Penalty Box Mindset Challenge
Attitude
Legend
- player
- coach / parent
- movement path
How it works
Simulate the frustration of a penalty call and train players to return to the ice with a composed, positive attitude ready to compete.
What you need
- hockey stick
- puck
- ice
Your focus
Penalties are emotionally charged moments where attitude can spiral negatively and hurt both the player and the team. Training a structured mental response to a penalty , before it happens in a game , builds emotional resilience and attitude control. Players who can shake off a penalty call and skate back out with energy are invaluable to team culture.
During a small-area game, coach randomly calls a penalty on a player regardless of actual play.
The penalized player sits in the designated 'box' area for 60 seconds.
During the penalty, the player must verbally call out one positive thing their team is doing from the box.
When time is served, the player re-enters the game and the coach immediately puts them in a high-value situation (power play shift ending, battle for ball).
Helpful cues
- Use your time in the box to refocus, not to stew
- Come back harder, your team needs you
- What's your energy like when you step back on the ice?
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Coach pre-warns players that a 'teaching penalty' may be called at any time so they can mentally prepare
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Give the team a disadvantage during the penalty and have the 'penalized' player return needing to score within 30 secondsNo 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.