Some interesting facts when comparing "Game vs Practice" statistics and how Practices are in fact the true facilitator of player development.
Although the importance of game situations cannot be discounted, not to mention the players preferred desire to play a game as opposed to attend a practice, the following statistics reveal the importance of continual and proper practice vs just playing games. Practice as shown will accelerate player skill development that will inevitably enhance their game execution and success.
Please share these details as you see fit with your child as I am sure they will find the detail as equally interesting.
A P R A C T I C E B Y T H E N U M B E R S:
The following facts and figures relate to a 60-minute practice session: ⋅
- One efficient practice will give a player more skill development than 11 games collectively.
- Each player should have a puck on his or her stick for 8 - 12 minutes.
- Each player should have a minimum of 30 shots on goal.
- Players will miss the net over 30% of the time in a minor hockey practice.
- Coaches should try to run 4 - 5 different drills / games / activities each practice. More is not better; execution of what you do is development.
No more than 5 minutes should be spent in front of a teaching board each practice.
A G A M E B Y T H E N U M B E R S :
The following statistics were recorded during a 60-minute Peewee level hockey game: ⋅
- Players will have the puck on their stick for an average of 8 seconds per game.
- Players will take an average of 1 - 2 shots per game.
- 99% of the feedback coaches give players is when they have the puck. Ironically players only have the puck on their stick for 0.2% of the game.
- One efficient practice will give a player more skill development than 11 games collectively.
Synopsis: If you look at these stats, how can we expect kids to develop when they are playing more?