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8U Q-and-A: What offseason sports are best?

06/16/2015, 4:00pm MDT
By Ken Martel, ADM Technical Director

Q: I know USA Hockey recommends that my child play some other sports in the offseason, but do they recommend anything specifically?
 
A: All sports will have some value in expanding a child’s athleticism and movement skills at 8U, however there are a few activities that really pay big dividends.

The first one would be getting your child involved in gymnastics. It's the best activity to develop a wide range of movement skills, body awareness, strength and coordination. This is going to help your child in every other sport they play.

The second is to have your child take swim lessons. In addition to the basic water-safety aspect, swimming is an ambidextrous activity that will develop the whole body. And kids usually just love to swim!


The author, Ken Martel, coached collegiately at Air Force and Michigan Tech while also helping guide numerous U.S. National Teams. As a player, he skated four seasons at Lake Superior State, winning an NCAA championship in 1988.

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