ADM Kids

Q: What defines age-appropriate hockey-sense training for 12U players?
 
A: We continue to hear from coaches of 12U and older teams who tell us many players are coming to them highly deficient in hockey sense or game awareness. The fact is, too many coaches at the younger age groups (8U and 10U) still prioritize systems and positioning over developing a stronger sense of game awareness or hockey IQ in their players. These coaches tend to favor drills that allow for a more precise “flow” and require a low degree of decision-making, but follow a simple pattern instead. This might produce a cleaner-looking practice or a few more 10U wins, but it doesn’t produce players who, in subsequent years, possess high hockey IQ. Why not? Because the players have been turned into robots rather than creative problem-solvers.
 
As for age-appropriate hockey-sense training at 12U, it’s a perfect time to consistently force players into puck-compete situations combined with a problem-solving element. Coaches shouldn’t provide the answers to the test by telling players to “pass here” and “skate there.” Instead, they should allow players to choose from different hockey options. That’s how true learning occurs, and development of hockey IQ is a byproduct.
 
Drills and small-area games should repetitively put players in an environment where they must make quick decisions as to when and where to move the puck, or perhaps protect the puck instead and buy time for a teammate. This type of training will help players learn the critical hockey concepts of puck support, both offensively and defensively.
 
Game awareness is a critical learned skill and 12U is a great time for coaches to help players excel in this area.