The Ride to The Rink: Pro-Level Thinking for Youth Players: Satoshi Takano’s Simple Hacks to See the Game Better

🎧 Want to become a better hockey player before you even step onto the ice? Today’s Ride to the Rink is a special one — because cognitive performance coach Satoshi Takano joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share simple, game-changing ways kids can think faster, scan better, and make smarter decisions on the ice.

Young players often focus on chasing the puck or scoring the goal… but what about the other 95–98% of the game when the puck isn’t on your stick? Satoshi breaks it all down in a way kids can immediately use the next time they skate.

Here’s what we cover:
✨ SPDM: See → Process → Decide → Move — the model that shapes hockey IQ
🧠 Why putting the phone down and playing visual “pattern games” helps train your brain
🏒 How to use pre-scanning to avoid mistakes (and even prevent injuries!)
🚗 Fun thinking drills to try in the car, driveway, or garage
📱 How tools like the SwitchedOn app build decision-making skills at home
🔥 Why obsession — not perfection — is the secret ingredient of elite players

Whether you’re a beginner or dreaming of the NHL one day, this short conversation gives kids REAL tools to build better habits and a sharper hockey mind.

If you liked this quick episode, go check out our full conversation with Satoshi — it’s packed with deeper insights every young athlete should hear.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Young Players Can Train Their Hockey Brain: Insights from Cognitive Coach Satoshi Takano

👊 Kids — whatever part of your hockey journey you're on, we believe in you. Keep working!

#YouthHockey #HockeyIQ #CognitiveTraining #HockeyParents #HockeyKids #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyMindset #OurKidsPlayHockey #RideToTheRink #SatoshiTakano

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