Balancing Fun and Skill in Hockey Training with Matt Whitney

The Intricacies of Player Development with Matt Whitney of IPH Hockey 

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs interviews Matt Whitney from IPH Hockey, a skills organization in Connecticut. They delve into Matt's journey from playing youth hockey to becoming a player development coach. The discussion covers IPH's inclusive approach to training, the balance between fun and skill development, and the influence of technology and social media on the sport. Jason and Matt also talk about the changing landscape of hockey, the importance of confidence-building, and maintaining a balance between individual skills and team play. The episode ends with insights on the future direction of IPH Hockey and Matt's personal reflections on coaching. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

00:29 Guest Introduction: Matt Whitney of IPH Hockey 

01:02 Matt's Journey in Hockey 

01:42 The Evolution of Player Development 

02:48 Starting IPH Hockey 

05:22 Philosophy and Training Approach 

09:03 Balancing Fun and Skill Development 

12:56 Parental Involvement and ROI 

16:59 State of Hockey Development 

19:35 Valuable Resources for Coaches and Parents 

19:52 The Importance of Watching Hockey and Learning from Staff 

20:57 Balancing Creativity and Consistency in Coaching 

21:33 Training and Development of Coaches 

22:47 Technology in Hockey: The Good and the Bad 
26:17 The Role of Video and Data in Player Development 

32:00 Future of IPH and Personal Reflections 

34:09 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information