Development Zone®

   

PCA Resource Center

Why It's Important To Understand The Game, Not Just Be Athletic

Share This Resource

Brad Frost is the Head Coach for the University of Minnesota Women's Ice Hockey (@GopherWHockey) team. The Bethel University graduate has guided the Gophers to four NCAA national championships, six NCAA Frozen Four appearances, five WCHA regular season titles and three WCHA Final Face-Off championships. Frost concluded the 2015-16 season with a career record of 293-45-22 (.844) and has not had a team finish lower than second in the WCHA.

Brad Frost talks about the importance of having players who understand the game. These players understand why they do what they do and where they should be on the ice. He talks about how it is useless to have a really fast skater going to the wrong position. He would much rather an average skater who is headed to the correct position and understands why she needs to be there.

Athletes who know what they are doing and why they are doing it make a successful team. Coaches can play an important role in helping players learn the "why" of what they're doing, regardless of their level of athleticism.