Here’s a bold statement: unlocking the full potential of a young, talented player like Matvei Michkov isn’t just about drilling them with endless instructions—it’s about finding the right balance. And that’s exactly what Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet is doing, with some fascinating results. But here’s where it gets controversial: could overcoaching actually hinder a player’s growth? Let’s dive in.
After weeks of observation, Tocchet has noticed a significant improvement in Michkov’s performance, and it’s not just about the winger shaking off the rust from an ankle injury or a subpar training regimen. The real game-changer? Tocchet and his coaching staff have intentionally eased up on the constant flow of information and corrections during games. And this is the part most people miss: sometimes, less is more—especially when dealing with a player still adapting to a new system and language.
When asked about their communication strategy, Tocchet openly admits the challenges. ‘In real time, it’s harder,’ he explains. ‘You can’t just bark instructions at Matvei. You’ve got to take your time—use a whiteboard, show him video clips during intermissions.’ Tocchet also emphasizes the importance of not overcorrecting. ‘If you overload a player with too much information, they might hit the ice thinking, What am I doing?’ he says. This approach raises a thought-provoking question: Are we overcoaching our athletes, and could this be counterproductive?
Tocchet reveals that the coaching staff has shifted their strategy since the start of the season, adopting a ‘less is more’ philosophy. ‘Earlier, we were bombarding him with so much information, it might have frustrated him,’ Tocchet admits. Now, they’re taking a more measured approach, with one coach focusing on Michkov each day and avoiding overwhelming him with systems talk. ‘We’ve learned how to manage the flow of information,’ Tocchet says. ‘He’s grasping it better now than he did in the first few weeks.’
Another key adjustment? Moving Michkov to the left wing, which has encouraged a more north-south style of play. ‘He’s not skating backwards as much,’ Tocchet notes. ‘The faster he goes north, the more rush plays he can create.’ This shift has made Michkov look more like the player he’s capable of being, as evidenced by his improved stats—after just five points in October, he tallied seven goals and two assists in November, including two assists in a recent 5-2 win over Buffalo.
However, Tocchet points out that Michkov and his teammates still struggle with ‘squashing plays’ in the defensive zone. ‘If you don’t squash a play immediately, you’re giving the opposition 10 extra reads,’ he explains. ‘That’s tough, even for the best defensive players.’ This issue isn’t unique to Michkov, but it highlights the ongoing challenge of mastering the system. Here’s a controversial take: Could the Flyers’ early-season success in squashing plays have set an unrealistic expectation for a team still learning to work together?
Looking ahead, Michkov has expressed disappointment with his goal and assist output this season but has also made a promising commitment: he plans to train in the Philadelphia area next summer. ‘I’m not happy with what’s happening right now,’ Michkov admits. ‘I know I can do better.’ Tocchet supports this decision, noting, ‘There’s a lot of good stuff around here to help him.’ But he also cautions Michkov against fixating on points. ‘Those things will come if he focuses on doing the right things,’ Tocchet says.
So, is this the start of a breakthrough for Michkov? The optics certainly suggest a growing synergy between player and coach. But the real question remains: How much coaching is too much, and where should we draw the line? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think overcoaching is a real issue, or is it necessary to push players to their limits?
