- Swag Bags
The term “swag” is an acronym for “Stuff We All Get”. A swag bag is a bag filled with gifts, mostly small and simple, that is handed out for free at an event. Upon entering to learn to skate, players should get a Swag Bag that they take with them into the locker room and play with as their parents dress them.
Dressing isn’t easy, and most kids will find some part of the equipment cumbersome or uncomfortable. By getting a bag with their name on it with small gifts that they can keep, kids are getting a reward for showing up and doing something that is outside of their comfort zone. It will increase their ability to feel part of this new adventure. Here are some ideas to include in your swag bag:
- Stickers- Hockey, Skating or Local Team related
- Hockey Tape
- Brochures- Kids love looking at brochures for local events at the rink
- Hockey Cards
- Gatorade or Water for after the practice
Keep these simple and fun and they will be effective in increasing the retention you have with your learn to skaters and learn to players.
- End with Fun
To create stickitivity in these youngest of players and skaters, you have to end on a “High” to get them to be excited to come back. Never end a session with just walking off the ice. Create something each week that the kids ask you before the session, “Can we do _____ again”?
Some games and activities to consider:
- Tag or Chase with the coaches
- On Ice Soccer
- Dodgeball
- Bumper Cars with Pads
- Capture the Flag
- Cops and Robbers
- On Ice Handball
- Where’s Mr Wolf Game
A mountain of evidence now documents the physical, mental, social, emotional, cognitive and academic benefits that flow to youth whose bodies are in motion. We also know communities thrive when they promote policies and develop infrastructure that encourage sport and recreation activity. Youth Sports Facts: Why Youth Sports Matter – Project Play
If your skaters are having fun, then they will want to come back, and retention of athletes at this age group and ability is paramount. Encourage and foster the fun and enjoyment of being on the ice and with a group of athletes at the same level. Put this in place and then watch them slowly and gradually develop proficiencies in the skills being taught.
By Andrew Trimble
Andrew Trimble is the General Manager and Co- Owner of the New England Wolves Hockey Club. He is also the Owner of Scoring Concepts LLC, a New Hampshire based hockey training company that offers camps, clinics, private lessons and teams. He has coached at all levels from Learn to Skate to College Hockey. For more info on his teams and programs check out- www.scoringconcepts.com or www.ne-wolveshockey.com
To Purchase Andrew’s new book “The Hockey Planner”, click on this link- The Hockey Planner: A Year by Year Plan to Assist You on Your Hockey Coaching Journey: From Learn to Play to Junior Hockey: Trimble, Andrew: 9781963743388: Amazon.com: Books
