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M H J O N L I N E . C O M | M A R C H 2 0 2 2 16 by Shane Frederick PSYCHED UP Tips players think like TV commentators call- ing the game when they're watching from the bench and then tell their teammates their observations. "Talk the game to each other," Jones said. "Point out something that they could do differently. But be specific, not just, 'We have to be better.' "What is something that's in the players' control that would allow them to be bet- ter? 'Is your stick down on the ice?' 'Are you moving your feet?' 'Are you keeping your eyes up?' Teach them to have that dialogue with each other. It can be fun because they're engaged. They're talking the game." LISTEN (COACHES, TOO!) "Coaches tell the athletes too much," Jones said. "Instead, ask them why. 'Why do you think that?' 'Why do you think that would be a good adjustment?' Or, 'Why do you think it would be a good tactical change?' Because that gives insight to the kids. Do they understand? Is it a lack of understand- ing or is it a lack of application or is it a lack of application under pressure? Maybe they're thinking about it in a cool way and they're just not there yet physically." "Ask and then really listen. Then you can always challenge them or give them a dif- ferent idea or say 'This is what we're going to do as a team now.' But we don't want to DR. TIFFANY JONES IS A CERTIFIED MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH who has worked with athletes of all ages and in all sports for almost 20 years. That includes work in the sport of hockey, consulting with USA Hockey, the U.S. Women's National Team, as well as college teams and individuals. Jones offers some tips for players (and their coaches) to help with the mental side of the game of hockey. SHIFT WORK Being in a strong mental state when you're "locked and loaded" during your minute-long shift on the ice is import- ant, Jones says, but it's just as import- ant to remain in a good mindset and "laser-focused" when you return to the bench and sit down between shifts. Use that time to assess how your shift went, "Like what went well and why, and how do I keep doing that, or what was the one thing I learned?" Jones said. "Maybe it's from a mistake or something that I can change. "Then I need them watching the game because there's so much they can learn by sitting there and picking up different things. Either it's different players on the ice or what that team is trying to do tactically, getting them to think like that when they're on the bench and really still being very active." COLOR COMMENTATING One way for players to stay engaged in the game mentally is by talking to each other about the game. Jones suggests Photo / Will Bramlett, Jim Rosvold Mastering the mental game with Dr. Tiffany Jones Keep your head in the game in between shifts when you're on the bench. Watch and talk about the game. What are you seeing and learning? How can you improve?