By Paul Lubanski
I can hardly believe that the spring 2011 tryout season is already upon us--bet you can't either!
It is simply amazing how fast the time has flown by. So to that end, I am re-introducing my personalized set of TEN criteria for both rating and ultimately selecting a competitive ice and/or roller hockey team.
Please enjoy...
And note: The following RC's--or "Rating Categories" are applied on a one-to-five numerical basis with five being the best or most positive score.
1. SOPAW: Is the individual Strong On The Puck Along the Wall? Projected to consistently win board-battles?
2. HPITA: Can Player Handle the Puck In Tight Areas? Why is this important to note? Because on the ice most especially, this is where the majority of the game is played. And along this line of evaluation, does the player generally utilize his/her body to protect the puck effectively?
3. SQ: Can player Separate him/herself Quickly from traffic or their specific check in order to make an intelligent "team decision?" (The sort of play that places the "team" in the very best position to succeed.) And of course, overall skating ability/agility is showcased in this category--including speed--both WITH and WITHOUT the puck .
4. PWOP: Does the Player compete intelligently WithOut the Puck? Does he/she have sense to locate seams and place stick in an area where a teammate can deliver a tape-to-tape pass? Can you hear the player's voice in the stands from on the ice calling for the puck or communicating defensive assignments?
5. CWP: Does the player flat-out possess on-surface awareness and Compete on a noticeably high-level With the PUCK? Does he/she have the ability to find open-sticks and hit those targets?
6. MFD: Does the player display an aptitude for using Moves/Fakes/Dekes beyond the head-shimmy or toe drag?
7. WTPD: Does the player illustrate a Willingness To Play Defensive hockey? Will he/she get inside their respective checks' jersey on a consistent-basis? Can you picture that individual defing what it means to play"defensive-side" positioning hockey? Blocking shots?
8. FOA: equates to Face-Off Awareness level...if he/she is a center: How hard does the player work to win a draw? Success percentage-wise? If a wing--does the player understand varying-situation responsibilities?
9. SC: Strong Character? Team player or leans toward being selfish? Does he/she celebrate a goal by racing to center-ice and saying "look at me!" Or go straight to teammate that fed him/her the biscuit?
10. D: Disciplined? Does player have a tendency to incur selfish-type penalties/unsportsmanlike offenses? Or are leadership qualities on display? Encouraging teammates/linemates at all times?
BONUS TIP
If/when possible, it is always a good idea to watch pre-game on-ice warm-ups closely, zeroing in on just how your particular player approaches his/her time on the surface. Doing so can provide crucial clues as to the type of game-player he/she ultimately may be. For example, are his/her warm-up shot attempts flying high and wide? If so, that will more than likely occur during a very critical game-play moment, and it is indicative of a lazy and selfish non-team player. Conversely, does he/she exude confidence--seem to be having fun? Shooting accurately? Encouraging teammates? Acting as a leader whether wearing a letter or not?
Paul Lubanski
paul.lubanski@yahoo.com
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Paul, This is a excellant article in that it spells out in writing what to look for. I've often wondered what the coach's look for when looking at talent. Keep up the good work and thanks.
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