Training Camp Blueprint
How to maximize individual development and team performance
Hi there,
You don’t have to choose between development and winning - you can have both.
“In order to get the results we desire, we must do two things. We must first create the space to reason in our thoughts, feelings and actions. And, second we must deliberately use that space to think clearly”
What I think about when planning training camp
Planning an effective training camp takes considerable planning. For me it involves an off-season of reflection, discovery, dreaming, and iteration. It’s one of my favourite things to do.
Here are some areas to consider as you prepare for an amazing season.
Family
You are about spend a disproportionate amount of time for a disproportionate length of time in your commitment to the team. It’s an adjustment for you and for your loved ones. Set boundaries and expectations and appreciate the people who let you do what you do. Just remember, if you win at the rink and lose at home, you still lose.
Master the Basics
Get your schedule lined up and make sure everyone knows their job
Set ground rules for your facility
Introduce support staff and key stakeholders
Teach your players how to have a great first day and first week
Eat the Frog
Nobody wants to eat a frog (I think). Nobody wants to do time consuming administrative tasks such as mandatory training and paperwork.
Eat the frog and get it done now so you can move forward with pace.
Culture
How are new team members welcomed?
What is the energy you want people to feel?
Establish behavioral expectations
Empower your team to set the expectations
Create belief in what is possible
Themes
Themes can be a helpful way to weave a storyline into a day, a week, or the whole season. When done well, it can inspire the group and creates a shared mental model of what we are trying to accomplish and how we will go about it.
For my training camp last year, I used Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers as my inspiration for the theme, “reasonable expectations”. Watch Tomlin talk about expectations and leadership in a team meeting: Reasonable Expectations
On-ice
Finally!
What is the identity of this team? What are our strengths that we can lean into for success?
What habits are necessary to play true to this identity?
What style of play and structure is consistent with and supports this ideal version of our game?
How will you weave individual and skills development into your plan?
Off-ice
There is a tendency to try to build toughness, culture, etc. through demanding off-ice training. This is a slippery slope - Be careful. Each athlete shows up with a different level of preparedness.
Educate and promote proper nutrition, sleep and recovery. Athletes are subjected to an intense physical and psychological load during training camp.
Slow down
Slow down to speed up. Create space in your day for reflection and mindfulness.
Breathwork, going for a walk (no phone), exercise, etc. can all be effective ways to consolidate your thoughts and set you up to show up at your best.
The path to clear thinking takes deliberate thought and action. In Shane Parrish’s book, Clear Thinking, he teaches how to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary results.
Brock Badgers High Performance Hockey Seminar
Learn, share, and connect with coaches, scouts, managers and industry professionals from all ages, genders, and levels on the campus of Brock University in the beautiful Niagara region.
Speakers include coaches from Professional, CHL, USPORTS, NCAA and industry experts.
Click here for the 2023 and 2024 agenda including speakers and topics.
Purchase the video of all presentations from the 2023 and/or 2024 seminar for just $74 (CDN). Email me directly at tmanastersky@brocku.ca for details.
Cheers,
TJ Manastersky
Coaching Project
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