Same team. Different goals.
One player wants more pressure, another wants the confidence to receive the puck and a third wants to play with friends. One theme can include different challenges without turning ambition into a fixed label.
By LineupDesigner
Based on the day-to-day coaching of Mikael Persson, creator of LineupDesigner and coach of SKÖVDE HC 2017.
About the creatorThe situation
Players of the same age may have different ambitions, physical development and confidence. A player who dominates a drill may need a harder decision, while another needs more time with the puck. One fixed label will not explain all of that.
Try this next session
Ask each player what they want to improve. Explain the purpose of today’s practice and agree on an observable challenge: receiving under pressure, offering a passing option or making a decision before the puck arrives. Adjust space, time or opposition so each player gets a chance to try. Check whether the challenge helped instead of assuming the grouping did.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical example: split 12 skaters into three groups of four, playing 2v2 on separate small areas with one puck. Everyone practises receiving and choosing a way out of pressure. For a player who needs time, the opponent starts a stick length further away; for one seeking more pressure, the opponent starts closer. Alternate who gets the puck at each restart so both can try taking initiative.
The examples illustrate setups to try and do not describe measured results.
Follow up on the ice
Check that each player can explain the purpose and their challenge in their own words. Ask whether they had a chance to try and what they want to attempt next time. Compare their answers with what you saw on the ice before adjusting the challenge.
In LineupDesigner
Use current skill assessments and player-pair preferences when preparing groups. Treat them as working information that you update. Record actual participants after the session if you want the statistics to reflect who was there.
What to check yourself
A bigger body does not by itself describe decision-making, and a quiet player is not necessarily unmotivated. The algorithm does not measure ambition or maturity. You supply the judgement and adapt the challenge to the player in front of you.