The Importance of Understanding Predator vs Prey in Hockey

As a youth hockey coach, I always have fun with asking the kids this question:

"If you can be any animal in this sport, what do you want to be?"

The answers are always fun. I have heard everything from a dog to a dragon. However, the most common response is always a big cat - a jaguar, lion, tiger, puma, cheetah, and so forth. The same holds true for the adult hockey players.

There is something powerful and graceful about being a cat - an animal known for being a smart and aggressive predator. It is probably the reasons I never hear anyone say they want to be a bunny or a gazelle. Why? Because animals which are the prey are always on the lookout, on the defensive, and in a protective worried posture. It is a position of weakness.

Like it nor not though, some hockey players and teams assume this role knowingly or unknowningly. In some cases, the prey mindset it can actually serve an intended purpose. Perhaps it is to survive a power play or maintain a lead with five minutes remaining in the game.

One of the most important aspects of hokcey is understanding the dynamics of being the predator versus the prey. Let's explore each of them now.

Being the Predator

In hockey, the predator is the player or team who is on the offensive. It is that aggressive guy or gal who wants the puck, and they will do anything to hunt it down. They are the ones who are actively seeking to score and put pressure on the opposing team. The predator is usually the stronger and more skilled team or player. They have a game plan in place and are constantly looking for opportunities to take advantage of their opponent's weaknesses. All that being said, when a team is comprised of predators, they are in control of the game. They dictate the pace and flow of the game. They are the ones making the plays and forcing the other team to react.

Being the Prey

The prey is the team or player who is on the defensive. They are anxious. They are worried. They are protective. They are the ones trying to prevent the predator from scoring and usually the weaker and less skilled team or player. They are constantly on the lookout for the predator's next move. When a team is the prey, they are at a disadvantage. They are constantly reacting to the predator's moves, and they have less control over the game making this mindset not ideal in most scenarios.

However, switching into this mindset does have a purpose. Usually it should be short-lived only brought out in key moments. I explain more below.

The Importance of Switching Roles

It is not uncommon for a team to switch roles between predator and prey throughout the game. One team may start as the predator but find themselves on the defensive after a turnover or penalty. The ability to adapt to these changes is crucial to a team's success.

Switching roles can also be a strategic move. A team may choose to play defensively to protect a lead, or they may choose to go on the offensive to catch up if they are behind. It is important to be able to switch roles seamlessly and to have the right players on the ice for each situation.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the dynamics of being the predator versus the prey is essential to success in hockey. With all that being said, it is always going to be in a team and player's best interest to activate a predator mindset because aggression and proactiveness wins in hockey. Is it okay to have a prey mindset? Yes, but only in certain scenarios where you need the agility of a bunny or alertness of a gazelle to avoid trouble.