Youth hockey players at the 12 and under level, commonly referred to as the Pee Wee 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
  Body checking
  Checking from behind

They should know the following Common Infractions

• Boarding
  Cross checking
  Charging
  Elbowing
  Holding
  Kneeing
  Falling on the puck
  High sticking
  Hooking
  Interference
  Slashing
  Tripping

As well as the following Penalties

• Minor
  Major
  Match
  Misconduct
  Penalty shot
  Checking from behind

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

Skating:

• Edge control
  Ready position
  Forward start
  Forward start right/left
  Forward stride
  One-foot stop
  Backward skating
  Forward crossover
  Backward Crossover
  Mohawk
  Lateral Skating
  Backward crossunder start
  Backward two-skate stop
  Backward power stops (one skate)

Puck Control:

• Forehand shift
  Backhand shift
  Change of pace
  Slip through
  Slip across
  Puck off the boards
  Puck protection
  Give and take
  Backward puck control

Passing and Receiving:

• Forehand
  Backhand
  Snap
  Flip-saucer pass (forehand and backhand)
  Receiving (stick)
  Receiving (skate)
  Receiving (hand)
  Surround the puck
  One-touch pass
  Indirect (board) pass
  Wrap around
  Breakout
  Alley-oop

Shooting:

• Wrist
  Backhand
  Snap
  Flip
  Slap
  Fake shot
  Rebounding
  Tipping

Checking

• Poke Check
  Hook Check
  Stick press
  Lift the stick check
  Covering
  Receiving a check
  Shoulder check
  Gap control
  Angling – steering - deflecting

Goalkeeping:

• Parallel shuffle
  Lateral t-glide
  Forward and backward moves
  Skate saves
  Glove saves
  Leg saves
  Stacking save
  “V” drop
  Rebounds
  Playing the angles
  Situations

Youth hockey players 12 and under should understand and learn to following team play guidelines.

Offense:

• Offense in the offensive zone
  Offense in the neutral zone
  Offense in the defensive zone
  Power play systems
  Face-offs
  One-on-one confrontations
  Two-on-one confrontations
  Entering the zone

Defense:

• Territorial defense
  One-man forechecking
  Two-man forechecking
  Backchecking
  Center-on-point defensive coverage
  Wings-on-point defensive coverage
  Man-short situations
  One-on-on confrontations
  Shot blocking

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, light calisthenics, quickness, flexibility, agility, eye hand coordination, team games, balance activities, sprint workouts, relays and obstacle course, upper body strength and dryland skill development. 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 benefits and use of positive reinforcement, positive talk and basic visualization skills.

At this age, players should learn character development and life skills. They should be taught that they are to take responsibility of their performance and actions in all situations. They must 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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