FlexxCOACH featured drills host a guest coach along with their favorite drill and accompanying explanation. Our guest coach may also provide insight into their philosophy of youth sports development and coaching.
Barry Smith
Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations - Russian Elite League.
Barry Smith enters his 1st Season as Head coach and Director of Hockey Operations with SKA St. Petersburg in the Russian Elite League. Smith joined the Coyotes organization on August 8, 2005 and spent the past two seasons behind the bench as an associate head coach for Wayne Gretzky. Smith spent 11 seasons as an associate coach with the Detroit Red Wings prior to joining the Coyotes. In his NHL career, he has contributed to five Stanley Cup championships: three with Detroit (1997, 1998 and 2002) and two with Pittsburgh (1991 and 1992). With Detroit, Smith worked under Scotty Bowman for 10 seasons and Dave Lewis for one season.
Smith, 55, came to Detroit on July 28, 1993, after serving as an assistant at Pittsburgh for three seasons, first under the late Bob Johnson and then two seasons with Bowman as the Penguins captured two Stanley Cup titles. Smith also spent three years as an assistant with the Buffalo Sabres.
Smith served as an associate coach for Team USA at the World Championships in Russia April 27 – May 13. This is his third appearance with a U.S. men's team after serving as an assistant to Bob Johnson at the 1991 Canada Cup and to Ron Wilson at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Smith who has a degree in Physical Education and a Masters degree in Education is able to draw on his vast coaching experience which has included stops at the collegiate and international levels. As a credit to his international reputation, Smith was selected to be an assistant coach for Sweden’s national team at the 1998 Olympic Games held in Nagano, Japan. Barry is also committed to providing expert advice to the next generation of hockey players and coaches. Smith conducts a youth hockey camp at Joe Louis Arena each summer attracting kids from all over the United States and Canada. Barry and his wife Mary have a daughter, Molly and a son, Ryan who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
One Puck Continuous Drills
One puck continuous drills 2 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 1, 3 on 2, backchecking defenseman and forwards can be added to all drills; as well as 1 defenseman can be added to every rush. The one puck continuous drills simulate game conditions and force players to make plays and decisions at high speeds. Players are in constant motion with no whistles to start or stop the drills. The most important factors are the 2nd and 3rd effort required by forwards, defense and goalie on every rush. Coaches have the ability to build one drill into the next easily with no stoppage of play so that the tempo and constant play creates and excellent conditioning situation with the players focusing on game situations. Coaches have both offensive and defensive teaching points on every rush and can talk with the players as they are awaiting their next turn. The forwards must support each other on the attack and the defense must communicate and read off each other to defend every rush and make a swift breakout pass. Have fun and enjoy your next practice.