U7 (Mite)
Overview: At the U7 level, the primary focus is on introducing young players to the basics of hockey in a fun and engaging way. Emphasis is placed on developing fundamental skills such as skating, puck handling, and understanding basic game rules. It’s crucial to incorporate the ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) into every practice to build a strong foundation for future development.
U7 Development Sessions: These sessions will include practice plans provided by the club and to assist people new-to-coaching better understand the elements involved with minor hockey coaching. The goal is to provide a development framework which all players are provided an equal opportunity to thrive, and coaches can develop their leadership and practice planning skills as well.
It is NOT mandatory to follow every session plan, adaptions are strongly encouraged to best meet the needs of your players. That being said, we do ask that:
- Before changing a skill station discuss with the other teams’ coaching staff to discuss the best drill replacement or adaption.
- Do your best to ADAPT drills to better suite players needs rather than fully changing the drill. Brainstorming with all other coaches is encouraged.
- Full ice scrimmages – IF you would like to play a game, please use a skill station and set up 3v3.
Timbits Hockey is a proud supporter of youth hockey in Canada, with Tim Hortons as the main sponsor of our U7 division. Although Red Circle Hockey Club is not affiliated with Hockey Canada, we recommend this resource as it aligns well with the developmental needs of players at this age.
Focus Areas:
- Fun and Engagement: Ensure practices are enjoyable and engaging to foster a love for the game.
- Basic Skills: Introduce fundamental skills such as skating, puck handling, and basic game rules.
- Team Play: Encourage teamwork and basic positional play.
Additional Resources: 2024-25 Development Plan
U9
Overview: At the U9 level, players continue to build on the basic skills learned in U7, with a greater emphasis on refining their skating techniques, puck control, and passing. The ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) remain a critical component of every practice to enhance overall athleticism and skill development.
U9 Development Sessions: These sessions will include practice plans provided by the club and to assist people new-to-coaching better understand the elements involved with minor hockey coaching. The goal is to provide a development framework which all players are provided an equal opportunity to thrive, and coaches can develop their leadership and practice planning skills as well.
It is NOT mandatory to follow every session plan, adaptions are strongly encouraged to best meet the needs of your players. That being said, we do ask that:
- Before changing a skill station discuss with the other teams’ coaching staff to discuss the best drill replacement or adaption.
- Do your best to ADAPT drills to better suite players needs rather than fully changing the drill. Brainstorming with all other coaches is encouraged.
- Full ice scrimmages – IF you would like to play a game, please use a skill station and set up 3v3.
Focus Areas:
- Skill Development: Build on basic skills with more emphasis on skating techniques, puck control, and passing.
- Game Understanding: Introduce simple game strategies and positional play.
- Fun and Participation: Maintain a fun environment while encouraging active participation.
Additional Resources: Detailed weekly practice plan
U11
Overview: U11 players are at a stage where they can handle more advanced drills and concepts. The focus is on enhancing skating, shooting, and passing skills while introducing basic offensive and defensive tactics. The ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) should be integrated into every practice to support overall development.
Focus Areas:
- Advanced Skills: Enhance skating, shooting, and passing skills with more complex drills.
- Game Tactics: Introduce basic offensive and defensive tactics.
- Team Play: Emphasize teamwork, communication, and respect for teammates and opponents.
Additional Resources: Detailed weekly practice plan
U13
Overview: At the U13 level, players should focus on refining their individual skills and understanding of the game. Practices should balance fun and discipline, with drills that challenge players to improve their situational awareness, puck handling, and skating abilities. The ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) continue to be essential for overall athletic development.
Focus Areas:
- Fun: Keep practices enjoyable yet disciplined, with drills that are both fun and challenging.
- Skills: Develop individual tactics, situational awareness, puck handling, and skating abilities.
- Team Play: Work on passing, communication, shift length, and respect for other players.
Additional Resources: Detailed weekly practice plan
U15
Overview: U15 players should focus on team play and strategies while reinforcing skills developed in previous years. Introducing more challenging drills and maintaining a fun environment are key. The ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) should be a consistent part of practice to enhance players’ overall abilities.
Focus Areas:
- Team Play: Focus on team strategies and reinforce previous years’ development.
- Advanced Drills: Introduce more challenging drills to enhance skills.
- Communication: Emphasize communication, situational awareness, and respect for others.
- Coordination: Coordinate with other coaches to split the ice effectively for drills.
Additional Resources: Detailed weekly practice plan
U19
Overview: At the U19 level, the focus is on expanding players’ skills and continuing to develop team strategies. With more games than practices, it’s important to reinforce skills and provide constructive feedback. The ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) remain crucial for maintaining and improving overall athletic performance.
Focus Areas:
- Skill Expansion: Continue to develop and expand players’ skills and team strategies.
- Game Focus: With more games than practices, focus on skill reinforcement and constructive feedback.
- Fair Play: Enforce fair play and respect for all players.
- Discipline: Maintain bench discipline and assert your role as the coach.
Additional Resources: Detailed weekly practice plan