In today’s hockey landscape, it has become increasingly common for teams of all levels to participate in extended hockey leagues, also known as super teams. These teams can offer numerous advantages to players and their families, but there are also drawbacks that need to be considered. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of extended hockey teams and discuss ways to maintain a healthy balance between the regular season and extended team commitments.
What are Extended Hockey Teams?
Extended hockey teams are groups of players who come together from various teams and organizations to form a team that plays in tournaments or other competitions outside of their regular season. These teams can range from all-star teams to select teams and can be organized by coaches, parents, or associations. While there are many advantages to playing on an extended team, there can also be some downfalls, such as a lack of motivation when playing with players who are not as good as your regular teammates.
Advantages of Extended Hockey Teams
Extended hockey teams can provide young players with a host of advantages that they may not get when playing only with their regular season team. Here are some of the advantages that extended hockey teams can offer:
1. More playing time: Extended hockey teams often have more games and practices than regular season teams, giving young players more opportunities to play the sport they love. This extra playing time can help them improve their skills and develop a deeper understanding of the game.
2. Exposure to different styles of play: Playing on an extended team can expose players to different styles of play and help them develop new skills that they can bring back to their regular season team. This can make them a better all-around player.
3. Competition against stronger opponents: When playing on an extended team, young players may face competition from other players who are stronger or more experienced. This can be a challenge, but it can also help players raise their game and become more competitive.
4. Camaraderie: Playing on an extended team can provide young players with the opportunity to make new friends and develop a sense of camaraderie that they may not get from their regular season team.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that playing on an extended hockey team may also have some disadvantages, such as a lack of motivation when playing with players who may not be as good as they are. In the next section, we’ll explore some of the potential downsides of extended hockey teams.
Disadvantages of Extended Hockey Teams
While there are certainly some advantages to participating in extended hockey teams, there are also a few potential disadvantages that should be taken into consideration. One major disadvantage is that players may experience a lack of motivation when playing with teammates who are not at the same level as their regular season teammates.
When playing with their regular season team, top players are often challenged by their peers and pushed to perform at their best. However, when playing on an extended team, players may not have that same level of competition, which can lead to a decrease in motivation and performance.
Additionally, extended team practices can sometimes overlap with regular season practices or games, which can leave players feeling overworked and tired. This can impact their performance both on the extended team and their regular season team.
Overall, it’s important for players to weigh the pros and cons of participating in extended hockey teams before committing to them. While there can be some advantages, players should also consider the potential downsides, including a lack of motivation when playing with players who aren’t as skilled.
Impact on Regular Season Performance
While there are certainly advantages to playing on extended hockey teams, one potential downfall is the impact it can have on regular season performance. It’s not uncommon for top players to feel less motivated or invested when playing with a group of players that aren’t quite as skilled or cohesive as their regular season team.
This lack of motivation can manifest in a number of ways. Some players might not give their full effort in practices or games, while others might be less focused or engaged during team meetings or strategy sessions. All of these things can ultimately lead to subpar performance on the ice, which can be frustrating for coaches, teammates, and the players themselves.
Additionally, playing on an extended team can simply take up a lot of time and energy that could otherwise be devoted to the regular season. Practices and games can overlap, leaving players feeling exhausted or burnt out by the time they get back to their main team. This can be especially challenging for players who are balancing other commitments like school or work.
Overall, while there are certainly benefits to playing on extended hockey teams, it’s important for players and coaches to be mindful of how this might impact their regular season performance. By acknowledging and addressing these potential challenges, players can find ways to balance their commitments and perform at their best no matter which team they’re playing for.
Tips for Balancing Extended Teams and Regular Season Teams
1. Set priorities: It’s essential to establish priorities and keep in mind the importance of the regular season team. Make sure the players understand that their focus needs to be on their regular season team first and foremost.
2. Keep open communication: As a coach or parent, make sure that you keep open communication with your players. This means checking in with them to see how they’re feeling about balancing the extended team with their regular season team.
3. Create a schedule: One of the best ways to ensure that players don’t get burnt out is by creating a schedule. It should include a balance between regular season team practices, extended team practices, and game days.
4. Encourage teamwork: It’s important to encourage teamwork, even when playing with players who may not be as skilled. A lack of motivation can occur when playing with players not as good, but by encouraging teamwork, everyone can benefit.
5. Stay positive: It’s essential to maintain a positive attitude and mindset. Players who feel supported and encouraged will perform better, both on the regular season team and on the extended team.
6. Give players a break: Make sure that players get adequate rest between practices and games. Extended teams can lead to overworked players, which can cause fatigue and a lack of motivation.
In summary, balancing extended hockey teams and regular season teams can be challenging, but with proper communication, teamwork, and scheduling, it can be done successfully. Remember to prioritize the regular season team, encourage positivity, and give players the rest they need to perform at their best.
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