1. 14U Bantam Hockey 2016 – 17

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. Windows of Trainability
Throughout the entire phase, the speed, stamina, and strength windows of trainability 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.

7. Biological vs. Chronological age

8. 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 to track and determine PHV
Monitoring PHV is critical because athletes will experience their major growth spurt during this stage

9. Train to Train
For girls, this stage covers the ages of 11 – 15; for boys, the age range is 12 – 16.
Building the “Engine” and consolidating sports skills
Optimal window for stamina/endurance (12-13 years)
Critical window to aerobic training begins with onset of PHV
Optimal training window for speed 2 (13-16 years)
Anaerobic lactic power and capacity; linear, lateral, multi-directional, chaotic speed, 5-20 seconds
Optimal window for strength
12-18 months after PHV

10. Train to Train Start to specialize in hockey towards end of stage
Develop strong technical skills
Consider growth spurt programming: possible decrease in coordination may be expected during growth spurt
Monitor and train flexibility given rapid growth of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles

11. Hockey Specific Development
Four game situational roles
Puck carrier
Offensive support player
Defender at the puck
Defender away from the puck
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.

12. Hockey Specific Development
Critical sports specific skills development
More realistic game pressures for application for core skills to develop decision making
Competition used to reinforce learning and refining technique, not performance (process driven, NOT outcome driven)
Continued assessment for selection
Example: 15U, 16U, 17U Regional and National camps

13. Body Contact and Checking
Teach proper technique for receiving and giving checks
Critical to build confidence

14. Psychological Objectives
Motor issues continue to be adopted in cocahing practice
Players exposed to more complex decision making situations
Continuing education on mental preparation
Developing appropriate attitudes for competition
‘being the best you can be’ but NOT ‘winning at all costs’

15. Lifestyle Objectives
Develop understanding of good lifestyle habits, nutrition, hydration and recovery
Introduction of individual management
Parental education and involvement in lifestyle management (nutrition etc)

16. 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