Hustle Score: Explained

In hockey, effort is often the defining factor between good and great players. The Hustle Score (Objective Effort metric) quantifies intensity, offering an intensity rating of each session compared to a player’s baseline. This is categorized as Low (LOW), Average (AVG), or High (HIGH) hustle for a particular session. Here’s how to use it, why it provides value, and how it fits into player development.

Why Hustle Score Matters

Effort is one of the few portions of a player’s performance where they can control the outcome. The Hustle Score metric helps to incentive effort by: 

  1. Providing Clarity: Players can see how their intensity compares to their typical performance.

  2. Fostering Accountability: With objective data, players can take ownership of their development and make informed decisions to enhance their game.

Why the Hustle Score Provides Value

The Hustle Score highlights a player's effort during a game or practice. By comparing each session to their usual effort level, it’s easier to see if they’re fully engaged. It also works alongside other measurements to spot any changes in performance that might signal other potential issues. The Hustle Score provides a window into their overall performance.

How to Use the Hustle Score

Hustle Score looks at Explosiveness data for Practices and Games. By doing this, it compares a player’s effort during a session to their established baseline intensity level. This baseline is built over multiple sessions to reflect the player’s performance. It acts as a moving goalpost, adapting to the player’s current level of performance so they are never stuck at a specific hustle score. During every session, the effort is tracked and compared to this baseline, resulting in a rating of LOW, AVG, or HIGH:

  • LOW: Below the player’s typical intensity. Players spend approximately 25% of their time in this range.

  • AVG: On par with their baseline. Players spend approximately 50% of their time in this range.

  • HIGH: Effort exceeding their established norm. Players spend approximately 25% of their time in this range.

Explosiveness data from various practices and games is critical for a player’s baseline to be accurate. The Hustle Score remains locked for the first few sessions while the system begins collecting data. Even when it unlocks, the baseline becomes more informed as more sessions are recorded, reflecting a player’s evolving trends. This continuous refinement means coaches and players can rely on the Hustle Score to provide a clearer picture of effort trends.

Understanding Hustle Score

The Hustle Score is easy to understand. Each player builds a baseline intensity level based on their Explosiveness data over time. Every session’s Explosiveness data is then tracked and compared to this baseline, resulting in one of the three ratings mentioned (LOW, AVG, or HIGH). This metric allows players and coaches to quickly review effort levels during practices or games. While it doesn’t capture every detail, it provides a solid starting point for evaluating perceived effort.

Supporting Player Development

The Hustle Score can play a key role in helping players improve by:

  • Motivation: Helps players see their effort and be motivated to achieve higher scores.

  • Fosters Healthy Coaching: Eliminate the contention between parent/player and coach/player with objective data. Work from a neutral data point and enable healthier conversations on performance.

It’s important to remember while effort is essential, it’s not the only factor to consider. The Hustle Score should be used alongside other metrics and feedback to give a well-rounded view of development.

Using Hustle Score In Player Performance Review

The Hustle Score: Objective Effort is tracking intensity over time. By using it regularly, you can:

  • Identify patterns in effort levels.

  • Address issues like inconsistent effort or overtraining.

  • Spark meaningful discussions about what drives or limits a player’s hustle.

Effort is just one part of becoming a better player. To help players reach their goals, use the Hustle Score as part of a broader approach that includes skill-building, strategy, and mental toughness.

Coaches Suite: Team’s Hustle Breakdown at Your Finger Tips

The Coaches Suite provides quick access to Hustle Scores for your team after games and practices, making evaluating team-wide and individual effort easier.

Use the Hustle Score to test and refine your observations. If you think a player’s effort was off, review their Hustle Score before addressing it. With the fast pace of play and complexity of the game, it’s tough to catch everything. This tool provides a valuable second perspective to support or question your initial impressions.

 

START TRACKING YOUR HUSTLE SCORE WITH HELIOS ➡

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