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Why Shortening the Bench Hurts Youth Hockey Development

Lawrence Cutlip-Mason
Why Shortening the Bench Hurts Youth Hockey Development

What is "Shortening the Bench" in youth hockey:

Shortening the bench" is a term used in hockey (and other team sports) to describe the practice of reducing the number of players who are rotated onto the ice during a game, typically in an effort to put more focus on the stronger or key players. This is often done when a coach wants to maximize performance during crucial moments, such as in tight games or playoff situations. The coach will typically limit ice time for players who are perceived as less skilled or who aren't performing as well, allowing the more skilled players or those with greater experience to take more shifts and contribute more actively to the game.

 Why you should not "Shorten the Bench":

Shortening the bench in youth hockey can have detrimental effects on both player development and the enjoyment of the sport.

Firstly, this practice undermines the core goal of youth sports, which is to foster fun and development. It sends the wrong message to young athletes, making them feel less valued and potentially discouraging them from continuing in the sport. Players who sit on the bench for long periods may lose confidence and disengage, as their opportunities to improve and enjoy the game are severely limited​.

Additionally, shortening the bench will lead to burnout, particularly for the players who get the most ice time. Constant play without sufficient rest will physically and mentally wear down even the most skilled athletes. This not only affects their performance but also reduces their enthusiasm for the game.

Moreover, the practice disrupts team dynamics. Hockey is a team sport, and when coaches prioritize a few players over the whole team, it can lead to resentment among teammates and parents. It also sends the message that only certain players are important, which can negatively impact team morale and cohesion​.

Coaches should strive to allow every player to develop, even in competitive situations. Allowing all players to participate in critical moments fosters inclusivity and helps them grow both as athletes and individuals. It also maintains a focus on the long-term development of the sport rather than short-term wins​. Encouraging equal playing time enhances the overall enjoyment of the game, keeping young players engaged and motivated.

"Special Teams" is not the same as "Shortening the Bench":

Special teams are used strategically during power plays and penalty kills. These situations occur when a team has either a player advantage (on a power play) or a disadvantage (on a penalty kill). Special teams are often composed of players who excel in specific situations, such as defensive specialists or those with superior offensive skills.

Unlike shortening the bench, using special teams does not permanently reduce playing time for any player. All players still have the opportunity to participate in regular play, and special teams are designed to make the most of certain game situations rather than exclude players entirely​.

Special teams allow coaches to focus on tactical situations without sacrificing the development and inclusion of every player. 

Why you should have more than One Special Team Unit:

Having two power play units and two penalty kill units in youth hockey enhances team strategy, development, and player morale. It allows coaches to rotate players based on specific strengths, ensuring that both offensive and defensive players have the chance to develop key skills in game situations. This rotation also prevents player fatigue, as fresh units can be rotated. Additionally, it fosters inclusivity and learning by allowing more players to contribute, which boosts team morale and ensures that no one is left out of critical game moments​.

What to Do When the Bench Is Shortened:

Before acting, ensure you fully understand the situation. Observe whether the coach consistently limits playing time for specific players or if the decision is occasional and situational (e.g., during a crucial game moment).

If a coach is shortening the bench, discuss it with your child to understand their perspective. Address your concerns respectfully with the coach, focusing on development and fair play. If the issue persists, escalate to team leadership or league organizers. Support your child by emphasizing their enjoyment and growth in the sport, and consider exploring other teams if needed.

Is it ok to Shorten the Bench at higher levels of Competitive hockey?:

AAA/AA/A Levels, These are competitive tiers where the focus is often on advanced skill development and winning games. While shortened benches may be more common at these levels, it's essential to ensure players are developing and enjoying the game.

In high-stakes moments, coaches may rely on top-performing players. However, this should not be the norm, and all players should still have meaningful development opportunities. Even in competitive hockey, the long-term goal is improvement and maintaining a love for the game, not immediate results.

The simple fact of the matter is 99.9% of the Youth Hockey players at these levels are still not going to play professional Hockey. Coaches and Parents should stop acting like they all are.

 

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