Can the coach show me examples of what coach means?
Visualizing the issue is crucial. Requesting examples, whether through video or walk-through exercises, provides invaluable insight.
(3) How can I work on improving this specific behavior?
Transition theory into practice by recreating game-like conditions and preparing for unexpected scenarios.
It’s as simple as that. Embrace the power of these questions, refine your mindset, and unlock the pathway to enhanced playing time and performance on the ice. Remember, every player has the right to find their reason for success.💯
#MindSETPerformance #HockeyMindset”
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A Closer Look at Coach-Player Dynamics
In the fast-paced world of hockey, emotions run high and the stakes are even higher, understanding the delicate balance of coach-player dynamics becomes paramount. It’s all too easy for players to feel frustrated or upset with their coaches, especially when the pressure is on. However, what many fail to grasp is the immense challenge coaches face in guiding and molding a diverse group of individuals into a cohesive, winning team.
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Players often don’t realize the myriad responsibilities coaches shoulder, from strategic game planning to individual player development. It’s essential to appreciate that a coach’s decisions are rooted in the broader vision for the team. While it’s natural for players to want more ice time or different strategies, understanding the intricacies of the game and respecting the coach’s perspective can foster a healthier player-coach relationship.
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As players, cultivating emotional intelligence is as critical as mastering on-ice skills. Recognizing the challenges coaches face and empathizing with their decisions fosters a positive team culture. Instead of succumbing to frustration, players can channel their emotions into constructive communication with coaches. Ultimately, acknowledging the demanding nature of coaching enhances a player’s mental performance, promoting resilience and a deeper understanding of the sport’s complexities.
As players, it’s crucial to recognize the demanding nature of coaching in hockey. Rather than letting frustration cloud our judgment, developing empathy and open communication can bridge the gap between player expectations and coaching realities. Strengthening our mental performance in this aspect contributes not only to personal growth but also to a more harmonious and successful team dynamic on the ice.