Coaching Female Hockey Players: What Every Coach Should Know

With over 82,000 registered female players in the U.S., the opportunities for young athletes to play, grow, and excel are greater than ever. But as more girls step onto the ice, coaches, parents, and organizations must understand how to create the best possible environment for their development.

1. Girls Deserve Great Coaching

Effective coaching doesn’t depend on whether you’re working with boys or girls—it depends on knowing your athletes, meeting them where they are, and helping them grow. While some differences in confidence, sensitivity, or social dynamics may appear, most of these stem from cultural influences, not biology. The key is simple: get to know your players as individuals and coach the person, not the stereotype.

2. Development Takes Patience

The average age of the 2018 U.S. Women’s Olympic Team was 24.5. That means there’s no rush to create “superstars” at 12U or 14U. Coaches should focus on the long game—developing skills, fostering resilience, and building a love of hockey. Patience, encouragement, and consistency set the stage for success down the road.

3. The Locker Room Matters

Players consistently highlight the importance of team culture and social cohesion. Girls often value a strong, supportive team environment just as much as wins. Coaches can help by creating a positive locker room culture, encouraging bonding, and addressing conflicts quickly.

4. Safety and Skill Go Hand in Hand

Even though body checking is not allowed in girls’ hockey, body contact is part of the game. Teaching girls how to give and receive contact properly is essential for building confidence and basic safety on the ice. Injury prevention (like core stability, hip mobility, and neck strength training) and concussion awareness should be built into practices and off-ice training.

5. Nutrition Fuels Performance

Young female athletes often juggle school, training, and games—all while growing. Coaches and parents can support players by reinforcing healthy eating habits. Proper fueling helps prevent fatigue, injury, and long-term health issues like the Female Athlete Triad/RED-S. The rule of thumb: food is fuel, and timing matters. Carbohydrates before, balanced recovery snacks after, and hydration always.

6. Building Confidence is Key

Confidence gaps between male and female players often trace back to early experiences in sport. Coaches can play a huge role by giving positive feedback, setting achievable challenges, and encouraging girls to take risks without fear of failure. Confidence grows with competence and it’s contagious in a team environment.

7. The Future is Bright

With NCAA, ACHA, and professional opportunities expanding, girls today have more pathways than ever to continue their hockey journeys. But at every level—from 8U to college—the goal remains the same: fun, development, and lifelong love of the game.

✨ Final Takeaway for Coaches and Parents

Coaching female hockey players isn’t about rewriting the playbook—it’s about understanding the unique needs of your athletes, fostering a positive and safe environment, and guiding them with patience and care. When coaches invest in the whole player, the results go far beyond the ice.