Line Change Commander
Leadership
Legend
- player
- coach / parent
- movement path
How it works
Develop player leadership by assigning one player to manage and call line changes during a small-area game.
What you need
- hockey stick
- puck
- ice
Your focus
Managing line changes requires awareness, timing, and communication , all core leadership skills. The line change commander must watch the game, read fatigue, and communicate without disrupting flow. Rotating this responsibility teaches players that leadership is about serving the team's needs, not personal performance.
During a small-area game, designate one player as the line change commander who does not participate in play.
The commander watches the game and calls line changes by naming specific players to go on and come off.
Players must respond immediately to the commander's calls without coach intervention.
Rotate the commander every 5 minutes so all players experience the role.
Helpful cues
- Watch the whole game, not just the puck
- Call changes when players are tired, not when it is convenient for you
- Your job is to make the team better, that is leadership
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Coach assists the commander with timing cues for the first rotation.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Commander must also call out one tactical instruction per line change, adding strategic leadership to personnel management.No 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.