How to Improve Team Communication on the Ice

30 April 2025

Communication is the backbone of any great hockey team. Whether you're playing in a competitive league or just enjoying a friendly game, effective communication can be the difference between a chaotic mess and a well-oiled machine. Skating fast and shooting hard is great, but if your team isn't talking, you're setting yourself up for unnecessary mistakes.

So, how do you take your team's communication to the next level? Let’s dig into some practical and actionable ways to improve team communication on the ice.

Why Is Communication So Important in Hockey?

Think about the best hockey teams you’ve ever watched. They seem to move in perfect harmony, right? That’s not just skill—it’s communication.

Hockey is a fast-paced game with constant movement, line changes, and split-second decisions. If players aren’t vocal, chaos takes over. When teammates call out plays, warn each other about incoming pressure, and provide direction, everything flows smoother.

Good communication:

- Helps avoid turnovers
- Keeps defensive coverage tight
- Strengthens team chemistry
- Builds confidence in teammates
- Improves overall game awareness

Now that we know why communication matters, let’s go over some ways to make it better.

1. Get Comfortable Talking on the Ice

Some players naturally talk a lot, while others play in silence. If you're the quiet type, it’s time to break that habit. Communication doesn’t have to be long-winded—simple and clear statements get the job done.

Start with these key phrases:

- "Man on!" – Alerting a teammate that an opponent is closing in.
- "Time!" – Telling a teammate they have space to make a play.
- "Reverse!" – Calling for the puck to be cycled the other way.
- "Boards!" or "Middle!" – Directing where a teammate should pass.

You don’t need to shout full sentences—just get the key message across quickly and loudly.

2. Use Non-Verbal Communication

Not all communication has to be verbal. Sometimes, the noise of the rink makes it tough to hear, so having solid non-verbal cues can be just as important.

- Eye Contact – Making quick eye contact before a pass can prevent turnovers.
- Stick Taps – A tap on the ice can signal that you're open.
- Hand Gestures – Pointing or signaling where you want the puck helps teammates make faster decisions.

Body language is just as crucial in hockey as in regular conversations. The more you and your teammates develop non-verbal signals, the smoother your gameplay will be.

3. Communicate in Practice First

If your team isn’t used to talking on the ice, don’t expect it to magically happen during a game. Instead, start incorporating communication into practice.

Coaches should encourage players to:

- Make constant callouts, even in simple drills.
- Give each other feedback after plays.
- Work on developing chemistry in small-area games.

When communication becomes second nature in practice, it will carry over into game situations.

4. Build Trust Among Teammates

Ever hesitate to call for a pass because you’re unsure if your teammate will listen? That’s a trust issue.

A team that communicates well also trusts each other. When players feel comfortable speaking up, they won’t hesitate to call out plays, warn about pressure, or direct traffic on the ice.

To build trust:

- Encourage positive reinforcement – Give credit where it’s due. Compliments go a long way.
- Eliminate blame culture – Instead of calling out mistakes with frustration, offer constructive feedback.
- Get to know each other off the ice – Stronger friendships lead to better on-ice chemistry.

When everyone trusts each other, communication naturally improves.

5. Keep It Simple and Direct

Ever been on a team where players overcomplicate things? Shouting an entire sentence mid-game isn't always effective. Good hockey communication is short, direct, and easy to understand.

Instead of saying:
"Hey, you should pass the puck to me because I’m in a better position!"

Try:
"Pass! Now!"

Quick, decisive commands are easier to process while playing at full speed.

6. Have a Dedicated Communication Leader

Every team benefits from a vocal leader. This doesn’t just mean the captain—any player can step up and be the communicator.

A communication leader:

- Calls out line changes
- Directs teammates in the defensive zone
- Encourages talk on the bench
- Helps quieter players get involved

When one player sets the standard, others will follow. Before you know it, communication becomes second nature.

7. Review Game Footage for Communication Gaps

Sometimes, you don’t realize how much (or little) your team communicates until you see it from an outside perspective. Watching game footage can help identify breakdowns.

Look for situations where:

- A missed pass could have been avoided with a simple shout.
- Players were unaware of incoming pressure.
- Defensive coverage was lost due to silent teammates.

Once you pinpoint these moments, work on fixing them in practice.

8. Encourage Bench Communication

Communication doesn’t stop when you hop off the ice. A vocal bench can be just as valuable as the players in action.

- Call out open passing lanes.
- Let teammates know what the opposing team is doing.
- Shout encouragement to keep morale high.

The more involved the bench is, the more engaged everyone stays in the game.

9. Build a Team Culture That Prioritizes Communication

At the end of the day, good communication isn’t just about calling for passes—it’s about having a team that values talking and listening.

Create a culture where:

- Players feel comfortable speaking up.
- Mistakes are corrected positively, not negatively.
- Talking and supporting teammates is expected, not optional.

When players feel heard and encouraged, communication becomes a natural part of the game.

Final Thoughts

Improving team communication on the ice isn’t something that happens overnight, but with consistent effort, it can transform your team's gameplay. Start small—encourage verbal callouts, establish non-verbal cues, and make communication a priority in practice.

Remember, hockey is a team sport, and the best teams aren't just skilled—they're connected. So, next time you hit the ice, don’t just play—talk, listen, and work together. That’s how champions are made.