Coaches

"FUNdamentals"

Practice Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) like running, swimming or jumping. Also introduce the ABC’s of athleticism:

ABC’s - Agility, Balance & Coordination and Speed.

Focus on flexibility during this stage.

This is the first window for speed training with an emphasis on agility, quickness and change of direction. Less than 5 seconds in duration.

Once a week, prior to or after practice, spend 30 minutes off-ice working on the Fundamental Movement Skills and the ABC’s. This can be done through games and challenging activities. Keep it fun!

Play multiple sports or engage in activities like soccer, running, gymnastics, swimming, skiing or other activities 75% of the time and play hockey the other 25%.

Group players into top 1/3, middle 1/3, beginner 1/3.

30 – 60 players each practice session
2-3 ice touches per week
50 min ice sessions
5 month’s = 20 weeks per season maximum
50 to 60 ice touches per season

Min 16 half-ice games & 34 practices
Max 20 half-ice games & 40 practices
9 to 13 players/team; no fulltime goalies

"Learning to Train"

Optimal window for motor coordination

Learning Fundamental Sports Skills like: throwing, striking, kicking, dribbling, etc.

Twice a week, prior to practice, spend 30 minutes off-ice working on the Fundamental Movement Skills
Focus on athleticism (ABC’s) and hockey skills

Practicing small area games will lead to better decision-making skills

Divide players into two halves: top ½, bottom ½

Play multiple sports or engage in activities like soccer, running, gymnastics, swimming, skiing or other activities 50% of the time, engage in fitness through other sports 25% of the time and play hockey the other 25%.

20 – 50 players per practice session
3 - 4 ice touches per week
60 min ice sessions
6 - 7 month training and competition calendar = 24 – 28 weeks
95 to 100 ice touches (70/30 practice to game ratio)

75 to 80 practices 20 to 25 games intro of formal full-ice games
10-12 skaters & 1 goalie per team
Increases puck touches / participation/ development

"Learning To Train"

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
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
Focus on athleticism (ABC’s) and hockey skills

All levels should receive same number of ice sessions / touches

Play multiple sports or 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
60 min ice sessions
7-month training and competition calendar
105 to 120 ice touches (70/30 ratio)

80 to 90 practices
2-3 teams per = 30 - 45 players
30 to 35 games
Local geographic area

15 skaters & 2 goalies per team

"Training to Train"

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)
Develop anaerobic lactic power and capacity

Optimal window for strength
12 – 18 months after Peak Height Velocity

Play hockey 40% of the time, play multiple sports or engage in activities like soccer, running, gymnastics, swimming, skiing or other activities 25% of the time and engage in fitness through other sports (like lacrosse, baseball, golf, track and field, etc.) 35%.

18 – 36 players per practice session
3 – 4 ice touches per week
60 – 80 minutes per session
120 total ice touches
7 – 8 month training and competition calendar
Off-ice training as appropriate to each individual’s stage of development
80 - 85 practices
1-2 teams per session

35 – 45 games
16 skaters and 2 goalies per team

"Training to Train"

Building the “engine” and consolidating sports skills

Optimal training window for speed (second speed window)
Develop anaerobic lactic power & capacity

Optimal training window for “Strength”
12 – 18 months after Peak Height Velocity

Play hockey 40% of the time, play multiple sports or engage in activities like soccer, running, gymnastics, swimming, skiing or other activities 25% of the time and engage in fitness through other sports (like lacrosse, baseball, golf, track and field, etc.) 35%.

18 – 36 players per practice session
3 – 4 ice touches per week
60 to 80 minutes per session
120 total ice touches
7 – 8 month training and competition calendar
Off-ice training as appropriate to each individual’s stage of development

80 - 85 practices
1-2 teams per session

35 to 45 games
16 skaters and 2 goalies per team

"Learning to Compete"

Optimizing the “engine” and refining sport skills

Monitor development of endurance, strength and speed

Monitor fitness – endurance, core strength, and flexibility

Continuation of Speed Window #2 for Boys early in stage

Strength Window for boys is 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 20% of the time and engage in fitness through other sports (like lacrosse, baseball, golf, track and field, etc.) 35%.

20 – 40 players per practice session
3 – 4 ice touches per week
60 – 80 minutes per session
7 – 8 months training and competition calendar
125 total ice touches
Off-ice training as appropriate to each individual’s stage of development

80 - 85 practices
40 - 50 games
18 skaters and 2 goalies per team