This short video is an interview with Joe Sundgren. We asked him how he structures his group lessons and his overall approach to teaching skating in an organized, progression based way.
Many power skating coaches might experience push back from skaters who want to focus on the fun of gameplay and parents who want their kids to focus on stick handling and making goals. Sometimes we need to be salespeople to assure them that skating skills are worth taking the time to learn.
Joe starts his group lessons with skating skills before any stick and puck drills. His skating lessons follow a progression system – start with the basics and once they are solid (or at least understood), do them overspeed or with a puck. Start simple/easier with more focus, then add on layers of difficulty so you as the coach can still critique and the athlete can challenge themselves.
“You might do a drill perfect, but I’m always going to find that one thing.” Joe jokes with his students. Making the drills into games especially for the littler kids is key. Get their input about what they like and make a game out of their suggestions.
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