12U Peewee Hockey 2016 – 17

Objectives: AJH Mission and Goals Mission: Developing youth into young men and women with strong character through the sport of hockey. Goals 1: Players perform at their highest intellectual, physical, and emotional capacity in the rink, and that performance positively impacts their character and life off the ice Goal 2: Coaches are widely reputed as being dedicated, aligned/consistent, skilled and effective in both technical hockey and youth character development Goal 3: AJH makes hockey in valley welcoming, pervasive and accessible to all who have an interest in playing

AJH Player Development Instead of focusing on immediate results, AJH is committed to a long term approach – “Long Term Athletic Development” LTAD is a process that is firmly focused on the physical and psychological growth of participants. LTAD defines different stages of player development throughout childhood and adolescence.

8 STAGES of LTAD (Ice Hockey) Active Start 0-6 FUNdamentals 8 and Under Mites 6 and Under Active Start Stage - FUNdamental movement skills FUNdamental Stage - Developing ABC’s Learning to Train - Learning fundamental sports skills Training to Train - Building the "engine“ & consolidate sports skills Learn to Compete - Optimizing "engine" and refine sport skills Training to Compete - Optimizing "engine" and refine sport skills and performance Training to Win - Maximizing "engine“, skills and performance Hockey for Life Learning to Train 12 and Under Peewee 10 and Under Squirt Training to Train 16 and Under Midgets 14 and Under Bantams Learning to Compete 18 and Under Midgets Training to Compete Junior, NCAA Training to Win 19+ Junior, NCAA, NHL Hockey for Life

Learn to Train For girls, this stage covers the ages of 8 – 11; for boys, the age range is 9 – 12. Participants are ready to acquire the specific skills necessary to excel in hockey. This is the period of accelerated learning for coordination and fine motor control. It is the critical stage for the acquisition of hockey skills Arguably the most important stage in athletic preparation.

Windows of Trainability Throughout the entire phase, the skills window of trainability is open The central nervous system and body are at a crucial point to acquire specific skills. By teaching correct training strategies at the appropriate time, player development is maximized. This window relates to tracking the physical development of each athlete, which is critical to identify and apply the appropriate training methods.

Peak Height Velocity PHV refers to the point in which the rate of a player’s physical growth is the greatest. Training both on and off the ice is structured with the concept of PHV as a guide to differentiate and individualize instruction. Monitoring growth occurs regularly during this stage by measuring height every 6 weeks

Hockey Specific Development Technical development is the forefront of instruction. Emphasis is placed on teaching and continuously refining proper skating and puck control skills with a clear and underlying focus on technical execution: Learning and refining edge control skills for balance and coordination Skating agility skills without the puck Refined skating skills with puck control skills (multi-tasking) Attacking skills (one-on-one, two-on-one, one-on-two or more defenders)

Hockey Specific Development As skill is acquired and mastered, speed with skill will be heavily emphasized Body checking skills are introduced at 12U, including the ability to deliver a check and receive a check. Offensive puck protection, support, and deception skills are delivered through many forms of instruction. Skating: change of pace, change of direction, spins Puck control: fakes and dekes on a goalie Passing: look off pass receiver, fake pass Shooting: shoot off either foot, cadence – shoot in stride, camouflage – screen shots looking off a shot, fake shot

Hockey Specific Development Systems play will be incorporated into drills and small area games, and are part of a comprehensive classroom education program Elements of coordinated attacks are taught and practiced throughout this stage, including two-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-two, two-on-three. Vocal communication and teamwork is the cornerstone and a fundamental requirement for AJH.

Hockey Specific Development On and off ice activities will be structured to improve rhythm and coordination, spatial awareness, reaction time, balance, and agility Explosive strength is introduced, and general lower body and core strength is incorporated into on-ice and off-ice activities. Throughout the stage, players will develop and continuously improve strength, endurance, and speed. Proper technical skill acquisition will dominate all instruction

Measuring and Tracking Success Player Evaluations (files) Assessment of skill attainment and improvement (pre-mid-end) Off ice athletic evaluation (pre-mid, end of season) Skating stride video analysis (pre and post season) Coaches Evaluations Formal (pre, mid, end of season) Informal Constant assessment of organization and execution Coaching education is the key to providing the most for our players. Aspen Junior Hockey Coaches Corner