The Importance of Sharing the Language of Hockey

An expanded hockey vocabulary boosts knowledge and improves player development

Dec 08, 2024

Learning terminology is crucial for effective communication within any specific field, whether that be medicine, finance, or sport.

A more robust vocabulary allows for a clear and more accurate expression of thought, an understanding of complex concepts, and a deep engagement in a topic. Without understanding the language and terminology it’s nearly impossible to comprehend what’s being taught.

Access to Specialized Knowledge

As a coach, I’m always fighting the battle to ensure all players (and staff) are on the same page. By starting with a shared terminology, we can have smooth communication and be quicker in our application of what we are teaching/learning.

By starting with the technical hockey vocabulary, each team member (coaches and players) can more easily interpret the conversations and apply the concepts.

A few examples that may seem obvious to most coaches, but are sometimes foreign to players if:

Get off the wall
Skate the dot lane
Protect the house
Work the elbow to get between coverages
No fly-bys/fishing
Stretch! (not the stretch before exercising)
Defensemen make sure to activate after the initial breakout pass
Tighten the gap

With an understanding of the language of hockey, players and coaches alike can engage in deeper analysis and critical thinking about the concepts that lead to performing better.

Coach Revak Example

As part of my high school team’s preseason training camp, we implemented a Hockey IQ Hockey Terms Quiz (more on that below) to test the knowledge of these concepts. In an ideal world all study and pass with ease:

On the first try, only eight out of the total players 21 passed.

Early in the season, we administered the quiz a second time for those who didn’t pass … can’t let them off the hook that easy!

On the second try, six more players passed. Up to 14 out of 21!

Unsurprisingly, the players who grew and improved the fastest are the ones who passed. They were able to have deeper conversations and weren’t tripped up by the language. When something was discussed, it was implemented much faster.

Practical Coaching

I recommend three items for helping players pick up the language of ice hockey:

Quiz of hockey terminology
Take the time to explain the terms while using them
Sharing the Hockey IQ Newsletter

A past mistake of mine was speaking normally like everyone knew what I was talking about. Now I do a much better job of explaining the terms I am using while touching on the concepts.

One great example of this is “low and slow.” If you ask a player of mine what it means, they will tell you about center support on the breakout. Most will even talk about staying within the middle of the rink too!