Forged by Sports at TCS Live: Coaching Insights and Influence from Best of the Best
Forged by Sports at TCS Live: Coaching Insights and Influence from Best of the Best
Forged by Sports had a fantastic experience with other members of The Coaches Site at the TCS Live coaching conference on the beautiful campus of the University of Michigan. Over the course of three days, the event featured a diverse range of presentations, speakers, and networking opportunities that left a lasting impression.
The Importance of Finding Your Pack
One of the most impactful aspects of attending TCS Live was the opportunity to connect with other coaches. Building relationships with peers as passionate about coaching as I am and learning from their experiences is invaluable. As coaches, we must know that we cannot succeed alone; finding our pack is essential to growth and development and can lead to greater overall team success. I was fortunate to connect personally with coaches from around the world at all levels of hockey, and I look forward to our future collaborations.
Setting the Tone
The first day of the conference included high-energy presentations that set a strong foundation for the rest of the event. The speakers on day one and throughout the weekend provided a wealth of knowledge and different perspectives on meaningful and relevant topics. From Gardiner MacDougall’s high-energy and acronym-fueled speech to the emphasis on decision-making as a critical part of the game and coaching, there was no shortage of lessons learned
“Coaches are the greatest source of competitive advantage for their teams.” -Cody Royle
On days two and three, the conference kicked off at historic Yost Arena for on-ice presentations. These presentations provided the opportunity to learn new or refreshed drills and coaching cues in one of the best hockey settings in the world. When Kim Weiss said, “Practice should be messy; otherwise, you aren’t learning,” it reassured me that my eight and nine-year-old players are learning a lot during our practices!
Although I learned something new from every presenter, below are my key takeaways from the week at TCS Live.
Key Takeaways
- Being the BEST means being Better Every Single Time: Gardiner MacDougall’s acronyms helped remind us that continuous improvement is crucial for athletes and coaches of all ages.
- The coaches here are the present and future of hockey: The speakers’ knowledge and passion truly highlighted the sport’s evolving nature.
- There is no “one correct answer” in coaching: Differing opinions among experts emphasize the importance of finding what works best for you and your team. It was clear that Mitch Love of the Washington Capitals and Ben Sexton of the Ottawa Senators had a different perspective on using the hockey stick to disrupt plays. However, the way they presented their tactics made it evident that either way can work depending on preference.
- Coaches as a competitive advantage: The right coaching can significantly impact a team’s success. Continuing to learn and get better enhances that competitive advantage.
- Find your pack!: Building relationships with other coaches is invaluable. Meeting and connecting with others who attended the conference as “lone wolves” led to forming bonds that will enhance everyone’s coaching abilities.
- Win races. Win battles: This mantra was a recurring theme throughout the conference and is applicable on the ice and in personal and professional development.
- Never. Stop. Learning: The conference was an intense, immersive learning experience. Every presentation and interaction contributed to a more profound understanding of the game and coaching.
Wrapping Up with Inspiration
Attending TCS Live was an enriching experience, and the insights gained from the speakers and connections with other coaches were invaluable. This conference underscored the importance of continuous improvement, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in coaching.
Thanks to The Coaches Site and the University of Michigan for an exceptional weekend! Forged by Sports is already looking forward to next year and more opportunities to learn and grow.
For more details about the conference and the speakers, visit TCS Live.
