Coach 14 & Under (Bantams) At the 14-and-Under level, coaches should focus on the following age-appropriate concepts and skills so that players have a good experience and develop as hockey players and young teenagers. FOCUS POINTS Fun and Engagement Practice Activity and Structure Age-Appropriate Training Body Contact/Body Checking Skill Development Team Play! FUN These young athletes have many recreational and free-time options. It s essential that 14-and-Under players still enjoy hockey practices and games in order to keep them involved in the!sport and continuing their development. These early teenage years can provide many challenges for coaches and players alike. It s imperative that coaches are aware of these physical and emotional challenges, but that they also realize there is an excellent opportunity for development at this age. With the increased opportunities for players of this age, fun must remain at the forefront. ENGAGEMENT When coaches are able to create the optimal challenge level, where each player is able to demonstrate success while still having an appropriate level of difficulty, engagement can and will occur for each player. Coaches who incorporate fun into practices and also find the optimal challenge level for each player are creating the ideal environment for long-term development. The challenge!for coaches is that this optimal level will vary from player to player. Coaches will have to be very creative when trying to individualize practices so that the optimal skill level can be targeted for each player. When engagement occurs, players are able to see their own improvement and maximize their development as they are working at the appropriate level.
PRACTICE ACTIVITY AND STRUCTURE Coaches designing practices should aim for an appropriate work- to-rest ratio for players of this age. This ratio should be used when the intensity of a drill allows for players to go hard for short periods of time. Players of this age are now able to utilize their anaerobic energy system. Coaches should also consider using practices with high activity levels as they continue to hone the skills of these players. Coaches must recognize the need for an adequate work- to-rest ratio in many practices, but must also be able to adapt if the practice requires an especially high activity level. Refer to the Player Activity Chart found on the free Mobile Coach App and at admkids.com under Coaches/Repetition for a form to evaluate the developmental opportunities that occur for players in practice and in games. AGE-APPROPRIATE TRAINING As stated at previous levels, coaches must carefully determine the skills, concepts, and team systems on which to focus. The proper ratio of these three components is critical. Teams at this level should increase the amount of time they spend focused on team play, however the majority of time in practices should still be spent on improving individual skills and understanding concepts. BODY CONTACT/BODY CHECKING Players are now at the age where body checking is allowed in games. Coaches should incorporate drills in practice that teach the skills related to good body contact and body checking. As these are very important skills, these drills should occur in every practice. The drills should focus on balance, stick position, angling, body contact, receiving a body check, delivering a body check, etc. Coaches should also teach players to check with a purpose (that purpose being to make body contact with the puck carrier in an effort to gain possession of the puck). Therefore, when delivering a body check, players should keep the blade of their stick on the ice and maintain stick-on-stick position. Refer to Checking the Right Way for Youth Hockey for information and drills related to body contact and body checking. SKILL DEVELOPMENT As players get older, the number of skills, concepts, and systems to be taught throughout a season increases. They are now at!an age where the time spent teaching team-related systems will increase. However coaches are reminded that the majority of practice time should be spent improving the individual skills and understanding level of age-appropriate concepts.
TEAM PLAY The amount of time spent working on team-related concepts and systems should increase from previous age classifications. Players should learn different forecheck systems, defensive-zone coverages, power-plays, etc. More importantly, in each case, players should be taught the concepts within each of those systems. Why is the player being asked to do what he or she is doing within the system? What is the opponent being forced to do? Players should be taught the answers to these questions. This will allow them to read and react appropriately to situations they encounter in games. Understanding and applying a concept, as opposed to just repeating an action, is crucial in the improvement of a player. FOCUS POINTS PRACTICE PLANS & GAMES Prepare practice plan / game strategy at least 1 hour before practice Review plan with all coaches & email practice plan to coaches if time permits Have players stretch as a team for at least 10 minutes before they get dressed o Allow team captain(s) to lead the off-ice stretch without a coach Review plan with players 10 minutes before practice. Make sure all players are fully focused and dressed with helmets on o This is the time to establish the coaches authority for the practice session, noting that the players may forget the plan once they hit the ice Incorporate a short dynamic stretch after an active on-ice warm-up Spend as little time as possible drawing drills on a coaching board on the ice Review practices after the ice session is over. Make sure all players are fully focused and dressed with helmets off Discuss practice with coaches and make changes as necessary for next practice Develop clear game strategies with coaching staff before games Review game strategies and positions with players in locker room before game Keep intermission meetings / adjustments simple, concise, and positive Review team and individual play after each game using positive reinforcement
o Acknowledge each player after every game (shake players hands, high fives, etc.) Discuss game with coaches and make changes as necessary for next game FOCUS POINTS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT Building the engine and consolidating sports skills Optimal window for stamina or endurance Critical window to aerobic training begins with onset of Peak Height Velocity Optimal training window for speed (second speed window) o Develop anaerobic lactic power and capacity Optimal window for strength o 12 18 months after Peak Height Velocity Play hockey 45% of the time, play multiple sports or engage in activities like soccer, running, gymnastics, swimming, skiing or other activities 35% of the time and engage in fitness through other sports (like lacrosse, baseball, golf, track and field, etc.) 20%. 160 ice sessions per year 4-5 ice sessions per week 80-minute practice sessions Combined and separate practices for team and position 9-month training and competition calendar 16 skaters and 2 goalies per team 120-130 practices and 40-50 games 16 skaters and 2 goalies per team Appropriate off-ice training for long term athlete development
PRACTICE FOCUS Practices should focus on (percentage of time listed after each): 1. Individual Skills (hockey skills and activities) 50% 2. Hockey Sense (teaching of concepts through small area!games) 35% 3. Systems (team play training) 15% While these percentages are approximations, they emphasize that individual skills are the most important part of development at this age and that the majority of practice time should be spent improving them. The percentages also indicate that teaching hockey sense is still as important as teaching systems and team-play training. SMALL AREA GAMES Hockey sense is of even greater importance at this age level. Hockey sense includes the ability to understand important age- appropriate hockey concepts and execute tactics related to these concepts. Rather than telling players how to play each situation, small area games provide a great opportunity to let a game teach the desired concept(s). Players learn the desired concept by playing the game within its parameters; it challenges players to find their own solutions, increasing their confidence and retention. Consistent use of these games is important in the development of hockey sense for each player. They should be playing a variety of games and, in each case, figuring the game out on their own. Coaches should not be telling players how to play. The number of players, rules of the game, and size of the game area should be varied with each game. Coaches might also opt to use pucks, balls, or ringette rings to change the dynamic of each game. Small area games are great teaching tools that also create a fun and competitive environment. Greater emphasis on competition should begin at this age, and small area games provide a great opportunity for players to experience a competitive environment every day in practice. Refer to the Small Area Competitive Games Handbook and CD and the Small Area Competitive Games 2 book for ageappropriate small area games. OPTIMAL WINDOWS OF TRAINABILITY In order for players to maximize their ability and reach their potential, it s important for youth coaches to do the right thing!with young athletes at the right time. Focusing on these key components at the appropriate age will give young athletes the best opportunity to achieve their potential as they progress through
their teenage years. Researchers have concluded that players in this age classification should spend time developing the following capabilities related to their long-term development: 1. Speed (for boys and girls) This is an ideal time to increase speed by improving the stride length and stride frequency through drills requiring high velocity for shorter intervals of time. 2. Stamina (for boys and girls) This is an optimal development stage to improve the endurance of each athlete (ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort). 3. Strength (for girls) Following puberty, it is the ideal time to improve the strength of an athlete. *The factors affecting long-term development differ slightly for boys and girls at this age level. PLAYER KNOWLEDGE Players should know: 1. Rules a. face-offs b. body contact c. offsides d. icing e. checking from behind f. player conduct 2. Common Infractions a. unsportsmanlike conduct b. body checking, checking from behind and boarding c. cross-checking, charging and slashing d. head contact, elbowing and high-sticking
e. tripping, hooking and kneeing f. interference and holding g. unsportsmanlike conduct, fighting and attempt to!injure 3. Penalties a. minor b. major c. misconduct d. penalty shot e. match INDIVIDUAL HOCKEY SKILLS Players should continue developing and mastering the skills listed at previous levels, while adding these new ones: 1. Skating! a. ready position and the ability to find this strong position when engaged in body contact14-and-under b. edge control c. forward start d. forward stride e. controlled stop: two-foot and one-foot snowplow f. controlled turn g. forward crossover h. backward skating i. backward stop j. ABCs of skating (agility, balance, coordination, and!speed drills)
k. mohawk turns l. one-foot stop m. backward crossover n. lateral skating o. backward cross-under start p. backward two-skate stop q. backward power stop (one skate) r. quickness s. speed t. agility u. power v. change of direction w. balance (use of edges) 2. Puck Control a. lateral (side-to-side) stickhandling b. front-to-back stickhandling c. diagonal stickhandling d. attacking the triangle e. puck protection f. change of pace g. toe drag h. give and take i. accelerating with the puck (one-hand carry)
j. change of direction k. backward puck control l. fakes and deception while stickhandling m. puck off the boards n. fake shot o. stop and go p. spin around 3. Passing and Receiving a. forehand pass b. backhand pass c. receiving a pass properly with the stick d. saucer pass (forehand and backhand) e. receiving a pass properly with the skate f. indirect pass g. receiving a pass properly with the hand h. surround the puck i. one-touch passes j. area passes k. crisp passes 4. Shooting a. wrist shot b. backhand c. flip shot
d. screen shot e. deflection f. off rebound g. snap shot h. slap shot i. fake shots j. one-timers k. stick position in scoring areas l. shots in close (pull the puck in and get it up) 5. Body Contact a. stick on puck b. stick lift c. poke check d. gap control concept e. body positioning and angling f. stick press g. angling h. delivering body contact i. receiving body contact (contact confidence) j. shoulder check k. receiving a body check 6. Goaltending a. positioning
i. proper stance ii. angling b. movement i. forward ii. iii. backward14-and-under lateral! c. save technique i. stick ii. iii. iv. gloves body and pads butterfly v. sliding butterfly d. recovery e. puck handling i. stopping the puck behind net ii. passing the puck a. forehand b. backhand iii. clearing the puck a. forehand!b. backhand f. puck retention i. cradling ii. rebound control
g. game situations i. screen shots ii. iii. iv. walkouts wraparounds breakaways v. line rushes (odd and even) vi. face-offs in the defensive zone vii. communication with teammates TEAM PLAY Players must learn and understand: 1. Offensive Concepts a. 2-on-1 situations b. 1-on-1 situations c. triangle offense d. team play in each zone e. face-offs f. zone entry g. power-play concepts h. offensive principles: pressure, transition, support i. cycling 2. Defensive Concepts a. gap control b. stick on puck
c. back-checking d. body position: man-you-net e. basic defensive zone coverage f. defending the middle of the ice g. 1-on-1 and even-numbered situations h. 2-on-1 and odd-numbered situations NUTRITION i. forechecking j. man-short concepts k. shot blocking l. defensive principles: pressure, transition, support m. defensive play in each zone n. boxing out and fronting an opponent Players should learn: 1. Proper Hydration Players should learn the importance!of proper hydration before, during, and after all games!and practices. 2. Good Eating Habits Players should be encouraged to!eat good meals and refrain from eating candy and other!foods that lack nutritional value. 3. Recovery Drink While there are many recovery drinks!on the market, players should be encouraged to drink!chocolate milk following any practice or game session. 4. Eating and Energy Players should be introduced to!the importance of eating healthy foods that are high in carbohydrates in order to gain long-term energy. FITNESS AND TRAINING Players should continue to perform exercises learned at previous age levels, but
should also focus on the following: 1. Speed workouts 2. Strength workouts using body weight 3. Range-of-motion exercises 4. Aerobic and anaerobic workouts 5. Off-ice skill development a. slide board b. stickhandling with various types of balls c. shooting range 14-and-Under INJURY PREVENTION Players should continue to learn more about: the Heads Up Hockey Program. the importance of hydration. safety precautions for practice. the importance of warming up with a dynamic warm-up and cooling down with static stretching. the RICE concept (Rest Ice Compression Elevation).! SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY! Players should learn: to develop a pre-game routine. relaxation exercises. to focus on things that can be controlled.
to give maximum effort at all times. to play with poise and confidence. to be in control of emotions at all times. basic visualization skills. the benefits of positive self-talk. Positive comments can!reduce stress, enhance self-image and can increase fun at!practices and games. to set goals, strive to reach those goals and periodically!evaluate progress towards those goals.!character DEVELOPMENT AND LIFE SKILLS! Players must learn: the importance of honesty and integrity in and away from!the arena. to accept responsibility for their actions and athletic!performance. coping strategies to deal with peer pressure and other!adversity. to balance family, school, sports, social activities, etc. to develop a sense of team commitment. about adversity and begin developing strategies to deal!with it.! PARENT DEVELOPMENT!Refer to An American Hockey Parent Handbook found on the USA Hockey website.!
Basic Structure for 14U Bantam Practices Train to Train Stage Ages 11-15 female Ages 12-16 male The objective of the Train to Train stage is to further develop sports specific skills, begin to introduce competition, and start to emphasize support training to continue development of speed, strength and stamina while maintaining flexibility. General Description of the Train to Train stage: This is a window of accelerated adaptation to aerobic, speed and strength training, and for maximum improvement in skill development. As well, good training habits are developed during this stage. Technical and fitness training programs should be individualized. While formal competition is included, the focus remains on learning the basics through training, with competition being of secondary importance. Training volume will increase as the athletes progress through the stage. Towards the end of this stage, athletes will likely begin to specialize in ice hockey. However, it is still recommended to participate in at least 1 complimentary sport. USA Hockey's key focus for this stage: Building the physical engine - endurance, speed and core strength Develop strong technical skills Begin to become more specialized in hockey late in this stage Window of Opportunity: The Learn to Train and Train to Train stages are the most important stages of athlete preparation. During these stages we make or break an athlete! Increased strength is optimized for girls 1-2 months after peak of PHV Increased strength is optimized for boys 12-18 months after peak of PHV The endurance window is between 11 and 15 years old of age The second speed window for boys is between 13 and 16 years old, and for girls is between 11 and 13 years Introduce Specific Fitness Framework Early in stage, off-ice training focuses on the following: Introduce free weights Injury prevention exercises (high reps, low intensity, focus on execution) Core and stabilizer strength Explosive arm and leg power Maximize speed development Introduction to physical testing and functional assessments two times a year Maximum strength (females and early developing males) Strength endurance Power/speed endurance Build a level of fitness that allows the athlete to maintain high volume, high quality training On-ice and off-ice training to develop endurance Maximize stamina/aerobic capacity window of trainability for recovery, regeneration and training capacity
Monitor training for high volume, low intensity sessions Provide variation in off-ice and on-ice activities to avoid over-use injuries Emphasize flexibility and stretching exercises to manage the effect of rapid growth With rapid growth and changes in body proportions, athletes may need to re-learn some skills that were previously refined (adolescent maintenance) Coaching Considerations: Coaches should still spend significant amount of time refining technical skills, but the emphasis we gradually change to increase the both the difficulty and intensity. Use both high volume/lower intensity training and high intensity/low volume training. Include more skill execution in tactical situations, skills must be used in combination with decision making Tactics and strategy must be appropriate for the age but the volume of information presented at this stage will increase with age. Coaches should plan training loads with consideration to the athletes competition, rest and recovery Attention to individual growth patterns of players must be considered during this stage and the coach must be able to take advantage of the relative training windows Technical Development: Continue to refine skating skills Introduce position specific skills o Forwards o Defenseman o Goalies Continue to develop deceptive skills Tactical Skills: Playing the off-wing or off-side defenseman positions Offensive support concepts Defensive support concepts Introduce basic team systems of defensive zone coverage and aggressive forecheck, Introduce active read-and-react penalty killing Introduce power play concepts without specific individual positions, encourage interchangeability Emphasize transition play - offense to defense and defense to offense Emphasize quality playing habits At the 16 & Under (Midget) level, begin to introduce adaptations to various overall team strategies On-ice time should be spent on 70% offensive skills, tactics, and concepts, and 30% defensive skills, tactics, and concepts. Ancillary Skills: Athletes in this stage should be responsible for doing a proper warm-up and cool-down as part of practice They should also be developing a competition warm-up procedure Athletes should be aware of the importance of proper nutrition and hydration for competition days
Life Style: Optimize training and education in: Cultural and lifestyle habits Smoke & tobacco free environment Alcohol free environment Drug-free sport Wearing proper safety equipment Care and maintenance of equipment Proper nutrition, hydration and recovery Self-management Taking responsibility for actions Respect for others The Code of Conduct for USA Hockey
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Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: To learn, practice, and reinforce skating and puckhandling skills Date: Practice #1 Level: 14-and-Under (Bantam) 16-and-Under (Midget) 18-and-Under (Midget) Skill Work Team Play Systems/Concepts Speed/Games Testing X Skating 1 on 1 Defensive Cov. Short Work - Quickness X Puck Control 2 on 0 Backcheck Small Ice Modified Games Passing/Receiving 2 on 1 Forecheck Full Ice Modified Games Shooting 2 on 2 Breakouts FUN - Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing X Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulation/Cycling X Misc. (Competition; angles) Goaltending Faceoffs Def./Forwards Power Play / Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 5 mins. 1. Warm-Up - stretch various body parts Everyone together 7 mins. 2. Skate circles without and with puck forward and backward Head up, full crossover 5 mins. 3. Power circles around cones (3 lines) forward and backward Bend knee, accelerate out of turn 5 mins. 4. Stationary stickhandling - goaltenders get shots Wide, out of comfort zone, angles 5 mins. 5. Moving stickhandling (three lines) - goaltenders work on angles Wide and accelerate 6 mins. 6. Figure 8, wide move, shoot Head up, accelerate 6 mins. 7. Weave, backwards, shoot Puckhandling, forward turns, backward 6 mins. 8. Defense reaction drill Full speed skating, puck control 5 mins. 9. Fish in a pond - puck control, keep away Competition, conditioning 10 Practice Plans
Drill #1 Warm-Up Power strides up middle of ice. Peel away either side. Player rests down sideboards, then accelerates up middle again. Notes/Comments: Warm-Up - skate hard up middle, long powerful strides. Drill #2 Skate Circles Players start in corners at one end. On coach s whistle, first players in each line start and skate. Do drill with and without pucks, forward and backward Notes/Comments: Skate circles, head up, move feet, full crossovers. Drill #3 Power Circles Players start in three lines, first player in each line goes at same time. Next player starts when first player hits near blue line. Player skates forward, making a tight control turn around each cone, accelerating out of turn to next cone. * Do drill with and without pucks, forward and backward. Notes/Comments: Power circles around cones, keep low with knee bent and accelerate to the next cone. Practice Plans 11
Drill #4 Stationary Stickhandling Players stickhandle, following coach s lead. - wide to forehand - wide to backhand - wide on sides - diagonal - put puck in skates - toe puck in Coach holds up numbers, players shout back number. Goaltenders work on angles and get shots. Notes/Comments: Stationary stickhandling; wide movements out of comfort zone; keep head up Drill #5 Moving Stickhandling Players start in three lines. When first players approach blue line, next players in line go. Player skates to cone, fake to one side, pull puck wide across and accelerate to next cone. Goaltenders continue to work on angles. Use pucks. - wide to backhand - toe in puck around cone - put puck in skates, kick up to stick, around cone either way Notes/Comments: Moving stickhandling; head up; wide movement; accelerate between cones Drill #6 Figure 8 Players start on opposite sides. On whistle, player skates with puck, does a figure 8 around cones, makes a wide move around cone in offensive zone and shoots on goaltender. Notes/Comments: Figure 8, wide move and shoot; keep head up; accelerate around cones 12 Practice Plans
Drill #7 Weave Players start in corners with pucks. Players skate forward with pucks weaving around cones. When player approaches blue line, player turns and skates backward with puck until far blue line. At far blue line, player turns forward, skates in and shoots on goaltender. Notes/Comments: Weave; backwards skating; shoot; accelerate around cones Drill #8 Defensive Reaction Players start in each corner. When first player gets to near blue line, next player starts. Player skates forward with puck to blue line, stops and skates to middle of ice. When player reaches cone. player pivots and skates backward with puck to far blue line. At far blue line, player turns to the outside and skates forward to the corner. Notes/Comments: Puck control; full speed, footwork Drill #9 Fish in a Pond Everyone starts in one zone. Coach throws three pucks in zone; on whistle, players try to get a puck and keep it away from everyone else. Go for 30 seconds, then blow whistle. Whoever doesn t have puck does 10 pushups. Rest for 45 seconds. During this time, throw in one or two more pucks. Notes/Comments: Competition; conditioning Practice Plans 13
Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: To learn, practice and reinforce skating and puckhandling Date: Practice #2 Level: 14-and-Under (Bantam) 16-and-Under (Midget) 18-and-Under (Midget) Skill Work Team Play Systems/Concepts Speed/Games Testing X Skating X 1 on 1 Defensive Cov. Short Work - Quickness X Puck Control 2 on 0 Backcheck Small Ice Modified Games X Passing/Receiving 2 on 1 Forecheck Full Ice Modified Games X Shooting 2 on 2 Breakouts FUN Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulation/Cycling X Misc. angles Goaltending Faceoffs Def./Forwards Power Play / Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 5 mins. 1. Warm-Up - various stretches All together 9 mins. 2. Puck control station drills (three stations) Head up, accelerate Goaltenders work on angles 7 mins. 3. Weave, wide moves, shoot Quickness, acceleration 6 mins. 4. Out of corners shooting Keep feet moving, look at target 5 mins. 5. Circle passing Follow through to target; head up 7 mins. 6. Double pass with shot Full speed break to space 6 mins. 7. 1 on 1 half ice Forwards - wide move Defense - force wide 5 mins. 8. Race for the puck competition, conditioning 14 Practice Plans
Drill #1 Warm-Up After stretches, coach blows whistle. Between whistles the players either turn backward or power stride. Drill #2 Puck Control All stations use pucks Station #1 - player starts outside of cones and makes a tight figure 8 around cones. Station #2 - player skates forward with puck. When player reaches cones, player pivots and skates backward. Player skates back to red line, stops, goes forward other direction, pivots around cones and skates backward to line. Station #3 - crossover figure 8 around circle; once forward, once backward. Notes/Comments: One player from each line goes on whistle; each player goes twice at each station Drill #3 Weave Players skate through cones, accelerating from cone to cone. When player reaches final cone, player makes wide move to forehand or backhand, accelerates around and shoots on the goaltender. Notes/Comments: Weave, wide move, shoot, acceleration, quickness Practice Plans 15
Drill #4 Out of Corners Shooting A - players skate with pucks around circle, crossing over. When player reaches cone, he takes a shot and continues for a rebound. Player must shoot backhand if on backhand side. B - player passes to coach then skates around circle. Coach gives player a return pass. Player skates and shoots on goaltender. Notes/Comments: Keep feet moving; look at target while skating around circle Drill #5 Circle Passing Players pass within circles. - receive and pass - receive forehand, pass backhand - receive backhand, pass forehand - one touch passing Coaches work goaltenders side to side. Notes/Comments: Stress good hockey position; don t slap the puck; concentrate on hitting the target Drill #6 Double Pass With Shot Players skate and pass off boards (around cone) to themselves. After receiving puck, player continues skating, passes to coach and breaks around cone. Coach gives player a return pass and player shoots on goal and gets rebound. Notes/Comments: Full speed and break to open space 16 Practice Plans
Drill #7 1 on 1 Half-Ice D1 passes to X1. X1 skates with puck around far cone. At same time, D1 skates to near cone, pivots and skates backward. D1 now plays X1, 1 on 1. When D1 and X1 hit blue line on way back, X2 and D2 start. Notes/Comments: Forwards - make wide move; Defense - face forwards wide Drill #8 Race for the Puck Players start in each corner, make a tight turn around the cone. Proceed to far blue line, stop, skate backwards to red line, stop, skate around far cone and race for the puck at center ice. First player to pucks tries to score. Second player becomes a backchecker. Notes/Comments: Competition and conditioning; players start on whistle Description Notes/Comments Practice Plans 17
Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: To learn, practice and reinforce passing skills Date: Practice #3 Level: 14-and-Under (Bantam) 16-and-Under (Midget) 18-and-Under (Midget) Skill Work Team Play Systems/Concepts Speed/Games Testing X Skating X 1 on 1 Defensive Cov. Short Work - Quickness Puck Control X 2 on 0 Backcheck Small Ice Modified Games X Passing/Receiving 2 on 1 Forecheck Full Ice Modified Games X Shooting 2 on 2 Breakouts FUN - Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulation/Cycling X Misc. Restricted Area Games Goaltending X 3 on 0 Faceoffs Def./Forwards Power Play / Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 5 mins. 1.Warm-up - stretch; skate circles with pucks Head up 5 mins. 2. Four Lines - warm-up goaltenders 7 mins. 3. Snake Drill Keep feet moving 7 mins. 4. Flin Flon - double pass 7 mins. 5. 2 on 0 Go up ice together 7 mins. 6. 1 on 1 out of corner Forwards - create space, moves; Defense - stay between player and goal 7 mins. 7. 3 on 0 weave Head up, keep feet moving 5 mins. 8. Improvisation Creativity 18 Practice Plans
Drill #1 Warm-Up After stretch, skate circles with pucks, work on speed and full crossovers. Do forward and backward. Notes/Comments: Skate circles; keep head up; crossovers; full speed Drill #2 Four Lines All lines start with pucks. X1 starts and makes tight turn around cone; after turn, X1 gets a pass from X2. X1 continues with puck; makes a wide move on cone at center ice and takes a long shot on goal. After X2 makes pass, he makes tight turn and receives pass from X3. Continue down line; X4 gets pass from X1 line. Notes/Comments: Four lines; Warm-Up goalies; accelerate out of turn and after wide move Drill #3 Snake Drill Players start opposite corners with pucks. Position players and or coaches at X1, X2, X3, X4 positions Player skates out of corner with puck and passes to X1. X1 gives player a return pass. Player skates around cones and gives X2 a pass. X2 gives a return pass. Player takes a shot on goal. Next player in line starts when first player hits red line Notes/Comments: Break to space to get pass; crossover around cones; switch corners to crossover and pass in both directions Practice Plans 19
Drill #4 Flin Flon First players in line skate without puck to far cone. When player hits red line, X1 and X2 pass the puck. Player immediately passes puck back to X1 or X2 and swings to top of circle. X1 and X2 receive pass, step to the middle of the ice and make a pass back to player. Player skates with puck and shoots. X1 and X2 skate without puck to far corner. Notes/Comments: Double pass; player must touch top of circle when swinging Drill #5 2 on 0 Players start at all four corners of the blue lines with pucks. X1 starts drill by making pass to X2. X1 and X2 skate toward each other (not up ice) and cross in middle of ice. After X1 and X2 cross, they head up ice passing the puck. When crossed far blue line, the player with puck makes a wide move to outside then passes puck to trailing player. Trailer shoots on goal. When X1 and X2 cross blue line, X3 and X4 go other direction. Notes/Comments: Trailer must slow up to high slot; after player passes to trailer, he/she goes to net for rebound Drill #6 1 on 1 Coach dumps puck into corner. X1 picks up puck in corner then tries to score a goal. When X1 crosses goal line, D1 skates to play X1 coming out of corner with puck. Drill goes until X1 takes shot or D1 takes puck away. Coach then dumps puck in other corner for X2 and D2. Notes/Comments: Forward makes wide move to create space; defense keeps self between player and goal 20 Practice Plans
Drill #7 3 on 0 With Weave Players form three lines at each end. Group A starts, three players pass puck up ice and take a shot on goal. When group A crosses far blue line, group B starts. Variation: instead of going straight up ice, players follow their pass (weave) as they go up ice. A B Notes/Comments: Heads up; look at target; skate full speed Drill #8 Improvisation Players inside circles with puck. Other players stay outside circles. On whistle, player inside makes any moves they want. If they lose the puck, players outside give them a new one. After 30 seconds, change players Notes/Comments: Be creative Description Notes/Comments Practice Plans 21
Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: To learn, practice and reinforce starts and 2 on 1 concept Date: Practice #4 Level: 14-and-Under (Bantam) 16-and-Under (Midget) 18-and-Under (Midget) Skill Work Team Play Systems/Concepts Speed/Games Testing X Skating 1 on 1 Defensive Cov. Short Work - Quickness Puck Control X 2 on 0 Backcheck Small Ice Modified Games X Passing/Receiving X 2 on 1 Forecheck X Full Ice Modified Games X Shooting 2 on 2 Breakouts FUN - Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulation/Cycling Misc. Goaltending X 3 on 0 Faceoffs Def./Forwards Power Play / Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 7 mins. 1. Warm-Up - stretches; four lines to warm-up goaltenders 5 mins. 2. Flip passing; goaltenders work on movement and angles 7 mins. 3. Starts; flip pass; shoot Accelerate, concentrate on target when passing and shooting 10 mins. 4. Split up; Forwards - 2 on 1 concept; Defense - 2 on 1 Forwards - create good shot Defense - eliminate good shot 7 mins. 5. 2 on 0; 2 on 1 Works on concepts 7 mins. 6. Start and Stop; shooting Accelerate; look at target 7 mins. 7. 3 on 0 race drill Teamwork 22 Practice Plans
Drill #1 Warm-Up Goaltenders After stretch, make four lines. All lines have pucks. X1 starts, makes tight turn around cone, receives a pass from X2, continues and makes a wide move on neutral ice cone and shoots around goal. X2 starts when X1 hits the blue line. X4 gets pass from X1 line. Notes/Comments: Accelerate around cones and after wide move; full speed Drill #2 Stationary Flip Passing Players get partners and lay extra stick between them. They are approximately three to four stick lengths apart. Players make heel to toe passes, lifting puck over stick so it lands flat on the other side of stick. Have players pass forward and backward. Goaltenders work on angles; movement with coach. Notes/Comments: Work forehand and backhand passes Drill #3 Starts, Flip Pass, Shoot On whistle, X1 performs a running start and skates to slot. At same time, X2 skates with puck to cone. When X2 reaches cone, X2 makes a flip pass over sticks on ice to X1. X1 receives pass and shoots on goal; players switch lines Notes/Comments: Perform both sides of ice, flip passes forehand and backhand Practice Plans 23
Drill #4 2 on 1; Split Up Forwards - X1 makes wide move on cone, accelerates around and drives to net. At the same time, X2 skates and delays so he/she is in high slot. X1 may shoot puck or pass to X2 in high slot, X2 then shoots while X1 goes to net. Defense - D1 and D2 start backward at same time. They skate around cones as shown, working on lateral movement. They force forward with puck wide, then come back to middle to take away pass to high slot. Notes/Comments: Forwards - Create good shot; Defense - eliminate good shot Drill #5 2 on 0; 2 on 1 X1 starts drill by dumping puck in corner. X1 and X2 swing as shown. D1 skates, picks up puck and skates behind net. D1 then makes a pass to X1 or X2. D2 steps out to play the 2 on 1. Variation - don t have D2 step out and have X1 and X2 go 2 on 0; switch sides after several minutes. Notes/Comments: Forwards and defense work on concepts in previous drill. Drill #6 Start and Stop - Shooting X1 does running start and skates to cone and stops facing pucks. X1 then does crossover start, skates to pucks and stops. X1 then does a crossover start the other direction and takes a shot on goal. X2 starts when X1 stops and picks up a puck. 24 Practice Plans
Drill #7 3 on 0 Race Drill Groups of three start on either side of red line with three pucks. On whistle, players go 3 on 0 to score a goal. They must make three passes before they can shoot. After they score, they all must go outside the blue line and pick up the second puck. The team that scores three goals first, wins. The losers do 20 push-ups. Notes/Comments: Three passes before shot; go until score with puck; all players must cross blue line after each goal Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments Practice Plans 25
Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: To learn, practice and reinforce passing, 1 on 1 and shooting skills Date: Practice #5 Level: 14-and-Under (Bantam) 16-and-Under (Midget) 18-and-Under (Midget) Skill Work Team Play Systems/Concepts Speed/Games Testing X Skating X 1 on 1 Defensive Cov. Short Work - Quickness X Puck Control X 2 on 0 Backcheck Small Ice Modified Games X Passing/Receiving X 2 on 1 Forecheck Full Ice Modified Games X Shooting 2 on 2 Breakouts FUN - Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulation/Cycling X Misc. (2 on 2 zone games) Goaltending 3 on 0 Faceoffs Def./Forwards Power Play / Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 7 mins. 1. Warm-Up: stretches (goalies stretch); defense reaction drill Puck control; full speed 5 mins. 2. Out of corner pass - both ends Keep feet moving 6 mins. 3. Shooting - out of corner; goaltender skate saves Head up; shoot to corner 4 mins. 4. 1 on 1 - defense no sticks D-skate to forward, don t lunge F-wide move; drive to net 4 mins. 5. 1 on 1 - defense sticks D-force forward wide F-look for weakness to attack 6 mins. 6. Double pass in tight; 2 on 0; goaltender stack pads One touch pass and shot 7 mins. 7. Tip drill - 2 on 1 Timing on tip; 2 on 1 concept review 5 mins. 8. Stationary wrist shots; backhand Practice form and accuracy 6 mins. 9. Zone games - 2 on 2 Have fun 26 Practice Plans
Drill #1 Warm-Up Defense Reaction Drill Players start in each corner. When first player gets to near blue line, the next player in line starts. Player skates forward with puck to blue line, stops and skates to middle of ice. When player reaches cone A, player pivots and skates backward with puck to far blue line. At far blue line, player turns to outside and skates forward to the corner. Notes/Comments: Puck control and agility Drill #2 Out of Corner Pass X1 skates without puck as shown and receives pass from X2. After receiving pass, X1 skates with puck around cone and takes a long shot on goaltender. After making pass, X2 starts around circle without puck. After shot, continue for rebound. Notes/Comments: Keep feet moving; take long shot on goaltender Drill #3 Shooting Out of Corner X1 skates with puck and makes a fake inside to net. After fake, X1 accelerates outside to cone. When X1 reaches cone, X1 shoots on ice to far corner. Goaltender makes skate save or stick deflection to corner. After goaltender is set, X2 starts. Notes/Comments: F - shoot to far corner; G - practice skate saves Practice Plans 27
Drill #4 1 on 1 X1 starts by passing to coach. X1 then skates to far cone, coach gives X1 pass back. When X1 starts to skate, D1 follows X1 across ice, keeping correct gap. X1 receives pass from coach and skates around cone. D1 pivots backwards after X1 receives pass and plays X1 1 on 1. When 1st group crosses blue line, X2 and D2 start. Notes/Comments: Defense no sticks; D - keep gap, don t lunge at forward; F - make wide move and drive to net Drill #5 1 on 1 Coach starts with pucks and either passes to X1 or X2. D start just outside blue line; after pass, D1 must react to either side. X2 looks for weakness in D1 position. D1 must establish gap and force X2 outside. After group 1 crosses for blue line, coach makes another pass. Notes/Comments: Defense with sticks; D - force forward wide, no shot; F - look for weakness to attack Drill #6 2 on 0 X1 starts by passing puck to X2. X1 skates to corner of crease and stops. X2 skates with puck across goal line, makes pass to X1. X1 shoots off pass. Goaltender either deflects pass if puck is close or stacks pads to block shot. Switch pucks to other line half way through drill. Notes/Comments: Double pass in tight - 2 on 0; goaltender stack pads 28 Practice Plans
Drill #7 Tip Drill 2 on 1 X1 passes to D1 or D2; may pass direct to stick, off boards, in air, etc. X1and X2 skate to slot and positions themselves for a tip. D2 shoots on ice then gets into position for 2 on 1. After X1 group tips shot, they break, get a pass from X3 and continue up ice 2 on 1 on D2. Notes/Comments: F - timing on tip, not too deep, 2 on 1 concept; D - work on gap and 2 on 1 concept Drill #8 Stationary Wrist Shots and Backhands Players line up around ice with pucks. Players pick spots boards and work on wrist shots and backhands. Notes/Comments: Work on form, power, accuracy. Drill # 9 Zone Games - 2 on 2 Put both nets in one zone. Put teams together and let them play 2 on 2. Variation - after gaining possession puck, they must pass to coach and get open for return pass. Notes/Comments: Have fun. Practice Plans 29
Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: To learn, practice and reinforce body contact and playing angles To review Heads Up Hockey program Date: Practice #6 Level: 14-and-Under (Bantam) 16-and-Under (Midget) 18-and-Under (Midget) Skill Work Team Play Systems/Concepts Speed/Games Testing X Skating 1 on 1 Defensive Cov. Short Work - Quickness X Puck Control 2 on 0 Backcheck Small Ice Modified Games Passing/Receiving 2 on 1 Forecheck X Full Ice Modified Games Shooting 2 on 2 Breakouts FUN - Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing X Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulation/Cycling Misc. Goaltending X 3 on 0 Faceoffs Def./Forwards Power Play / Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 6 mins. 1. Warm-Up: stretches (goalies stretch); fish in the pond Competition 9 mins. 2. Three stations - stickhandling/puck control; three Heads up; keep feet moving minutes each station 5 mins. 3. Skating and puck control with shot Full speed 10 mins. 4. Body contact along boards Body positioning; angles 6 mins. 5. Forecheck angling; body contact Angles; timing 7 mins. 6. 3 on 0 below top of circles Triangle movement 7 mins. 7. Pom-pom drill; two-hand touch Agility; skating 30 Practice Plans
Drill #1 Warm-Up: Fish in the Pond Everyone starts in one zone. Coach dumps three pucks in zone. On whistle, players try to gain control of puck and keep it away from everyone else. Go for 30 seconds, then blow whistle. Anyone without a puck does 5-10 pushups. Rest for 45 seconds. During rest, dump 2-3 more pucks in. Notes/Comments: Goaltenders work on skate saves and stacking pads with assistant Drill #2 Three Stations - Stickhandling and Puck Control A makes wide move, forehand, backhand. B skates through cones, tight turn. C improvises - player makes up moves and stays in confined area. All stations use pucks. Blow whistle to start and stop, each player goes through each station twice. Notes/Comments: Head up; keep feet moving Drill #3 Skating and Puck Control with Shot Players start in corners with pucks. Player starts drill by passing off boards (around cone) to self. Player then skates down middle of cones while reaching puck wide to forehand and backhand around cones. Player makes move to next cone, skates to outside, stops at next cone, heads to slot and takes shot on goaltender. Do drill both directions. Notes/Comments: Full speed; head up Practice Plans 31
Drill #4 Body Contact Along Boards Before starting drill, demonstrate how to check along boards and defend oneself from check stress. A - body position; wide base, knee bent, stick on ice. B - Angling X2 approaches X1 so X1 cannot cut back or drive to the net. C - Defending: brace self for impact, wide base, don t turn back on player. Players pair off and proceed around ice as shown. Switch roles and do both directions. Drill #5 Forecheck Angling - Body Contact X1 starts, picks up a puck and heads up the ice. When X1 crosses goal line, X2 starts. X2 must angle X1 to boards and body check along boards stopping X1 s momentum. X1 may cut back or accelerate out of zone. X2 must position self correctly and time acceleration. Notes/Comments: Work on timing; review Heads Up Hockey program Drill #6 3 on 0 - Below top of Circle X1, X2, X3 must move puck around below top of circles keeping a triangle relation. When coach blows whistle, they start. Whistle blows again, they take a shot. Stress creativity, keeping triangle, keeping feet moving and talking to each other. 32 Practice Plans
Drill #7 Pom-Pom - 2 Hand Touch X1 calls out pom-pom. All other players try to skate to other end without getting touched (two hands) by X1 before crossing far goal line. Whoever X1 touches, those players stay in middle and help X1 next time back. Last player wins. Notes/Comments: Skating agility - reading and reacting Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments Practice Plans 33
Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: To learn, practice and reinforce shooting skills and body positioning Date: Practice #7 Level: 14-and-Under (Bantam) 16-and-Under (Midget) 18-and-Under (Midget) Skill Work Team Play Systems/Concepts Speed/Games Testing Skating 1 on 1 Defensive Cov. Short Work - Quickness Puck Control 2 on 0 Backcheck Small Ice Modified Games X Passing/Receiving X 2 on 1 Forecheck Full Ice Modified Games X Shooting X 2 on 2 Breakouts FUN - Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing Agility Work X 3 on 2 Triangulation/Cycling Misc. Goaltending X 3 on 3 Faceoffs Def./Forwards Power Play / Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 7 mins. 1. Warm-Up: stretches; four blue line shooting Passing; long shots 6 mins. 2. Passing Drill - Tic Tac Toe Quick passes 7 mins. 3. Pivot Shoot - pivot pass drill Read and shoot or pass 10 mins. 4. 2 on 1; 2 on 1 with backcheck drill Offense - 2 on 1 with pressure Defense - communicate, body position 10 mins. 5. 3 on 2; 3 on 3 low Offense - triangle with pressure Defense - body position 5 mins. 6. Three shot drill Goaltender work 5 mins. 7. Agility race Competition 34 Practice Plans
Drill #1 Warm-Up: Four Blue Line Shooting All 4 lines have pucks. On whistle, X1 s skate several strides with puck then pass to X2 across ice. X1 continues skating, swings up ice and gets a return pass from X2. X1 skates with puck and takes a long shot. After X1 crosses blue line, X2 starts skating with puck, passes to X1 line and swings up ice. Notes/Comments: Take long shots Drill #2 Passing Drill - Tic, Tac, Toe X1 skates with puck to cone and then passes to X2. X2 one touch passes to X3. X3 one touch passes back to X1. X1 takes shot on goal. Notes/Comments: Quick passes Drill #3 Pivot Shoot; Pivot Pass RH - right-handed players LF - left-handed players X1 s start with pucks and skate through cones. When X1 reaches middle of ice, X1 turns and skates backwards with puck. At same time, X2 crosses with X1 and gets open. A - X1 may shoot puck with X2 going for rebound. B - X1 may fake shot and pass to X2. Notes/Comments: Read play and shoot or pass Practice Plans 35
Drill #4 2 on 1; 2 on 1 With Backcheck D1 skates backward, turns and picks up a puck. At same time, X1 and X2 skate as shown. D1 skates behind net and passes to X1 or X2 who proceed 2 on 1 on D2. Variation - (2 on 1 backchecker) X3 skates at same time behind net and backchecks picking up either X1 or X2. Switch sides half-way through. Drill #5 3 on 2; 3 on 3 Low Puck is dumped in corner. X1, X2, X3 work puck below the top of circles while D1 and D2 defend. X1, X2, X3 must work triangle for shot. D1 and D2 must not give a shot from slot. Variation - (3 on 3) Put in X4 who helps D1 and D2. Drill #6 Three Shot Drill X1 skates around cone, gets pass from next player in line and shoots. When puck hits goaltender, X2 shoots. When puck from X2 hits goaltender, X3 shoots. Goaltender must react quickly to all shots. Do drill at both ends and switch sides for X1 line. Notes/Comments: Goaltender work 36 Practice Plans
Drill #7 Agility Race for Puck X1 and X2 start on whistle and skate as shown. First player to reach puck at neutral ice tries to score. Second player backchecks. Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments Practice Plans 37