Additional Resources and Tips for Each Division
U7
Overview: At the U7 level, the focus is on introducing young players to hockey in a fun and engaging way. Emphasis is placed on developing fundamental skills such as skating, puck handling, and understanding basic game rules. Coaches are encouraged to integrate the ABCs—Agility, Balance, and Coordination—into every practice to build a strong foundation.
U7 Development Sessions: Practice plans will be provided by the club to assist new coaches in understanding the elements of minor hockey. These plans offer a development framework that gives all players equal opportunity to thrive while helping coaches grow in leadership and practice planning.
While it's not mandatory to follow each plan exactly, we ask that coaches:
- Discuss any skill station changes with other coaching staff to ensure effective drill substitutions or adaptations.
- Adapt drills to better meet player needs, rather than replacing them entirely. Collaboration with fellow coaches is encouraged.
- If organizing a scrimmage, please use a skill station and set up a 3v3 game.
Timbits Hockey proudly supports youth hockey in Canada, with Tim Hortons as the primary sponsor of our U7 division. Although Red Circle Hockey Club is not affiliated with Hockey Canada, their resources align well with the developmental goals for this age group.
Focus Areas:
- Fun and Engagement: Make practices enjoyable to build love for the game.
- Basic Skills: Introduce core skills like skating, puck handling, and rules.
- Team Play: Promote teamwork and early positional play.
Additional Resources: 2024–25 Development Plan
U9
Overview: U9 players continue to build on foundational skills, with increased focus on refining skating, puck control, and passing. The ABCs remain an essential part of each session.
U9 Development Sessions: Practice plans will help new coaches understand the structure and objectives of minor hockey coaching. The framework ensures fairness for all players and supports coach development.
As with U7, plans may be adapted as needed. However:
- Discuss any drill changes with other coaching staff before making adjustments.
- Adapt drills when necessary instead of replacing them entirely. Coach collaboration is key.
- If organizing a scrimmage, please use a skill station and set up a 3v3 game.
Focus Areas:
- Skill Development: Further develop skating, puck control, and passing.
- Game Understanding: Begin teaching simple game strategies and positions.
- Fun and Participation: Keep a positive environment that encourages all players to engage.
Additional Resources: Detailed weekly practice plan
U11
Overview: At this stage, players are ready for more advanced drills. Focus shifts to improving skating, shooting, and passing while introducing offensive and defensive tactics. ABCs should remain a part of each practice.
Focus Areas:
- Advanced Skills: Use complex drills to improve core hockey techniques.
- Game Tactics: Begin structured tactical learning in offense and defense.
- Team Play: Encourage teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship.
Additional Resources: Detailed weekly practice plan
U13
Overview: U13 players should focus on refining individual skills and understanding team concepts. Practices should be a balance of fun and discipline, with drills that enhance awareness, control, and skating.
Focus Areas:
- Fun: Keep practices enjoyable while increasing structure and challenge.
- Skills: Improve tactical awareness, puck control, and skating ability.
- Team Play: Emphasize communication, passing, and respectful team interactions.
Additional Resources: Detailed weekly practice plan
U15
Overview: Players at this level continue building on their skills while learning team strategies. Drills should be more challenging but still enjoyable, with a focus on strategic play and physical development.
Focus Areas:
- Team Play: Deepen understanding of team strategies and structure.
- Advanced Drills: Challenge players with higher-level drills.
- Communication: Build on communication and awareness on the ice.
- Coordination: Coordinate with coaches to effectively divide and use ice time.
Additional Resources: Detailed weekly practice plan
U19
Overview: At the U19 level, players focus on refining and applying team strategies. With more games than practices, it's critical to reinforce skills and offer constructive feedback. ABCs remain key for ongoing performance.
Focus Areas:
- Skill Expansion: Continue advancing individual and team skills.
- Game Focus: Reinforce skills through game play and feedback.
- Fair Play: Encourage sportsmanship and respect for all participants.
- Discipline: Reinforce bench conduct and the coach's role as a leader.
Additional Resources: Detailed weekly practice plan