The game of ice hockey is made up of small battles fought in every corner of the rink throughout the game. The player who is prepared for these battles has the superior edge in these battles. At Battle Camp, players are taught and trained to properly and effectively apply their skills in these battle/game situations.
A Game of Transition
Every battle has two sides: the offensive side and the defensive side. Therefore, the Battle Camp curriculum also focuses on teaching and training players to play on both sides of the puck—both the offensive and defensive aspect of every battle. Players who can quickly read and react to a situation are the players who will have the jump on every battle and then transition from the offense to the defense or vice versa.
A Team Sport
Ice hockey is a team sport and players are taught the importance of both offensive and defensive support. Individual effort is only as strong as its support from the rest of the team. The Battle Camp curriculum introduces and teaches players the importance of getting open, finding open lanes to support offensively and backing up their teammates to support them defensively.
The Nature of the Game
Ice hockey is a physical game at every level, from the pros right down to the youngest mites and tykes. Body contact (not body checking) is a legal aspect at every level of the game. Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance that all players learn—at the earliest of ages—how to protect themselves out on the ice. Through proper training, players can learn to safely play the game. Players are always taught in a safe and controlled environment.
Change Hockey IQ for Life
Find out how to strategically win your battles and where to be on the ice in various hockey situations during Battle Camp chalk talks. These skills will be with your hockey player for life.
Sports Psychology
Strengthening your mental toughness in this game of mistakes can never be taught too early. You need to start training for this mental facet of the game at a young age and continually build on it, strengthening your hockey mind for the long haul. Learn to move past mistakes quickly—Crosby, Chara, Seguin, Quick, Kane make mistakes and so will you. Move on.
Hockey is a game of battles. Arm yourself with extra artillery at the Battle Camp.
Editor’s Note: Jeff Serowik is an NHL defensemen who retired from the Pittsburgh Penguins and went on to found Pro Ambitions Hockey Camps, which includes Battle Camp and Defense w/ Jeff. For the last 11 years, he has worked to simplify and share the hockey knowledge that took him 25 years to figure out. His specialty and passion are defense, and he tries to personally teach as many Defense Camps as possible.