Hockey coaches play a crucial role in guiding and developing players. To perform effectively, they need specific gear and equipment. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential items every hockey coach should have in their toolkit:
Coaching Boards
Coaching boards are vital tools for hockey coaches, used to visually communicate strategies, drills, and plays to players. Here’s a detailed look at the types of coaching boards available and their features:
Pro-Grade Coaches Boards
Available in various sizes and configurations, these boards are essential for drawing up plays and strategies. They come with spring clips and markers, and some models include suction cups for easy use on the go.
Dry Erase Board
Dry erase boards are essential for drawing plays and strategies. Look for one that is portable and has a rink layout with spaces for writing notes and drawing plays.
Magnetic Boards
Some coaches prefer magnetic boards with movable player pieces and pucks. These allow for easy repositioning of players to illustrate movement.
Digital Boards
Tablet apps that simulate a coaching board offer features like animation, saving plays, and can be shared with the entire team. You can also purchase an interactive smart board that is ideal for in-depth analysis and video sessions.
Training Aids
Cones and training aids are essential tools for hockey coaches to develop players' skills, improve conditioning, and create structured practice drills. Weighted cones and saucer markers are ideal for setting up drills and practice scenarios.
Devices like the ROJO Sport Shooting Target help in skill development, providing durable and adjustable targets for shooting practice.
Additionally, stopwatch and pedometer combinations are essential for timing drills and tracking player movements.
Water Bottles and Carriers
Pop Top Bottles
Available in various sizes, including stubby and tall-boy styles with extended tips for easy access during intense moments.
Water Bottle Carriers
Plastic carrying cases that hold multiple bottles, ensuring the team stays hydrated during practices and games.
Whistles
Whistles are essential tools for hockey coaches to command attention, signal the start and end of drills, and communicate effectively during practice and games.
Acme Thunderer Whistles are known for their reliability and loud, clear sound. These whistles are a must for any coach to command attention during practices and games.
First Aid Kits
Comprehensive first aid kits include essential medical supplies like gauze rolls, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and cold packs to handle any minor injuries on the spot. Lowry Sports offers a team medic first aid kit with all essential supplies.
Protective Gear
Helmets
Even coaches should wear helmets during practices, especially when on the ice with players. Coaches should look for a high-quality helmet that is designed to protect against impacts from pucks, sticks, and falls.
Gloves
Hockey gloves protect hands against falls and while handling pucks and equipment. Coaches should look for thick padding on the back of the hand and fingers with a flexible design to allow for easy movement. Gloves can also have a non-slip grip for handling sticks and equipment.
Skates
Coaches need comfortable and supportive skates to effectively demonstrate drills and participate in on-ice activities. Well-fitted hockey skates are crucial for mobility and safety on the ice.
Pads and Guards
Neck and shin guards are also essential for any hockey coach’s bag. They provide protection against slashes, pucks, and falls. Elbow pads are also crucial for protecting from falls and impacts while providing a full range of motion.
Video Equipment
Video equipment is crucial for hockey coaches to analyze game footage, review practice sessions, and develop player skills through visual feedback. By incorporating high-quality video equipment into their coaching toolkit, hockey coaches can enhance player development, and optimize game strategies.
Camera
For recording practices and games to analyze player performance and team strategies, a high-quality camera is a great tool for any coach. Look for at least 1080p HD or 4K capabilities. Higher frame rates of 60fps or more provide smoother playback, important for analyzing fast action during practices or games. A strong optical zoom is also necessary to capture distant action clearly.
Tripod
A tripod is essential to ensure stable and clear recordings in a fixed position. Coaches should look for a tripod that is durable and robust enough to handle rink environments. A tripod with an adjustable height and smooth panning and tilting is an ideal option.
Portable Hard Drive
Portable hard drives are useful for storing and transporting large video files without relying on a specific laptop or computer. Look for at least 1TB to store high-resolution videos with fast reading and writing speeds for quick file transfers.
Conclusion
Hockey coaches play a pivotal role in the development and success of their teams, requiring a diverse array of tools and equipment to perform their duties effectively. From coaching boards and training aids to protective gear and video equipment, each item in a coach's toolkit serves a crucial purpose in enhancing player skills, ensuring safety, and optimizing team strategies.
By equipping themselves with these essential items, hockey coaches can create a productive and safe environment that fosters player growth and team success. Investing in quality gear not only enhances the coaching experience but also contributes significantly to the overall development of the players and the team. To browse some of the aforementioned essential items, check out Lowry Sports today.
