adult hockey line strategy

Question
I am coaching my first beg. adult league team.   What is the best strategy for setting lines.   Do you put ALL your best players on 1 line?  or Do you mix up your best players with the not so good players?

Answer
Hello Brian ...  I guess this will depend on what your objective is!

If you are playing for pure fun... let the "buddies" play together --  add another compatible player if they need a third and encourage loosy goosy fun play.

If being competitive is your goal - you will still have to have some chemistry in your mix.  This may take you a few practices or games to notice.  

That aside - I would START with even lines as much as possible.  Unless you have a fabulous goalie - it will make for a long night for the weak line if they get scored on almost every shift.  

Ideally you would want a strong with a "medium" guy to get some play making and the weaker guy doing everything he can to learn and improve with each shift.   Give him specific goals to work on in the beginning - i.e. parking himself in front of net - or staying high in a defensive role - or just SKATING HARD UP AND DOWN WITH THE PLAY - getting to improve on the skating -- (Keep stick on ice and swing at any puck that comes your way - type of thing...)

Get the idea?

There is NO real better answer - as in beginner hockey the players will evolve at different paces and won't all be as enthused or passionate in the same ways.  You will no doubt need to adjust from time to time...  but patience is a virtue - coaching and encouragement will go along way to build confidence ---- which will be over 50% of your success!!  

if they THINK and BELIEVE THEY CAN -- They will!?

Hope this helps-- feel free to follow up with any more questions or thoughts!

Good luck!

martial