Tape to Space: Redefining Modern Hockey Tactics

As a current, well-versed, and highly credentialed coach, I have studied most everything that's out there and really looked forward to getting this to see something new. I understand the premise, but it was hard to get through and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for something to base a team on. After you have a firm grip on the game, if you wanted something radical, then this stuff is for you. It is based on a lot of research which is all cited for further research if you like. And it is interesting to dig into that research. But it would be one of the last books I'd read, not the first.Beyond the actual tactics, from a youth development standpoint, personally I don't think it's wise to put this stuff in 14 year old kids heads, either. A coach's job at youth ages is to prepare them for the next ages and little more and there is nearly a 0% chances that their next coach that isn't you will use these tactics, right up to the top. So if your players already have all the skills down and again, have an extremely firm handle on what every other coach they're ever going to have will ask for them, then go for it. But I don't know many kids that have the ability to learn all these new tactics while still developing skill. It's well documented by the major hockey organizations that time at these ages should be spent developing as players and only a small percentage should be spent on team tactics. This would take a lot of time.You hear about hacks all the time...The Sacramento Kings owner used analytics to find a hack that a full court press in youth girls basketball wins all the games with an inferior team....but none of those girls on that youth team are going to be on the US Women's Olympic Team because of that tactic. The High School football coach who never punts and always onside kicks. Great...but you aren't developing any punters to challenge for college positions which IS YOUR JOB as a high school coach. Maybe you can analytically hack your way into some Bantam wins, but someday the lack of skill development that the kids missed while learning all this combined with the fact that zero other coach's/teams they're going to be on will use this stuff means that it's just not worth it and you are hurting their development.Again, just my humble opinion. If you want something completely different and radical, it's for you. But if I had a player with any aspirations of playing competitively beyond youth hockey, I would steer away from a coach using these tactics.

This book gets into some really good Hockey basics and quantifies play strategies in an understandable way for coaches and fans alike. Would definitely recommend this read for anyone truly interested in Hockey as a sport or as a fan. Good read for Dad's of young Hockey players.

Ryan’s book brings to light the notion that we cannot remain stagnant and there are always ways to look differently at things. This book should be in the hands of all hockey coaches at all levels as it will make them consider tactics and coaching through a refreshing mindset! As a plus, it would also be a good read for parents whose kids are seriously invested in hockey as it will help them to understand the reasons behind plays. Part three is an engaging demonstration of Ryan’s philosophy in action as he shares his experience applying his beliefs while coaching a 14U team.

The Author has a firm grasp and understanding of the use of metrics and statistical tendencies in their use of hockey play strategies and coaching; A great read and a must for all involved in hockey coaching, right on down to the casual hockey fan (like myself) that appreciates what goes on within the game.... Great book!!

Ryan has done a hell of a job in all of his tracking and reasearch. I trust his work tremendously after being extremely skeptical at the DC Hockey Analytics conference

This book was well written with excellent information on new techniques. Ryan has a great insight into such a demanding sport.

Great information for the modern coach. Puts techniques and philosophy on paper and explains the details in easy to understand language and examples

Really good hockey book, has more interesting ideas in the first 10 pages than you'll get from ten years of hockey broadcasts.

Very interesting and useful information. Well written overall. Regardless of if you agree with these tactics or not, any coach should at least look at this. The coaching story at the end was an excellent way to connect the ideas in the book to real life.

A

If you coach hockey you need to read this book.

Great book