Youth Hockey – Skill Progressions 16 and Under and 18 and under.

Youth hockey players at the 16 and under level and 18 and under level, commonly referred to as the Midget 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
  Checking
  Offside
  Body checking
  Player conduct
  Hitting from behind

They should know the following Common Infractions

• Cross checkingElbowingBoardingHoldingChargingKneeing
  Falling on the puckHigh sticking
  Hooking
  Interference
  Slashing
  Checking from behind
  Holding the stick
  Unsportsmanlike conduct

As well as the following Penalties

• Minor
  Major
  Match
  Misconduct
  Penalty shot
  Order how combined penalties are served
  Fighting
  Attempt to injure

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

Skating:

• Quickness
  Speed
  Agility
  Power
  Forward reverse stepout

Puck Control:

• Change of pace
  Slip around
  Grandstand
  Double Shift
  Fake shot
  Spin around
  Stop and go
  Puck protection

Passing and Receiving:

• Flip-saucer passes (forehand and backhand)
  Receiving (skate)
  Receiving (hand)
  Block and drop
  Surround the puck
  One-touch pass
  Snap
  Wrap around
  Breakout
  Alley-oop

Shooting:

• Wrist
  Backhand
  Snap
  Flip
  Slap
  One-timer
  Inside shot
  Drive shot
  Roofing

Checking

• Covering
  Shoulder check
  Angling
  Taking a check
  Hip check
  Body check
  Positioning
  Block check
  Contain/stall
  Body position
  Pinning
  Roll check
  Backchecking
  Closing the gap

Goalkeeping:

• Playing the angles
  Situations
  Rebound control
  Moving behind the net
  Stopping the puck along the boards
  Poke checking
  Positioning
  Face-Offs
  Deflection and screens
  Play at the post
  Clearing/passing

Youth hockey players 16 & 18 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
  Transition
  Support
  Puck control
  Dump ins
  Wide rim
  Cycling
  Attacking the zone

Defense:

• One-man forecheck
  Two-man forecheck
  Backchecking (neutral zone)
  Center-on-point defensive coverage
  Wings-on-point defensive coverage
  Man-short situations
  Pressure
  Stall/contain
  Support
  Transition
  Zone coverage
  Man to man coverage
  Backside coverage
  Sagging coverage
  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, overloading principles, flexibility, speed, strength, aerobic, anaerobic, off-ice skill development, setting goals to improve weaknesses, and improving athleticism. This should also cover injury prevention advice, post season recovery, spring condition, summer strength, early fall speed/power, pre-season anaerobic conditioning and in season training.

Youth hockey players should also be taught to understand the benefits and use of positive reinforcement, positive talk and basic visualization skills, develop a pre-game and post game routines, relaxation exercises, maintaining self control, and giving 100 percent effort at all times .

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. They should also be prepared to deal with peer pressure, develop a sense of team commitment, and dealing with adversity.

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