In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• A behind the scenes look into the life of a high performance coach.
• Advice for aspiring coaches, young athletes, and youth hockey parents.
• What key qualities a sports science staff needs to have.
• How to find joy in life and in the game.

Resources + Links:

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

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Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

Show Notes:

Have you ever wanted a behind the scenes look into the life of one of the best coaches in the history of the game? In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Babcock, head coach of the University of Saskatchewan men’s hockey team and the winningest coach in Detroit Red Wings history. We’ll be going behind the scenes of a national hockey league coach’s day for fresh perspectives and quality advice all aspiring coaches or young players need to hear. Then, we discuss what characteristics are important for a sports scientist to have, as well as key elements any coaching staff needs. Our talk will take us back in time to Coach Babcock’s early career, and all the way to today as we chase the story behind his success. Join us and find out what the joy of the game means to a high performance coach!

00:00 Meet Coach Mike Babcock, one of the best coaches in the game!

02:30 Why are you fond of the early start of your career?

04:35 Who were your mentors?

07:40 As a young coach, how did you build culture with your teams?

09:30 What were lessons from previous experiences that you drew from as a national league coach?

12:10 What do your days look like behind the scenes?

14:40 Finding a work-life balance.

17:20 How did you build and re-tool the Detroit Red Wings?

18:40 What were some of the tangibles and intangibles of the Red Wings’ success?

22:10 What does it mean to embrace the monotony of being a pro?

24:40 Did you take a cooperative approach in your early coaching?

27:05 How have players changed, and how has your approach changed with them?

30:40 What are good qualities for a sports scientist or a strength coach?

34:00 Why is communication within a team so important?

36:50 Persuasion versus informing messages.

38:25 What do you not find value in?

40:05 What are the critical anchor points for you?

42:10 Knowing when to experiment.

44:15 Which tests do you prefer?

46:00 What advice would you give to an aspiring coach?

49:40 How about for a young player?

51:10 What advice do you have for youth hockey parents?

52:45 What are your thoughts on the development of youth hockey?

55:10 A day in the life of a head coach.

55:15 What is coming up next for you?