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Associations FAQ

Have there been similar programs to the ADM in other sports?
es, LTAD principles are being utilized by over 100 different sport federations and government health ministries from countries around the globe and LTAD principles have been used in successful hockey playing nations like Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic with very positive results. 

If this is funded by the NHL and promoted by USA Hockey, why is a lot of the ADM focused on non-hockey activities?
The ADM wants to make coaches aware of what is most important at each stage of a child’s athletic development. We only have so much time with the kids so we need to be efficient and give them what they need most at each stage. This can optimize player development and limit coaches’ frustrations in attempting to teach what kids are least receptive to. 

My teams are consistent winners. Why should I implement the ADM?
Most coaches can make sacrifices in development and gain wins in the short run. But it could end up being detrimental to a kid somewhere down the line. It’s always great to win, but at the same time, we need to be more careful with how we develop kids. If you’ve been doing something that’s netted you wins, then we’d still encourage you to implement part of this program so down the line, you’ll see the same kids you coached playing in the NHL.