This week for Coach’s Corner we interviewed Mr. Cahill, coach of the boys hockey team.
Q: Could you please explain the process you use to prep for a game?
A: In most cases there are two or three days between games for us to prepare. The coaches will discuss what took place during the last game and if possible review film of the prior game. Once we had an opportunity to talk about the previous game and what we saw in the game we then use this information to develop a plan to work on the weakness in the practices leading up to the game. Depending on the amount of time between games film of the game will be watched by the entire team.
Q: What was one of the toughest coaching decisions you ever made and why?
A: Choosing which players will make the team and who will be told they don’t have the skill you are looking for is probably the toughest decision you have to make. There are times when two players are both deserving of making the team but there are not enough spots on the team to take everyone. Although it’s difficult to make the decision the toughest part is explaining the decision to the player. The reason can be as simple as there are simply too many players trying out for the position or as difficult as telling the player he/she doesn’t have the skills your looking for.
Q: What is the hardest part of coaching and why?
A: The hardest part of coaching to me is creating and maintaining a team environment throughout the year given all of the outside and uncontrollable factors that come into play during the season. Every season has highs and lows that can make or break a team. As a coach you need to constantly monitor the team and yourself to make sure that any negative influences can be corrected as quickly as possible.
Q: How do you/would you cut someone?
A: Depending on how many players are at a tryout dictates how I handle informing a player they have not made the team. When possible, I talk to the players face to face to discuss the reason they didn’t make the team. For me talking with the player is important so that they understand why the decision was made. It is important that a player knows why they didn’t make the team and what I and the assistant coaches think may help them going forward. Just as important is stressing the fact that just because the player didn’t have what we were looking for doesn’t mean they aren’t a good player. Given that hockey is a small community it gives me an opportunity to possibly give the player additional options
Q: What made you want to become a coach?
A: I don’t know if there is any one reason that I wanted to coach. For me giving back to the game is the biggest reason and trying to have a positive influence on the players similar to the positive influencers I had over the years. I can only hope that I have the positive influence on my players as my coaches had on me.