According to Hockey Canada, “one efficient practice will give a player more skill development than 11 games collectively.” And a basic premise of USA Hockey's American Development Model is to make wise use of the ice time available to our players. At 10U, this is the Golden age of Skill Development, so in a quality practice, expect to see:
- Individual skill work done in a high-activity, high-engagement environment.
- Plenty of repetitions for efficiently refining a player's technical skills. Station-based practices are one of the best ways to provide a high number of reps and efficient skill development.
- Skill development with an increasing degree of complexity and decision-making.
- Game situational play through small-area games to teach the skills, concepts and tactics of ice hockey, along with the ability to make quicker decisions.