Hockey Development Guides
Here you will find the Development Guides for Mini-Mite (4 yrs) through Advanced Mite II (9 yrs) programs. These documents are meant to be a "roadmap" for development, as defined and supported by USA Hockey's Lesson Plans A-D. Please remember that each player is unique and the each team's development may not adhere directly to these guides. These are meant to be a roadmap (a reference point) to support the proper development of your team.
Rookie Development Plan (5 yrs. old)
General Format of Practices:
Every weekend in Rookie Mites should be focused around basic skating technique (T-Push, V-Start, Stopping, Edges, Backward skating)
- 5 minutes warm-up & stretch – alternate between Clockwise and Counter Clockwise direction
- 15 minutes full-ice drills (6 lines – 3 each side of net) or (all kids along boards, side to side)
- 25 minutes Lesson Plan Material and/or stations (include 1 “fun station”)
- 10 minutes other material designated by head coaches
- 5 minutes free/fun time at the end of practice
IIHF Learn to Play Program
Skating Skills & Skill of the Week from USA Hockey
Shooting & Passing
50 Ways to Score More Goals
Goalie Drills & Video
Goalies should not be shut out from coaching
Hockey Skills
Articles & Resources