How has Babcock got the Oilers players’ attention?

Hockey fans and pundits wondered how Mike Babcock would impact the Edmonton Oilers. Early in the season, he’s clearly had a positive influence on the team. The players are on board with their new coach, and the team has started well.

So far, the Oilers appear to be working harder and playing better defence. While on ON Everyday, Sean Avery said Babcock motivated him and his AHL teammates: “He taught us how to work.” Motivation can only happen if a coach, teacher, or another kind of leader can get the group’s attention. So how has Babcock got the Oilers’ attention?

He is focused

To coach or teach a group, you first need their attention. To get people’s attention, you need to be in the moment. You need to know yourself inside and out, your strengths and weaknesses. Being present means you’re not at the whim of your emotions or thoughts. When you’re focused, your message has a different impact. At times, this process might not look like the most polite, most politically correct interaction. Sometimes you need to yell to get someone’s attention, or call someone out.

We can see how Babcock gets people’s attention in his interviews. There have been several media scrums where he checks if the reporters are paying attention. He has also called out reporters if there’s a distraction nearby. Babcock wants to make sure the members of the media are paying attention, just as he wants to make sure his players are on their toes.

He is clear

Coaches also have to deliver their messages clearly. This isn’t a one-way process either. You have to consider how the person interprets your message as well. This might be part of Babcock’s development; he might have realized that the modern player needs the message delivered in a new way. If the player isn’t understanding the message, it’s pointless. There can be no doubt about what Babcock’s messages are; he’s clear and transparent. When a game or practice hasn’t gone well, he’s called the players out. When a new player has excelled, he’s praised him.

The Oilers’ players say they have enjoyed their new coach’s upfront approach. Sidney Crosby spoke about Babcock’s ability to get his message across when coaching Team Canada: “He was really good at painting a clear picture on how he wanted us to play and what guys’ jobs were.”

He has a plan

Every coach needs a plan, and Babcock obviously has one. He has won a World Junior Championship, a World Championship, a World Cup, two Olympic gold medals, and a Stanley Cup. He knows what he’s doing. The idea that he’s been away from the game too long doesn’t really hold water, as he stayed connected in a number of ways. His son coaches in the OHL, and he’s good friends with several NHL coaches.

When Edmonton’s training camp started, it was clear that Babcock had a plan. Leon Draisaitl spoke about his new coach after the first practice: “It was great. It was intense. He’s energetic. He wants things done a certain way and he wants them done right. I think anyone in the building could hear it and probably see it, but it’s great, the details are great. He cares about the little things, so it was a good first day.”

He has great vision

Coaches don’t just need a plan; they need to adapt. Several coaches and players have said Babcock has great vision. He sees the game on a different level than most people. To adapt, you need to see what needs to change and how to do it. Babcock makes adjustments from game to game and in-game. Sidney Crosby spoke about how good his former coach was at adapting: “Really good bench management when it comes to matching lines…just a feel for the game.”