When you want to let your child into play hockey, where they are placed will greatly depend on their age. Most anyone will recommend starting your child in the game of hockey at an early age. This article and the next few will outline the skills learned at each level. These outlines are obtained from www.usahockey.com, the governing body for youth hockey within the United States.

The 8 and Under level should work on the following areas:

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

Offsides
Icing

They should know the following common infractions.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Body Checking
Cross Checking
Checking from behind
Holding
High Sticking
Tripping

As well as the following Penalties. 

Minor
Major
 

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

Skating:

Edge control
Ready position
Forward start
Forward stride
Control stop
Backward skating
Backward stop
Control turn
Forward crossover

Puck Control:

Lateral dribble
Forward-to-backward dribble
Diagonal dribble
Attacking the triangle
Forehand shift
Accelerating with the puck

Passing and Receiving:

Forehand
Backhand
Receiving
Eye contact

Shooting:

Wrist
Backhand

Checking

Poke Check
Hook Check
Lift the stick check

Goalkeeping:

Basic stance
Parallel shuffle
Lateral t-glide
Forward and backward moves

Youth hockey players 8 and under should understand and learn to following team play guidelines.

Offense:

Positional offense
Offense in the offensive zone
Offense in the defensive zone
 

Defense:

Territorial defense
One-man forechecking
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 and relays. This should also cover injury prevention advice.

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.

At this age, players should learn character development and life skills. They should be taught that they are a part of a team. They most respect their teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, and parents. A youth hockey player has team rules and is expected to abide by them. A player should display self-control and discipline and always try their best.