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.

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Rookie Mites

Rookie Development Plan (5 yrs. old)

USA Hockey Lesson Manual A

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

Int. Mites

Intermediate Development Plan (6 yrs. old)

USA Hockey Lesson Manual B

General Format of Practices:
Every weekend in Intermediate Mites should be focused on basic skating technique (Proper and full extension stride, V-Start, Stopping, Edges, cross-overs, and backward skating). As a general rule, the following format for practice should be followed:

• 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
• Every other practice (minimum) should incorporate Technical Skating
• 10 minutes other material designated by head coaches (emphasize backward skating)
• 5 minutes free/fun time at the end of practice

Adv. Mites I

Advanced Level I Development Plan (7 yrs. old)

USA Hockey Lesson Manual C

General Format of Practices:

• 15 Minutes of Full Ice Drills
• 20-30 Minutes of Lesson Plan Material
• 10-20 Minutes of Coaches Plan / Wayzata Development Goals
• 5 Minutes of Free Time at the end of practice
• If Possible have a goalie dressed for practices as of December 1st

Adv. Mites II

Advanced Level II Development Plan (8 yrs. old)

USA Hockey Lesson Manual D

General Format of Practices:

• Always have a goalie dressed for ALL practices
• 15 Minutes of Full Ice Drills
• 20-30 Minutes of Lesson Plan Material
• 10-20 Minutes of Coaches Plan / Wayzata Development Goals
• 5 Minutes of Free Time at the end of practice

Mini Mites

General Format of Practices:

Every weekend in Mini Mites (4 yrs. old) should be focused around basic skating technique & Fun, Fun, Fun!
You are working with brand new skaters and need to work on making the experience enjoyable - first and foremost.

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IIHF Learn to Play Program

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Skating Skills & Skill of the Week from USA Hockey

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Shooting & Passing

50 Ways to Score More Goals

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Goalie Drills & Video

Goalies should not be shut out from coaching

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Hockey Skills

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Articles & Resources

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