If you, as a coach, notice that players are lacking their normal enthusiasm in practice, try running a "Quiet Drill." As the drill's name implies, players are to remain silent.
 
This can achieve two things. The simple shift in mentality required to focus on staying quiet also may help players focus on everything else they are doing, so the intensity of practice picks up. Then, when the quiet drill ends, players have a renewed appreciation for the importance of communication, so they talk to teammates with greater energy, and the infectious enthusiasm spreads from player to player.
 
In addition to improving that day's practice, coaches who use a quiet drill help players in ways that extend beyond the ice or gym. In hockey, communication among teammates is key to success, and those communications skills apply to so many other areas of life outside of sports.

Watch players running the quiet drill in practice

The Liberty Mutual Responsible SportsTM program supports volunteer youth sports coaches and parents who help our children succeed both on and off the mat.  We offer many youth sports resources including $2,500 community grants, instructional videos, weekly tips, peer and expert advice, and coursework for those interested in improving the youth sports experience for all involved.