Bench Energy Captain
Attitude
Legend
- player
- coach / parent
- movement path
How it works
Develop positive bench leadership and team attitude by rotating a designated 'energy captain' role during practice small-area games.
What you need
- hockey stick
- puck
- ice
Your focus
At the 14-18 level, attitude problems often manifest on the bench , disengaged players who don't cheer for linemates or who visibly sulk after poor shifts. Training positive bench energy as a skill normalizes it as part of competitive play. Players who lead from the bench build the habit of supporting teammates whether they are on or off the ice.
Designate one player as 'energy captain' per 5-minute small-area game segment.
The energy captain sits on the bench and is responsible for calling out positive specific encouragements to players on the ice ('Great backcheck!' 'Stick on the ice!' 'Good battle!').
Coach evaluates and scores the energy captain on specificity and volume of positive calls.
Rotate the role so every player delivers as energy captain at least once per practice.
Helpful cues
- Generic cheering doesn't count, name the action you see
- Your voice is part of the team's game plan
- Leaders set the tone regardless of the score
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Give the energy captain a cue card with suggested phrases to call out
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Have the energy captain also track line changes and call them, combining leadership with game managementNo account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.