I knew at a young age, whether I was playing baseball or hockey or lacrosse, that my teammates were counting on me, whether it be to strike the last batter out in a baseball game or score a big goal in a hockey game.
Wayne GretzkyRead
One of the key qualities that you need to be a great hockey player is fantastic anticipation and feel for the game - if you know where the puck is going before it is hit, that is half the battle.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Anticipation is crucial for success in hockey; knowing the game and predicting movements gives you an advantage.
Wayne Gretzky emphasizes that true greatness in hockey comes from an innate ability to predict the flow of the game. By understanding where the puck will go before it even moves, a player can position themselves accordingly, demonstrating that success is not just about physical skills, but also about mental awareness and foresight on the ice.
Themes
AnticipationHockeySuccessGameStrategy
In practice
Example use cases
A coach might use this quote to motivate players during practice to develop their anticipatory skills.
More from Wayne Gretzky
All quotes →When I was 5 and playing against 11-year-olds, who were bigger, stronger, faster, I just had to figure out a way to play with them.
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I played everything. I played lacrosse, baseball, hockey, soccer, track and field. I was a big believer that you played hockey in the winter and when the season was over you hung up your skates and you played something else.
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Only one thing is ever guaranteed, that is that you will definitely not achieve the goal if you don't take the shot.
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I get a feeling about where a teammate is going to be. A lot of times, I can turn and pass without even looking.
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Look at guys like Larry Bird and George Brett and John McEnroe; that's what they did in their careers. They all wanted to be the guy under the microscope late in the game or late in the match. So you just take on that know-how that that's part of your responsibility, and you learn that's what makes it exciting. That's what makes it fun!
Wayne GretzkyRead
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