Coach 12 & Under (Peewees)

Coach 12 & Under (Peewees) At the 12-and-Under level, coaches should focus on the following age-appropriate concepts and skills so that players enjoy the experience and develop both as hockey players and as young kids. FOCUS POINTS Fun and Engagement Active Practices Age-Appropriate Training Skill Development Body Contact/Body Checking! FUN AND ENGAGEMENT! It s important for coaches to understand that 12-and-Under players are in the Golden Age of Skill Development, which is a crucial time in the long-term development of a player. Coaches should also remember that fun is a key component of youth sports, and that practices and games at the 12-and-Under level must be fun in order for these players to continue working hard to acquire and improve skills.!when coaches are able to deliver the appropriate level of skill development for each player, then players have an excellent opportunity to engage. Engagement occurs when players!are able to successfully execute the targeted skills within an environment that still provides an appropriate challenge level (i.e., not too easy, not too hard). Finding the appropriate balance between success and challenge for each player can be an ongoing challenge for coaches, but providing the optimal blend should always be the goal. Remember, fun and engagement are important factors in the development process. Coaches should never underestimate the importance of each. ACTIVE PRACTICES While a peewee practice shouldn t be as active as a mite practice, coaches must still seek to increase the amount of time players spend participating in drills and small games in each practice session (rather than standing and watching). Players are more!likely to successfully execute skills when they have been given many repetitions in practice. Coaches should consider designing practices with high

activity levels each week so that players have ample opportunity to practice the targeted skills. Coaches should also design practice sessions that are not as high in activity level, but instead require the players to go hard for short intervals with appropriate rest to follow each interval. Coaches should strive to find the optimal work-to-rest ratio in any of these practices. 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 Players in the peewee age classification are at a sensitive stage!in their development. Two aspects of their game need special attention: body contact/body checking and skill development. Peewee coaches must be extra careful when determining what is appropriate for 12-and-Under players to learn. On-ice skills and drills must be age-appropriate and coaches should spend considerably more time developing players skills rather than teaching systems. Small games should be used to teach appropriate concepts such as understanding the game. Improving hockey sense takes on a heightened priority at this stage. SKILL DEVELOPMENT Since peewee players are in the Golden Age of Skill Development (ages 8-12), coaches must maximize the skill development that occurs during this time period. While skill development can occur during later years, the opportunity for positively affecting the long-term development of a player is never greater than!in this age period. Players should be allowed to focus on developing all of their hockey skills at this age. The development of these skills takes a tremendous amount of time and the time invested at this age will pay great dividends later. Players who are allowed to spend large amounts of time acquiring and developing skills at this age will have an advantage in later years over many players who did not have this opportunity. BODY CONTACT/BODY CHECKING Although body checking is not allowed in games at the peewee level, coaches should teach 12-and-Under players the proper techniques of making legal body contact with an opponent. Players must learn that body contact should have a purpose!and that purpose is to gain possession of the puck. Skills related to body contact and body checking should be taught in a progression and should be practiced in every session. These skills should include angling, stick position, delivering body contact, and receiving body contact. These skills should be practiced both on and off the ice with the goal of improving the body contact/body checking skills of each player and preparing each player for body checking at the

bantam level. Refer to Checking the Right Way for Youth Hockey for information and drills related to body contact and body checking. FOCUS POINTS PRACTICE PLANS & GAMES Prepare practice plan / game strategy at least 1 hour before ice time 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! Rotate captains each game so every player develops leadership skills and experience Review plan with players 10 minutes before practice. Make sure all players are fully focused and dressed 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 short dynamic stretch during practice 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 Name captains during pre-game team meeting o Rotate captains each 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 Optimal window for sports skills Learning Fundamental Sports Skills Still focused on individual development and not the outcome Keep the top level as broad as possible o This allows better players greater success and pushes lesser players to emulate Twice a week, prior to practice, spend 45 minutes off-ice working on the Fundamental Movement Skills o Focus on athleticism (ABC s) and hockey skills All levels should receive same number of ice sessions / touches Play multiple sports and engage in activities like soccer, running, gymnastics, swimming, skiing or other activities 50% of the time, engage in fitness through other sports (like lacrosse, baseball, golf, track and field, etc.) 25% of the time and play hockey the other 25%. 4 Ice sessions touches per week o 60 min ice sessions o 7-month training and competition calendar o 105 to 120 ice touches (70/30 ratio) 80 to 90 practices o 2-3 teams per = 30-45 players o 30 to 35 game days o Local geographic area 15 skaters & 2 goalies per team

PRACTICE FOCUS Practices should focus on (percentage of time listed after each): 1. Individual skills (hockey skills and activities) 65% 2. Hockey sense (teaching of concepts through small area!games) 25% 3. Systems (team-play training) 10% While these percentages are approximations, they emphasize that individual skill development remains the highest priority!at this stage, and the majority of practice time should be spent improving skills. The percentages also indicate that hockey sense and concepts are still more important than systems and team-play training at 12-and-Under.12-and-Under SMALL AREA GAMES Hockey sense becomes a more important focus 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. Refer to the Small Area Competitive Games Handbook and CD and the Small Area Competitive Games 2 book for age-appropriate 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. Skill Acquisition and Development (for boys and girls)! Science has shown this is the prime age for children to acquire and develop sport skills, therefore it s known as the Golden Age of Skill Development. 2. Speed (for girls) This is prime time to increase speed by improving the stride length and stride frequency through drills requiring high velocity for shorter intervals of time. 3. Stamina (for girls) This is prime time to improve the endurance of each female athlete (the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort). 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 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

3. Penalties a. minor b. major c. misconduct d. penalty shot e. match INDIVIDUAL HOCKEY SKILLS Players must learn and master: 1. Skating a. ready position and the ability to find this strong position when engaged in body contact 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. One-foot stop l. backward crossover m. mohawk turns

n. lateral skating o. backward cross-under start p. backward two-skate stop q. backward power stop (one skate) 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 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 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 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) 6. Goaltending a. positioning i. proper stance ii. angling b. movement!i. forward ii. backward iii. lateral c. save technique i. stick! ii. gloves iii. body and pads iv. butterfly!v. sliding butterfly d. recovery e. stopping the puck behind net f. puck retention!i. cradling ii. rebound control g. game situations

i. screen shots ii. walkouts!iii. wraparounds 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 2. Defensive Concepts a. gap control b. stick on puck c. backchecking 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 i. forechecking

j. man-short concepts k. shot blocking NUTRITION 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. These players will experience tournaments where they are expected to play several games in a relatively short period of time. This is an excellent time for them to learn about the importance of eating the right foods for long-term energy. FITNESS AND TRAINING Players should perform exercises that improve their agility, balance, coordination, and speed (ABCs), as well as: 1. Quickness activities 2. Team games 3. Sprint workouts 4. Agility, balance, and coordination exercises 5. Light calisthenics 6. Flexibility exercises 7. Relays and obstacle courses

8. Upper-body strength: body-weight resistance activities 9. Off-ice skill development a. slideboard b. stickhandling with various types of balls c. shooting range d. passing Coaches should utilize the 10-and-Under/12-and-Under Off-Ice Training Cards (Phase I and Phase II) that are available through USA Hockey and are on the Mobile Coach App. INJURY PREVENTION Players and parents should continue to learn about: 1. Heads Up Hockey Program 2. The proper care of equipment 3. The proper fitting of equipment 4. Rink safety 5. Safety precautions for practices 6. The importance of warming up and cooling down 7. The RICE concept for treating injuries (Rest-Ice-!Compression-Elevation) SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY Players should continue to exhibit the sport and life skills learned at previous levels, as well as learning: the benefits of positive comments. All involved should realize that positive comments help reduce stress, enhance positive self-image for individuals and the team, and they can increase the enjoyment of practices and games. to balance family, school, and other activities.

to be on time for practices and games. to take responsibility for their performance and actions at games, practices, school, and home.12-and-under that alcohol and drugs can negatively impact a player. This includes the player s performance and quality of life. to be good teammates who encourage each of his or her teammates.! PARENT DEVELOPMENT!Refer to An American Hockey Parent Handbook found on the USA Hockey website.!

Basic Structure for 12U Peewee Practices Learn to Train Stage Ages 8-11 females Ages 9-12 males The objective of the Learn to Train stage is to refine overall sport skills and develop sports specific skills. General Description of the Learn to Train stage: This is the period of accelerated learning of coordination and fine motor control and is the critical stage for the acquisition of hockey skills. At this stage participants are developmentally ready to acquire the sports skills that are the cornerstones of all athletic development. In late specialization sports such as ice hockey, early specialization can be detrimental to later stages of skill development and refinement of the fundamental sports skills. Participants should develop a solid base in a variety of sports in each of the physical literacy environments (e.g. swimming, athletics, gymnastics & skiing/skating). Club to club competitions should be introduced but they should not be the main focus of the program. USA Hockey's key focus for this stage: Continue to develop physical literacy Continue to participate in 3 complimentary sports Participants at this stage should learn solid basic skills in skating and puck control There is no need at this stage to specialize at a specific skater position, however goalies may begin to focus on their position Window of Opportunity: The Learn to Train and Train to Train stages are the most important stages in athletic preparation. During these stages we make or break an athlete. 'Sports skills' window of trainability is open during the entire phase Second 'speed' window for girls (ages 11-13+) Beginning of window for aerobic 'stamina' (girls 11-14, boys 12+) During practices, introduce a general fitness framework: 1. Warm-up 2. Rhythm and coordination runs both on and off the ice 3. Spatial awareness (jump distance with a number of changes in direction) 4. Rest and recovery (fuel breaks, meals, sleep) 5. Reaction time and agility 6. Focus on skill and execution 7. Cool down with short stretch and muscle rebalance - important because of rapid growth of bones and soft tissues 8. More speed work 9. Explosive strength in upper and low body through jumping and gymnastic maneuvers 10. Develop general lower body and core stability 11. More stretching at the end of training 12. Monitor the volume, intensity, quality and duration of training Off-Ice recommendations Develop strength - using exercises that incorporate the player's own body weight, as well as medicine balls and Swiss balls

Continue to develop endurance through small area games and relays and develop flexibility through exercises Speed can be developed by using activities that focus on agility, quickness and change of direction - short duration, less than 5 seconds At this stage it is important to create an environment where participants want to play ice hockey. Practices must be varied, interesting and fun so they will want to continue. It is important to build interest in our sport, self confidence and an enjoyment of performing. Coaching Considerations Coaches must be cognizant that this is the critical stage for sports skill acquisition. Players must be exposed to quality skill demonstrations as this creates a mental picture for them to emulate. Players must practice a high volume of skills training at a reduced intensity in order to achieve successful repetitions. As the success rate increases, intensity can increase, however, coaches must understand that performing skills incorrectly at a high rate of speed will only reinforce poor skills through this stage. Coaches must understand that skill acquisition is reduced as the fatigue level increases Coaches must manage the flow of information to their players. Limit instruction to 3 or 4 key points maximum, as additional information will not be processed by the athletes. Provide opportunities for the players to execute their skills in game situations. Players must begin to gain an understanding of how skills and tactics are applied within different playing situations. Provide opportunities for repeated decision making in practice. Solutions to common tactical situations must be developed. Coaches must provide concise, specific feedback to the athletes. Tell them what you want done, not what not to do. Monitor players growth for the onset of growth spurt, especially at the Peewee level. Introduce interval training Technical Development: Ensure motor learning issues are adopted into coaching practice This is the window of optimal trainability for peak skill development of core hockey skills Emphasis is placed upon refining skating and puck control skills throughout the stage with a clear focus on correct technical execution o Agility in skating skills with and without the puck o Refining edge control skills for balance and coordination o Combine the refined skating skills with puck control skills (multi-tasking) o Attacking skills, one-on-one and one-on-two or more defenders (one-on-three) Use small area games to applying core skills in decision-making situations Added emphasis on passing and receiving skills should be incorporated at the 12 and Under (Peewee) level with special concentration on receiving skills Added emphasis on shooting and scoring skills, including shooting off a pass (one timing the puck) Body contact and angling basics should be refined at 10 & Under (Squirt) Body checking skills are introduced at 12 & Under (Peewee) including the ability to deliver a check as well as receive a check (it is important not to overemphasize checking as to detract from core hockey skills development) Offensive body positioning and puck protection skills Deception skills should be incorporated in all facets of the player's development o Skating: change of pace, change of direction, spins

o puck control: fakes and dekes on goalie o passing: look off pass receiver, fake pass o shooting: shoot off either foot, cadence - shoot in stride, camouflage - screen shots and looking off shot, fake shot Tactical Skills: Continue to encourage unstructured play at 10 & Under (Squirt), emphasis should be on competing at the puck, winning one-on-one battles and loose puck races Introduce the four game situation roles; puck carrier, offensive support player, defender at the puck, defender away from the puck Develop basic situational role knowledge and experience in small area game play and specific situational drills Applying core skills in basic hockey decision making situations At 12 & Under basic team systems can be introduced, however the on-ice time spent should be minimal as to continue to take advantage of the skill development window of trainability Introduce elements of coordinated attacks, two-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-two, two-on-three Encourage vocal communication between players both offensively and defensively Reinforcement of ethics and rules (e.g. no hitting from behind) Ancillary Skills: At this stage, participants should understand the importance of warm-up and cool-down, hydration and of the proper fit and use of equipment Off-season participation in 2-3 other sports (soccer, lacrosse, gymnastics, skating, tumbling) is recommended to develop core strength and balance Players should be able to dress themselves in their hockey gear and tighten their own skates at 10 & Under (Squirt) Participants should be learning how to listen to and follow instructions

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Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: Stretching is very important: 10 minutes off-ice then five minutes on-ice Inside and outside edges, ready position power stroke slide and stride sequence, compass drill, forward stopping, control turning, forward crossovers, puck control, shooting. Date: Practice: #1 Level: 12-and-Under (Pee Wee) 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 X Shooting 2 on 2 Breakouts FUN - Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing X Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulization/Cycling Misc. X Goaltending Face-offs Def./Forwards Power Play/Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 10 mins. Stretching off-ice warm-up; neck exercises 5 mins. Moving stretches in lines; legs, back, shoulders, waist, Slow and Easy wrist, ready position, in and outs, S-drill, railroader, hurdler, knee ups, high kick, ostrich 5 mins. Edges: inside, outside, three cone triangle, Big C, six cone Push and Pull rhythm skate, continuous crossovers with long coast 5 mins. Ready position, power stroke, slide and stride sequence push-touch-coast sequence, stopping, control turns, crossover compass 5 mins. Stickhandling - carry puck in shooting position, push puck Go with the flow with top hand for speed, normal striding with puck 10 mins. Yo-yo pull, yo-yo L and reverse L, yo-yo T, compass with puck Heads up, Don't Duck drill 10 mins. Shooting - sweep wrist shot forehand and backhand on boards, shoot backhand close to boards 5 mins. Close to boards pull it back with toe of stick, flip it up 10 mins. Shoot moving - move in from top of circle, shoot, get rebound, Keep feet moving go to forehand or backhand, shoot 5 mins. Shoot moving - move in from top of circle, shoot, get rebound 10 mins. Skate left six feet, skate right six feet, skate left six feet, skate right six feet, then shoot at a spot on boards 10 Practice Plans

Drill Ready Position Drill Ready Position OSTRICH Drill Stickhandle With Puck In Shooting Position A. Skate down full rink with puck in shooting position B. Puck in front of player - push puck with rotation of stick; blade flip-flop C. Stride with puck Practice Plans 11

Drill Buddy Up - Triangle on Stick Moves Head or shoulder fake, change pace go around Slip around, skate other side Slip across from backhand to forehand Slip through legs, go around, fake slip, fake wrist, go to forehand side Fake wrist, fake slap shot, pull to forehand Drill Stick in Air Wrist Roll Stick on ice, wrist roll One hand - top hand - with puck -wrist roll Stepping left to right, right to left, side to side on skates passing to self, sliding puck left to right, right to left Same with puck forward then pull backward Drill Sweep Wrist Shot on Forehand and Backhand Sweep wrist shot both on forehand and backhand 20 feet from boards On side stationary position - shoot backhand, get rebound Pull back, flip, shoot 12 Practice Plans

Drill Yo-Yo Push Puck Out in Front Yo-Yo push puck out in front of you, pull it back with stick toe Same with step out to either side Yo-Yo out - pull back with toe, do reverse L to backhand side, pull across to forehand side and step out Drill Sweepwrist Shot Sweepwrist, get rebound, shoot rebound Sweepwrist shot, get rebound, step out to right six feet, step out to left six feet; do this two times, then shoot SKATE TO BOARDS - SHOOT GET REBOUND Drill Compass With Puck Coach points with stick forward, backward, left, right To get off ice, must shoot puck into empty net Practice Plans 13

Drill Edges One cone - four turns with inside edge of outside foot, then outside edge of inside foot Big C with inside edge of outside foot Natural rhythm skating Continuous crossovers with long balance on outside edge Drill Snow Plow Stop One leg drag stop One foot inside edge, stop and balance, touch heel to heel - point other toe the way you want to go Drill Control Turns 14 Practice Plans

Drill Power Stroke Slide and Stride Sequence Four slides and four strides - if you want to go right, balance on right foot and stop out on four strides LEFT LEFT Drill Forward Crossovers on Circles A. Crossover circle B. Figure 8 crossovers C. Twice around big circles D. Crossovers on gloves Drill Push - Touch - Coast Push - touch - coast Push - touch Push - almost touch Fast Practice Plans 15

Drill The Compass Coach points direction he/she wants players to skate - forward, backward, crossover/left, crossover/right, stepouts Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments 16 Practice Plans

Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments Practice Plans 17

Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: Building a strong foundation in the fundamentals so team play will be easier. Date: Practice: #2 Level: 12-and-Under (Pee Wee) 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 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 X Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulization/Cycling Misc. X Goaltending Face-offs Def./Forwards Power Play/Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 5 mins. Stretching off-ice warm-up including neck exercises 10 mins. 1. Moving stretches on lines: a. easy position in and outs, Slow and constant stretch width of rink; b. drill; c. railroad tracks; d. hurdler, etc. from first practice, knee ups, high kick, skate to blue line, between blue lines slide on knees, slide on backside, slide on stomach, stick, hands, arms out in front, do heads up don t duck drills 10 mins. 2. Skating: a. Big C; b. continuous crossovers; c. push - Keep players focused touch - coast sequence; d. normal strides with good technique - increase tempo from comfortable to very fast, then follow with weight shifting, power slide and stride; e. control turns; f.-g. forward crossovers; h.-l. backward skating; m.-q. mohawking - turn from forward to backward to forward 10 mins. 3. Puckhandling Quickness 10 mins. 4. Shooting Follow through 10 mins. 5. Passing Hit the target 5 mins. 6. Cool down Have fun 18 Practice Plans

Stretching Drills 1A. In ready position - width of rink in and outs 1B. S-drill - throw heel and hip to a straight leg and keep other bent at knee 1C. Railroad tracks weight shifting 1D. Hurdler - stretch leg Skating Drills 2A. Big C 2B. Balance on back leg - step out with front inside edge 2C. Continuous crossovers with coasting 2D. Push - touch - coast sequence Normal stride with good technique - increase tempo from comfortable to very fast - next sequence - weight shifting with power slide and stride CROSSOVERS Drill Skating - Control Turns Control turns around rink Control turns on spots Practice Plans 19

Drill Puckhandling Controlled turn around cone Head or shoulder fake Carry in shooting position Fake wrist or slap shot Drill Puckhandling Two cone crossovers 360 degree circle on two low circle - one big 360 degree circle in middle with crossovers Drill Puckhandling Forward - backward - forward Escape either control turn, pivot or crossovers 20 Practice Plans

Drill Backward Swizzles Inside edges Backward stops - side stop Backward pumps - push and recover Backward crossover on glove Backward crossover - two gloves - Figure 8 Drill Puckhandling Three players with puck stickhandle in circle All players with pucks jam neutral zone Three players with pucks keep away from three players without pucks Drill Mohawking Forward turn backward Backward turn forward Forward - backward - forward Forward - turn hips - point backside backward Always turn to center of circle forward - backward - forward - backward Practice Plans 21

Drill Shooting Shooting forehand and backhand - start 30 feet out, practice carrying in and shooting, then in puckhandling position, then pull to shooting position - pick up rebound Shoot stationary at boards 15 feet out - pull back - rebound - flip it up Puckhandle - shoot - rebound left - right - left - right and shoot Drill Buddy Pass - Forehand and Backhand Pass Two stick lengths away 30 feet away 40 feet away Ten forehand - ten backhand at each distance - quality passes - raise stick when finished Moving buddy passes upon forehand, back on backhand to make 10 good passes Drill 3 on 3 30 second shifts x x x 22 Practice Plans

Drill Flyer Pass Buddy up two lines - 30 feet apart - pucks start on right - three stationary passes, must make good quality passes to top of circle, then can shoot. Player of left then picks up puck, long passes back Switch lines Drill Follow Your Pass Follow your pass Remedial review of basic skill - a goaltender coach should be working with goaltender A B Drill Follow Pass With Walkout A B Goalie movement drills Post to post Around the arc GOALIE DRILLS V-drill X-drill Y-drill Practice Plans 23

Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: Building a strong foundation in the fundamentals so team play will be easier as a team. Date: Practice: #3 Level: 12-and-Under (Pee Wee) 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 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 X Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulization/Cycling Misc. X Goaltending Face-offs Def./Forwards Power Play/Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 10 mins. 1. Skating: a. stationary ready position, b. moving ready Good Form position, c. skating basics, d. moving stretches, e. heads up, don t duck drill 10 mins. 2. a. stationary step and balance, stationary weight shifting, Good strong thrust skating stride; b.-c. power slide and stride moving; d. pushtouch-coast; push-touch; push-almost touch; e. speed; f. same backward; g.-i. agility using one glove or two gloves on ice foreskater to move around; j.-m. all drills for backward to forward, forward to backward mohawking 10 mins. 3. Puckhandling Quickness, eyes up 10 mins. 4. Passing Be a good receiver 10 mins. 5. Puckhandling, shooting Eyes up 10 mins. 6. 3 on 3 in two zones Be competitive 24 Practice Plans

Drill Stationary - Ready Position All players are in a stationary ready position Ready position in and out; S-drill Hurdler Two foot jump at each line Slide on stomach between blue lines - stick, hands, arms out in front, heads up, don t duck Drill Skating Skate back around cone, then go forward, then turn backward in middle Skate backward - step out with escape to forward at middle turn backward Drill Skating Spread out - step out and touch skate to skate, balance inside edge weight shift Stationary power slide: cadence shift weight, push down, push out to full extension then shift weight - push down, push out to full extension Practice Plans 25

Drill Skating Skate forward, turn and skate backward then skate forward Skate forward, backward, forward, backward Skate forward, backward, forward, backward with step out escape Drill Power Stride and Slide Power slide and stride sequence (four slides and four strides) Quality execution to blue line, speed between blue lines Same as above, but backward Drill Puckhandling Freestyle puckhandling all over rink - forward, backward, turns, pivots Forward puckhandling - half rink Forward puckhandling in neutral zone 26 Practice Plans

Drill On Glove Sequence Agility Skating Forward crossovers Backward crossovers Forward - sliding stop - flip hip - point backside - go backward Control turns, forward crossovers backward crossovers, scootering, push-unders Drill Puckhandling Puckhandling over/back Over and back skating while carrying puck 4 times over - back Puckhandling backwards 4 times, return forward Player on player moves-fake shot, pulls, kick puck to stick, etc. - four times then switch Drill Buddy Passes 20 feet, 30 feet, 40 feet passes - forehand and backhand, flip pass Skating forward and backward pass puck back and forth. Forward to middle and backwards to wall Three strides pass, go to end of line and give and go Triangle pass - surround puck pass to forehand Practice Plans 27

Drill Shooting and Puckhandling Head deke - shoulder deke - pull puck around all three cones, shoot on goal and go for rebound Drill Passing Five players: 1 passes to 2, 2 passes to 3, 3 passes to 4, 4 passes to 5 - then all move up to next zone Drill Passing Two zones of 3 on 3 28 Practice Plans

Drill Puckhandling - Shooting Players skate around top of the circle and takes a shot on goal Player crosses over both directions, shoots against boards and gets rebound Two players are 15 feet apart - player one shoots at the top of the circle, player two goes for the rebound. Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments Practice Plans 29

Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: Review skating, puckhandling, passing and shooting. Introduce breakout positioning, basic breakout options. Date: Practice: #4 Level: 12-and-Under (Pee Wee) 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 X Passing/Receiving 2 on 1 Forecheck X Full Ice Modified Games X Shooting 2 on 2 X Breakouts FUN - Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing X Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulization/Cycling Misc. X Goaltending Face-offs Def./Forwards Power Play/Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 5 mins. Off-ice stretching Nice and Easy 10 mins. 1. a. butterfly stretch - Big C crossovers continuous, hurdler, Quality ostrich, in and outs, S-drill, sprints red to blue, sprints blue Focus to blue, quality skating with speed, get out of comfort Control zone; b. forward rhythm skating, push almost touch with good weight shifting; c. backward swizzle; d. backward crossovers; e. backward two crossovers and then three backward crossovers - left then right; f. backward with partner - forward to backward; g. back crossovers then mohawk forward; h. control turn with mohawk; i.-j. control turns; k. two big 360 0 crossovers; l.-n. crossover skating; o. out of zone crossovers; p. peanut crossovers; q. stopping on boards; r. forward to backward race 10 mins. 2. a.-c. puckhandling stationary drills; d. puckhandling war; Heads up e. Olympic puckhandling drill; f. puckhandling against flow; g. puckhandle go to forehand side 10 mins. 3. a.-d. shooting on boards with buddy; e.-g. puckhandling Keep head up through cones; h. different angle approaches to net; i. pretzel with pass; j. pretzel with pass and rebound 10 mins. 4. a. passing six stationary pass - three forehand, three Tape to tape passes backhand; b. board passing; c. 2 on 0 around rink, rob out, board pass, give and go, pass with diagonal pass, return pass, drop pass, escape pass, forward against defense skating, forward against defense passing; d.-j. breakout drills 10 mins. 5. Showdown Fun competition 30 Practice Plans

Drill Formation Stretches Butterfly formation moving stretches Drill Formation Stretches Forward rhythm push-almost-touch Backward swizzle skating Backward crossover skating Backward two or three step crossovers - right then left Drill Formation Stretches Backward with partner - turn to middle - chest to chest - skate forward - inward player is leader Practice Plans 31

Drill Formation Stretches Two big 360 degree circles - near and middle zones Drill Formation Stretches Backward crossover to middle then step forward and skate to boards - continue drill to end Drill Formation Stretches Russian circles - 360 degree - scootering with outside skate and inside edge Push-unders with inside skate - outside edge 32 Practice Plans

Drill Formation Stretches Skate forward, do control turn toward middle - flip hip, go backward to boards then step out with a mohawk Drill Formation Stretches Two big crossovers Drill Control Turns Keep low center of gravity Strong thrusts Practice Plans 33

Drill Crossovers Forward and backward Drill Peanut Crossovers Keep good form Quick feet Good body shifting Drill Puckhandling War One puck - start with face-off then protect puck with keep-away 1 on 1 in circle 34 Practice Plans

Drill Heel to Heel Stepouts Focus on form Keep knees bent Low center of gravity Open up hips and shoulder Drill Olympic Puckhandling Players are in opposite corners with pucks On whistle, three players from each corner with pucks skate into the neutral zone, on each successive whistle, one, two or three go in and shoot on goal Drill Skating Forward point backside - flip hip, backward crossovers, skate forward at hash marks - go backward - race Practice Plans 35

Drill Puckhandling Eyes up, skate half speed, threequarters speed - handling the puck against flow Drill Puckhandling Stationary Figure 8 with puck Skate circles with puck - left to right, right to left, forward to backward, diagonal, yo-yo, full extension forehand then backhand, left to right, right to left fast Drill Puckhandling Player pushes puck one handed to blue line then two hands on stick, go around neutral zone dots, skate in on coach, coach points to player's forehand, player goes to forehand then shoots on goal 36 Practice Plans

Drill Shooting Partner up - four pucks Shoot forehand off pass Shoot forehand with partner tipping Drag puck and shoot Curl and shoot backwards Drill Pretzel With Pass Player skates up and over blueline Receives pass from opposite corner Shoots on goal and gets rebound shot Drill Control Turns Skate up boards and go around all three cones Shoot on goal using wrist shot, backhand shot or snap shot, go for rebound Skate up boards, 360 degree circle, puckhandle on three cones, go through middle, fake to backhand, go to forehand Practice Plans 37

Drill Six Station Pass Start drill in middle Player picks puck up in corner Makes 3 give and go passes and shoots on goal Picks up another puck and gives 3 give and go passes and takes another shot on goal at the other end Drill Zig-Zag Right Angle Zig-zag right angle mohawk on cones then come across far post and shoot Drill Angles Pass Player in corner makes an angle pass off the boards to a player in the neutral zone The player in the neutral zone receives the pass off the boards and shoots on goal 38 Practice Plans

Drill Different Approaches to Net Angle and different approaches to shooting on net Drill 2 on 0 Around Rink Board pass give and go Pass with diagonal return pass, drop pass Escape pass Group in middle practicing drop pass Drill Passing B.O. carry around net and pass to forward Practice Plans 39

Drill Puckhandling Defenseman dumps puck into corner, then retrieves the puck and carries it around the net F1 goes to far B.O. position, F2 goes to near B.O. position, D passes to F2, F1 comes across for board pass Drill Passing The defenseman carries the puck around the net and passes to the forward The forward makes a return pass to the defenseman They skate up the ice 2 on 0 and shoot on goal Drill B.O. Practice Carry around, pass-return-pass, counter, reversing 40 Practice Plans

Drill Passing Defenseman carries puck behind the net to far post, come back to near post and pass to forward Variation counter to near post Drill Passing B.O. stretch pass Player 1 skates towards net with puck and shoots on goal Player 1 then retrieves puck in other corner and makes long pass to Player 2 Run drill on both sides Drill Passing Reverse ring - the defenseman carries the puck behind the net to the far post and brings it back around to the forward Practice Plans 41

Drill Showdown Individual or team Time or not timed Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments 42 Practice Plans

Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments Practice Plans 43

Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: Firm up skating, puckhandling with better speed; Passing and shooting with more speed. Introduce angling for forechecking. Review breakouts, introduce center swing breakout. End with fun competition. Date: Practice: #5 Level: 12-and-Under (Pee Wee) 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 X Passing/Receiving 2 on 1 X Forecheck X Full Ice Modified Games X Shooting 2 on 2 X Breakouts FUN - Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulization/Cycling Misc. X Goaltending 3 on 0 Face-offs Def./Forwards Power Play/Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 10 mins. Off-ice stretch 1. a. butterfly stretch with exercises: hurdler, ostrich, in and outs, S-drill, no lift striding, Big C, continuous crossovers, sprints blue to red, sprints blue to blue - backwards between blues; b. Full 360 degree Figure 8, forward then backward, crossovers; c. Forward-backward turns; d. Figure 8 backward, forward; e. compass forward, backward, heel to heel, right angle mohawk, stepouts left then right; f. rhythm skating around rink - forward, backward swizzles, backward crossovers 10 mins. 2. a. puckhandling - Russian circles with puck, a coach is Concentrate on stationed top of circle and another in middle circle, coach quickness and points to forehand of skater, skater goes to forehand; good puck protection b. coach makes pass out to player at hash marks, player curls with puck out to line up with spots, players make puckhandling moves at two middle spots then goes in to shoot; c. same set-up but puck carrier has a passer at top circle and far side of red line on boards 10 mins. 3. a. pass and shoot - 360 degrees around face-off spot, receives Be a good receiver pass on forehand side and shoots; b. player passes puck across to other boards, follows puck, retrieves puck and goes in and shoots and rebounds; c. alternate sides, pass and shoot; d. 2 on 0 passing with backcheck; e. funnel drill; f. off wing shooting 5 mins. 4. Shooting Hit the net 5 mins. 5. Forechecking Angling and steering 10 mins. 6. Breakouts Tape to Tape 10 mins. 7. 3 on 0 - three puck competition Fun 44 Practice Plans

Drill Butterfly Stretch Hurdler, ostrich, in and outs, S-drill, no lift striding, Big C, continuous crossovers, sprints blue to red, sprints blue to blue - backward between blue lines Drill Figure 8 Full 360 degree Figure 8 - do both forward and backward Forward, backward, forward, backward - turn to spot in middle of circle on whistle Figure 8 backward around circles, turn forward in middle of Figure 8 Drill Skating Compass - skate the direction the coach points with sticks, flip hip, point backside going forward to backward, right angle mohawk step out, going right to left Practice Plans 45

Drill Passing Give and Go Set up passers - one at inside top of circle, another over red lines on boards Player receives pass from coach Player curls out and passes to player at the top of the circle Receives pass back Passes to player at red line Receives pass back and continues in on goal for a shot Drill Skating Rhythm forward skating, weight shift full stride, extension, recovery low position, from E hips Same backward swizzles, backward crossovers Drill Passing Player 1 does crossover, turn around face-off dot then skates to middle - player 2 passes to player 1 - player 1 shoots on goal Player passes puck across the rink and off the boards and retrieves puck, skates in for a shot on goal 46 Practice Plans

Drill Puckhandling Player skates around top of one circle and the bottom of the other circle Coach points to forehand, skater carries puck on forehand Skates in for shot on goal Drill Passing Players alternate passing and receiving Pass to forehand Skate in for shot on goal Alternate passing - both go in 2 on 0 Skate in for shot on goal and stop for rebound Drill Puckhandling Coach makes pass to player at hash marks, player curls out and makes move on dots. Double pull, fake shot or controlled turns Skate in for shot on goal Practice Plans 47

Drill Funnel Start behind red line - puck starts on right - pass before a stride - 2 passes before top circle - shot on goal - look for rebound - backcheck to blue line, 3 passes, then 4 off wing - pass to forehand Off wing pass, shot on goal Drill Puckhandling Each player lines up at blue line with a puck, skates into top of circle, shoots wrist shot, flip hip and skate backward Two puck shooting drill Drill Breakouts Review breakouts - half ice Defenseman carries puck around net and passes to forward at hash marks along the wall Forward skates around center ice circle and skates in 1 on 1 on defenseman 48 Practice Plans

Drill Forechecking Forechecking angle to top of circle through face-off dot, curl to far post, turn through face-off dot to top of circle, turn curl to far post, go to blue line, pick up puck, play 1 on 1 with defense Drill Center Swing Defenseman dumps puck in, D retrieves puck, F swings, picks up puck, skates around net - D & F skate 2 on 0, can alternate both ways Drill Forechecking Angle Angle player at first post Do not chase behind net If play cannot be made at first post skate in front of the net and angle into far corner Practice Plans 49

Drill 3 on 0 Show Down Two groups at once - three pucks on each blue line - three players go from each group Must make three passes (each player must touch puck), continue until goal is score, all three up over blue line - get next puck Drill Forechecking F, D, Coach in mid-zone circle, coach, dumps puck to corner - D skate backward turn forward at top circle and retrieves puck, forward forecheck with C angel, D tries to carry out Coach dumps the puck into the corner, skater retrieves puck, skates behind the net, stops and reverse puck to next player in line Description Notes/Comments 50 Practice Plans

Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments Description Notes/Comments Practice Plans 51

Hockey Practice Plan Objectives: To teach options on offense and improve the passing game. Date: Practice: #6 Level: 12-and-Under (Pee Wee) Skill Work Team Play Systems/Concepts Speed/Games Testing X Skating X 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 Shooting X 2 on 2 Breakouts X FUN - Relay Contests Checking 3 on 1 Entering Attack Zone Skills Testing Agility Work 3 on 2 Triangulization/Cycling Misc. Goaltending X 3 on 0 Face-offs Def./Forwards Power Play/Penalty Kill Time Drill Emphasis 10 mins. Off-ice stretch - neck exercises Slow and Easy 10 mins. 1. On-ice stretches: hurdler, ostrich, in and outs, S-drill, Big C, continuous crossovers, control turns to boards, sprints 5 mins. 2. Heads Up, Don t Duck drills Heads up!! 5 mins. 3. a. around rink backwards: swizzles, stops, crossovers, Agility two pump, three pump, three back crossovers then three swizzles; b. forward rhythm, forward two step, backward, 2 on 0 rob out 10 mins. 4. a. around rink 1 on 0 passing off boards to self; Puck control b. 2 on 0 pass around rink all forehand, all backhand; Puck protection c. 1 on 0 board passing around rink; d. 2 on 0 passing through cones around rink, 2 on 0 backward passing around rink; e. 1 on 1 passing backward around rink; f. 1 on 1 around rink - forward always stays in front of defense; g. 2 on 0 diagonal passing 5 mins. 5. 3 on 0 straight up rink, 3 on 0 weave up rink, 3 on 0 Good flow swing up rink, 3 on 0 deep arc up rink 10 mins. 6. Gapping - 1 on 1, 2 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 2 Control the gap 5 mins. 7. Pom pom with pucks - pom pom without pucks Fun 52 Practice Plans