Youth Hockey – Skill Progressions 10 and Under

Youth hockey players at the 10 and under level, commonly referred to as the Squirt level, should focus on skill progressions as defined in this guideline.

Rules - Hockey players at this age level should be made aware of the hockey rules and knows them prior to game play.

• Face-offs
  Offside
  Icing
  Checking from behind
  

They should know the following Common Infractions

• Unsportsmanlike conduct
  Body checking
  Checking from behind
  Cross checking
  Charging
  Elbowing
  Falling on the puck
  High sticking
  Holding
  Hooking
  Interference
  Tripping

As well as the following Penalties

• Minor
  Major
  Match

In addition to the above players must learn and master the following individual hockey skills.

Skateing

• Edge control
  Ready position
  Forward start
  Forward start right/left
  Forward stride
  Control stop
  One-foot stop
  Backward skating
  Backward stop
  Control turn
  Forward crossover
  Backward Crossover
  Mohawk
  Lateral Skating

Puck Control:

• Lateral side-to-side dribble
  Forward-to-backward dribble
  Diagonal dribble
  Attacking the triangle
  Forehand shift
  Backhand shift
  Accelerating with the puck
  Change of pace
  Puck protection
  Give and take

Passing and Receiving:

• Forehand
  Backhand
  Flip-saucer pass (forehand and backhand)
  Receiving (stick)
  Receiving (skate)
  Indirect (board) pass

Shooting:

• Wrist
  Backhand
  Flip
  Screen and deflection
  Rebounding

Checking

• Poke Check
  Hook Check
  Lift the stick check
  Covering
  Gap control concept
  Body positioning-angling

Goalkeeping:

• Basic stance
  Parallel shuffle
  Lateral t-glide
  Forward and backward moves
  Stick saves
  Body saves
  Glove saves
  Leg saves
  Stacking pads
  “V” drop
  Rebounds

Youth hockey players 10 and under should understand and learn to following team play guidelines.

Offense:

• Positional offense
  Offense in the offensive zone
  Offense in the defensive zone
  Face-offs
  One-on-one confrontations
  Triangle offense
  Box offense
  Entering the zone

Defense:

• Territorial defense
  One-man forechecking
  Two-man forechecking
  Backchecking principles
  Basic defensive zone coverage

A coach should teach these players about the importance of hydration before, during, and after practices and games. Eating and nutrition habits before game play. Additionally, fitness and training are important for young hockey players. The players should learn different exercises like, warm-up, cool down, stretching, flexibility, agility, eye hand coordination, fun games, balance activities, jump rope, and relays. This should also cover injury prevention advice. How to properly care for equipment, proper fitting of equipment, rink safety, practice safety precautions, and the importance of warm-up, and stretching exercises.

Youth hockey players should also be taught to understand the difference between being relaxed and tense as well as understanding the mistakes happen and are a part of sports, learning from the mistake is necessary to a successful player. As well as understanding the benefits and use of positive reinforcement.

At this age, players should learn character development and life skills. They should be taught that they are to demonstrate high levels of sportsmanship. They most respect their teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, and parents. As well as, time management of being on time for games and practices as well as balancing school and activities. It should be repeated to stay away and say No to drugs.

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