Teaching Up, Not Down: What Education Can Teach Us About Coaching Hockey

Introduction: Why Coaches Should Think Like Educators

In education, teachers hold students to high standards while recognizing that every student learns differently. They challenge students to reach their full potential instead of simplifying lessons to make things easier.

Meanwhile, in youth hockey, we often see the opposite:
❌ Coaches "dumb down" drills instead of pushing players to improve.
❌ Everyone is coached the same way, even though players have different learning styles.
❌ Players are judged on what they can’t do instead of being developed based on their strengths.

The best teachers use high expectations and differentiated instruction to help students succeed. Why aren’t we doing this in coaching?

1️. Teaching Up, Not Down – Setting High Standards for Players

Education Model: High Expectations Drive Growth

In schools, teachers don’t water down content for struggling students—they teach up to them and provide the support they need to succeed.

📌 Example in Education: A math teacher doesn’t remove algebra from the curriculum because some students struggle. Instead, they break it down, provide extra support, and challenge students to meet the standard.

How This Applies to Coaching

✅ Instead of simplifying drills, coaches should challenge players to execute at a high level within reason.
✅ Instead of lowering expectations, coaches should find ways to help players meet high standards.
✅ Instead of "he's not good enough" thinking, adopt a "how do we get him there?" mindset.

📌 Example in Coaching: If a team struggles with passing under pressure, don’t remove pressure from drills. Instead, break it down, teach the skill in steps, and give players tools to succeed.

Key Takeaway: The best coaches don’t lower the bar—they help players reach it.

2️. Differentiated Instruction – Coaching to Different Learning Styles

Education Model: Not Every Student Learns the Same Way

Teachers use differentiated instruction because they know some students learn best by seeing (visual learners), some by doing (kinesthetic learners), and some by hearing (auditory learners).

📌 Example in Education: A history teacher won’t just lecture—they’ll show visuals, create interactive activities, and use discussions so every student can engage with the material.

How This Applies to Coaching

Every hockey player learns differently. Yet, most coaches teach the same way for every player.

📌 Different Learning Styles in Hockey:
🎯 Visual Learners – Need to see drills demonstrated before executing.
🎯 Auditory Learners – Learn best by listening to verbal instructions and feedback.
🎯 Kinesthetic Learners – Need to physically go through the motion to grasp the concept.

✅ Use video breakdowns for visual learners.
✅ Explain drills clearly with key teaching points for auditory learners.
✅ Let players walk through drills slowly before going full speed for kinesthetic learners.

📌 Example in Coaching: When teaching defensive positioning, don’t just explain it—show it with video, walk through it on the ice, and let players feel the movement in small reps.

Key Takeaway: The best coaches don’t just run drills—they teach in different ways to ensure every player learns.

3️. Developing Players Based on Strengths, Not Just Weaknesses

Education Model: Building on Strengths to Improve Weaknesses

In school, students aren’t defined by their weaknesses. Teachers find strengths and use them as a foundation to help students improve in other areas.

📌 Example in Education: A student who struggles with writing but excels at storytelling might be encouraged to tell their ideas aloud first, then put them into writing.

How This Applies to Coaching

✅ Instead of focusing only on what a player can’t do, build on what they do well.
✅ Use a player’s strengths to help them improve weaknesses.
✅ Create individual development plans that match a player’s abilities.

📌 Example in Coaching: If a player has great hands but weak skating, have them work on skating while carrying the puck to build confidence.

Key Takeaway: The best coaches don’t just fix weaknesses—they develop players by building on strengths.

4️. Creating a Positive Learning Environment

Education Model: Encouragement Leads to Growth

Teachers create an environment where students feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them.

📌 Example in Education: A student struggling with a subject won’t improve if they’re constantly criticized—but they will improve if they receive constructive feedback and support.

How This Applies to Coaching

✅ Players need positive reinforcement along with corrections.
✅ Mistakes should be seen as learning opportunities, not failures.
✅ The bench should be a place for teaching, not punishment.

📌 Example in Coaching: Instead of benching a player after a mistake, pull them aside and ask, "What did you see there?" and guide them to the right decision.

Key Takeaway: The best coaches make players feel supported, not afraid to fail.

🏆 Conclusion: The Best Coaches Are Teachers First

📌 Education has already figured out how to develop students effectively. Why aren’t we using those same principles in coaching?

✅ Teach up, not down – Set high expectations and help players reach them.
✅ Coach to different learning styles – Not all players learn the same way.
✅ Develop strengths, not just weaknesses – Build confidence through skill development.
✅ Create a learning environment – Mistakes should be growth moments, not punishments.

Hockey isn’t just about winning—it’s about developing players to their full potential. The best coaches don’t just teach hockey—they teach how to learn, improve, and grow.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!