Coaching Information
"Never lose sight that we coach for the players ~ not for the parents or for ourselves." Dennis Freed
Coaching Resources
Our friends in Minnesota have compiled perhaps the best Youth Hockey resources on the web ... all in one place.
Fun is the Winner Article
Link to Toronto Sun Article about youth hockey.
Small Area Games for FUN Practices
Small area games are all the rage in youth hockey. For good reason as they develop game skills and are FUN! This free printable guide is an excellent resource.
Game by game stats
Hey coach -- what is your team's record? Use this document to make your record more than about only wins and losses.
EYHA Shot Chart
A great way for peewee and above coaches to track player shots and help players understand the importance of shooting angles and protecting the net.
Rink Zones
Ever tell a player to, "go up the boards, through the red zone and break for the slot...." only to have them look even more confused. This diagram shows Rink Zones by their common names.
Hockey Positions Diagram
A coach's plea for players to "play their POSITION" can fall on deaf ears if the players do not understand the basics of each position. This diagram shows common areas covered by each position.
Developmental Characteristics of Youth: Implications for Coaches
As coaches prepare to work with kids around the experiential learning process (playing hockey), they must consider the age group involved and tailor the steps of the experiential learning process accordingly.
They must utilize teaching and learning strategies consistent with the developmental characteristics of their learners.
Since our levels (mites, squirts, etc) are by age group characteristics of the age groups involved should dictate appropriate and effective coaching and teaching strategies to use.
Developmental research (from the University of California) suggests that certain types of learning activities are best suited for certain children's capabilities.
At the coaches meeting each coach was given developmental infomation about the players on their team. The work is educational and intended for teachers -- but is it echoed by USA Hockey's ACE Program. Introducing players to concepts and skills when they are ready for them is important. There are links below to helpful resources and suggestions for each age group. [Source: Univ. of California]
