Ring Toss
Test your timing, coordination, and bike-body separation with Ring Toss—land an inner tube on a target while riding past! Turn it into a relay, add challenges, and get the whole team in on the fun!
Behavior Management for NICA Teams
The Behavior Management for NICA Teams guide is your go-to resource for fostering a positive, inclusive team environment. Packed with practical strategies, it’s designed to help coaches confidently manage behavior and support every athlete’s success.
Put a lid on it!
Helmet safety isn’t just a seasonal topic—it’s a year-round priority. Whether you’re choosing, replacing, or adjusting a helmet, these key tips will help ensure optimal protection and comfort.
Sharks and Minnows
This month, check out “Sharks and minnows” – a game that provides an opportunity for fun and team building while also giving coaches a chance to observe and assess student-athletes’ bike skills and the team dynamic.
Meet the Tallahassee Thunder and Coach Bree Van Oss
Head coach Bree Van Oss started his team, the Tallahassee Thunder, during the pandemic in 2020. He noticed that his local mountain biking scene lacked representation, so he jumped in feet first to bring the NICA mission and values to his community. And thus, a rad team was born!
2 Truths and 1 Lie
This month, check out “2 truths and 1 lie” – a game played with the intent of getting to know each other that also makes a great filler between activities or while on a break from riding and skills exercises. Coaches can get in on this one, too!
Coach Resource Highlight
Coaches who have taken the Online Leaders’ Summit will recognize the Great Teammate Pledge as an early season activity that helps the team work together to set expectations and is an important aspect of behavior management.
Team Captain Guidance
Student-athletes in team captain positions have the opportunity to learn effective leadership while being positive role-models and cheerleaders for their teammates. Choosing team captains should be done based on character and leadership qualities.
Infected/Zombie Tag
Fall is in the air, scary movies are hitting the theaters, and zombies are out looking for “braaaaains”! This hilarious game is sure to get a laugh out of your student-athletes in the fall season. If you’re in a spring league, don’t let the time of year stop you from throwing this activity into the mix. It’s a great tool for a quick assessment of slow speed bike handling skills, and also a great way to gauge the cohesiveness of your team.
“I Love Watching you Ride”: How to be a Great NICA Parent
What we as coaches say to our student-athletes matters and impacts their experiences. What parents say to their student-athletes can make an even bigger impact and can influence their love of the sport. John O’Sullivan, founder of the Changing the Game Project and best-selling author asserts that the best thing a parent can say to a student-athlete after competition is “I love watching you play (ride)”.