Home How to build Hockey IQ and Sense, on and off the ice

How to build Hockey IQ and Sense, on and off the ice

Lawrence Cutlip-Mason
How to build Hockey IQ and Sense, on and off the ice

 

Hockey IQ vs Hockey Sense

When we talk about Hockey IQ, think of it as the smarts behind how a player approaches the game. It’s the ability to read the play, understand what’s happening, and make good decisions based on the situation. For example, knowing when to carry the puck versus making a quick pass. It’s about recognizing patterns—like, “Hey, the defense is pinching in too hard, so I’ve got to chip the puck past them.”

Now, Hockey Sense is more of that natural, gut-feel for the game. It’s not something you necessarily think about—it just happens. A kid with great hockey sense seems to always be in the right spot at the right time, or they make a pass you didn’t even see coming. It’s instinctual, like they’ve got a sixth sense for where the puck’s going and what their teammates or opponents are about to do.

Can Hockey IQ and Hockey Sense be Taught?

There is a myth that Hockey IQ and Hockey Sense can't be learned and that you either have it or you don't, this is not true. 

You can develop Hockey IQ through methods like video analysis, small-area games, teaching positional awareness, and encouraging communication. The goal is to help players see the ice, understand situations, and react quickly to make the best play.

Hockey Sense is more of an innate feel for the game and is thus harder to teach. But I’ll tell you this—playing a lot and getting different game experiences helps the players develop it.

Teaching It

It’s not about drills or systems—it’s about helping players see the game differently, so they make smarter decisions. Off-ice is where a lot of the learning happens and that's how I approach it. On-ice puts it into practice and also helps them develop Hockey Sense over time.


Off the Ice

Video Analysis

Watching footage is huge. I’ll break down game film with players and say, “See how this guy anticipated the puck here? That’s why he was ready for the play.” Or, “What could we have done differently on this breakout?” 

Strategy Games

Believe it or not, games like chess, board games, or even strategy video games can help kids develop their decision-making. It’s all about planning ahead and thinking about what comes next, just like on the ice. Put in time constraints to force faster analysis and decision making.

Whiteboard Sessions

Sometimes, before practice or at home, we’ll walk through systems—breakouts, forechecks, power plays—on a whiteboard. Then I’ll ask, “What would you do here?” It gets them thinking critically.

Watch the Pros and Predict the Play

Wayne Gretzky built his Hockey IQ by watching games and predicting where the puck would go next. Try it: focus on a player, not the puck, and pause to ask, “What’s the next play?” Practicing this trains players to anticipate plays and think ahead, just like the pros.


On the Ice

Small-Area Games

I can’t stress this enough—these are gold. Put them in tight spaces and force them to think fast. Maybe it’s 3-on-3 in the corner, or add a rule like three passes before you can shoot. It builds awareness and quick decision-making.

Game-Like Scenarios

We’ll set up drills that mimic real situations—2-on-1s, breakouts, penalty kills. I’ll stop the drill sometimes and say, “Okay, what’s your read here? What’s your best option?” It slows things down and gets them thinking.

Heads-Up Drills

I’m always telling them, “Eyes up!” We run puck-handling drills where they have to keep their head up while navigating obstacles or making passes. This helps them see the ice better during games.

Position Swaps

I love rotating kids into different positions during practice and sometimes for games. A forward playing D for a few shifts sees the game completely differently, and it helps them understand what their teammates are thinking in those situations.

Encouraging Creativity

Mistakes are fine and to be expected. I tell my players, “Try things. Make a risky pass. See what works and what doesn’t” , Especially for Exhibition Games and Practices. Creativity is a big part of developing Hockey IQ and Hockey Sense—you can’t just play safe all the time.
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