Coaching Girls Hockey: What Every Coach Needs to Know

Girls’ ice hockey is growing fast, and with that growth comes a responsibility: to create an environment where girls feel welcome, supported, and motivated to stay in the game. Research shows that girls drop out of sports at nearly twice the rate of boys; not because they lack passion, but because the environment doesn’t always reflect their needs.

As a coach, you have the power to change that.

Here’s how you can bring the core insights from Nike’s Coaching Girls Guide to the rink, so every girl who steps on your ice feels like she belongs there.

1. Build a Space Where Girls Feel They Truly Belong

Hockey can be intimidating, especially when girls walk into rinks designed around boys’ programs. Coaches can remove barriers by making the environment more welcoming.

Create a space that feels like theirs:

• Make the locker room, bench, and warm-up environment feel inclusive, positive, and safe.

• Check your language; avoid always saying “you guys” when addressing a girls’ team.

• Ensure equipment and gear options fit your players properly; girls deserve gear made for them, not hand-me-downs or generic sizes.

A welcoming space sets the tone for confidence and trust.

2. Prioritize Connection Before Competition

Girls often stay in sports because of relationships—how they feel supported, valued, and connected to their team.

To strengthen those bonds:

• Learn each player’s name, story, and communication style.

• Show genuine care for their lives outside hockey.

• Encourage players to connect with each other, not just with you.

A connected team is a resilient team.

3. Redefine Competition for Girls: Effort Over Outcome

Girls respond best when competition is framed around growth, not just wins or stats.

Shift the focus to:

• Effort

• Improvement

• Courage

• Curiosity

• Smart decision-making

Celebrate progress-based wins: a better breakout read, a stronger stride, a gutsy attempt at a new move. When you measure success this way, you build confidence, not pressure.

Competition becomes something they want, not something they fear.

4. Encourage Bravery Over Perfection

Perfectionism is one of the biggest barriers girls face in sports. Many hesitate to try something new unless they’re sure they’ll get it right.

Coaches can break this pattern by:

• Emphasizing learning, not flawless execution

• Praising effort and risk-taking

• Creating drills where mistakes are expected

• Modeling vulnerability (“Hey, I’m learning too”)

A brave player becomes a creative, resilient hockey player.

5. Create Space for Girls’ Voices

Girls thrive when they feel heard. Build structured moments into your practices where players can reflect openly.

Try incorporating:

• “What worked today?”

• “What did you learn?”

• “What do you want to try again next practice?”

• “What would help you feel more confident in this drill?”

Give girls ownership. Let them lead warm-ups, design a drill, or talk through strategy. When girls have a voice, their investment skyrockets.

6. Use Goal Setting That Is Within Their Control

Girls often focus heavily on external metrics (goals, wins, stats) and feel discouraged when these don’t go their way.

Help them set goals around what they can control:

• Effort shifts

• Body language

• Communication

• Competing in small-area battles

• Recovering after mistakes

• Supporting teammates

These goals build confidence and consistency, and teach players that their success isn’t defined by the scoreboard.

7. Recognize and Celebrate All Contributions

Not every player will lead a scoring race, and not every girl’s impact shows up on the stat sheet.

Girls need to hear that their roles matter.

Celebrate the players who:

• Backcheck relentlessly

• Block shots

• Make smart chips

• Bring energy to the bench

• Encourage teammates

• Stay composed in tough moments

Girls leave sports when they don’t feel valued. Your recognition may be the reason they stay.

8. Build Reflection and Reset Into Your Routine

End practices and games with time for reflection. It doesn’t have to be long; 30 to 90 seconds can be enough.

Ask players:

• What went well?

• What surprised you?

• What did you learn about yourself?

• What’s one thing you want to work on next time?

Reflection turns experience into growth.

Final Thoughts

Coaching girls hockey isn’t just about systems, skill work, or winning games. It’s about shaping an environment where girls feel confident, brave, connected, and empowered to stay in the sport.

When you coach girls with intention, you don’t just build better hockey players, you build stronger young women.