Squirts & Pee Wees

Enjoyment and recreational benefits are the majorfocus of new guidelines for youth hockey issued by the Board of Directors, USA Hockey. More than eighty percent (80%) of 18,000 registered teams play in the classification of Mites, Squirts, Pee Wee, Bantams, and Midgets. Hockey to emphasize the educational and recreational values of ice hockey.

The USA Hockey recommended guidelines for youth hockey encourage a non-competitive environment in which children and youth can learn the basic skills without the distractions that are often associated with an overemphasis on winning.

Mastery of the fundamental skills and the fun of playing are essential to the development of a lifelong interest in hockey. Programs must be conducted to accommodate the number of new players who wish to play hockey and to reduce the number who become disenchanted and drop out. These voluntary guidelines are directed at children's programs, but they must be implemented by adults if they are to influence youth hockey programs. Coaches, parents, administrators, and rink operators must all do their part to ensure that the USA Hockey philosophy and the following guidelines are upheld.

COACH:

Your impression upon these youngsters is profound. How they relate to the game of hockey depends upon you. Your role is vital and heavy with responsibility.

• In his actions and attitudes helps to shape the youngster's views
• At times, plays a more important role than the child's parents
• Is a teacher
• Is a leader

COACH'S CODE OF CONDUCT:

• Hockey is fun
• Honest representation, skills should decide final outcome of games
• Opponents are to be respected and complimented
• Rules and regulations are to be viewed as mutual agreement in spirit and trust
• Officials are to be viewed as honest arbitrators
• Winning is a consideration, but not the only one,nor the most important one
• Set a good example of behavior
• Hockey is fun for all to enjoy

TEACH PLAYERS TO:

• Play for the love of the game
• Respect your opponent
• Work for the good of the team
• Accept the officials' decisions and respect their judgment
• Play within the rules of the game
• Be generous in victory and graceful in defeat
• Always conduct yourself with honor and pride
• To win the game is greater
• To LOVE the game is greatest

PUBLICATIONS

• USA Hockey Coaching Youth Ice Hockey
• USA Hockey Coach's Drill Book
• USA Hockey Associate Manual
• USA Hockey Intermediate Manual
• Coaching Youth Athletes
• USA Hockey Coaches Fun Drill Book
• USA Hockey Coaches Powerskating Handbook
• USA Hockey Coaches Goalkeeping Handbook
• USA Hockey Coaches Puck Control Handbook
• USA Hockey Coaches Checking Handbook
• Attack & Defense in Ice Hockey
• Volunteer Brochure
• Parent's Introduction to Youth Hockey
• Parent/Coach Relationship
• Mite Book

FILMS

• Fundamentals of Goalkeeping Part | & |1
• Fundamentals of Powerskating
• Advanced Powerskating
• Puck Control
• Passing & Receiving
• Checking
• Shooting
• Training for Conditioning in Youth Ice Hockey
• Offensive Team Play
• Defensive Team Play

CLINICS

All coaches should make every effort to enroll in the USA Hockey Coaching Achievement Program. Information may be obtained from your District Coaching Program Director.

FIRST - AID

Coaches should also make every effort to enroll in a basic first-aid course. Contact your local Red Cross for information.

ON-ICE TRAINING

• One hour practice

 Prepare interesting and challenging practice sessions. Utilize all the variables within e a c h time allotment, i.e. - backward skating, turning, etc., within the skating time allotment.

Off-Ice Training

• Only for those who wish to participate
• Stress flexibility at all ages
• Encourage players to participate in all sports
• Develop qualities important to hockey

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

• Daily physical education
• Stress proper posture
• Include games and activities that involve physical contact and rough and tumble play in a safe and organized environment
• Stress agility, quickness, balance, coordination and dexterity
• Encourage the youngsters to participate in school activities and other sports
• Flexibility drills
• Alternate work and rest periods. Youngsters are easily fatigued

PSYCHOLOGICAL PREPARATION

• By seeking alignment with peer groups, team loyalty develops. These youngsters need the coach's approval and encouragement
• Help the players develop self-reliance and independence
• Build confidence
• Stress group participation and sharing, but be aware of the individual needs of the youngster
• Support and protect the youngster in situations they are not prepared to handle

TECHNICAL PREPARATION

• Introduction of specific skills by position
• Master principle game elements, methods and techniques
• Continued refinement of skills necessary to perform elements of team play
• Introduction of checking skills and techniques

TACTICAL PREPARATION

•  Development of attention, visual memory, relaxed concentration and orientation
• Simple combinations in pairs, or in a line
• Simple g a m e situation theory (when to pass, when to shoot, where to pass, where to shoot)
• Introduction of group interactions
• Introduction of basic team system including offensive and defensive tactics

OFFENSE:

Offense in the defensive zone

Offense in the neutral zone

Offense in the offensive zone

2-1-2 Power play

Faceoffs

DEFENSE:

Territorial defense

One-man forechecking

Two-man forechecking

Backchecking (neutral zone)

Center on point coverage

Wing on point coverage

Man short situations

SKATING

Edge control

Ready position

Forward start

Forward start- right/left

Forward stride

Control stop

Backward skating

Backward stop

Control turn

Forward crossunder

PUCK CONTROL

Forehand shift

Backhand shift

Change of pace

Slip through

Slip across

Puck off boards

PASSING AND RECEIVING

Backhand

Snap

Flip

Receiving (stick)

Receiving (skate)

Receiving (hand)

SHOOTING

Wrist

Backhand

Snap

Flip

Slap

CHECKING

Poke check

Hook check

Lift the stick check

Covering

GOALKEEPING

Parallel shuffle

Lateral T-glide

Forward /backward moves

Stick saves

Body saves

Glove saves

L e g s a v e s

Skate saves

Stacking pads

"V" drop

Playing angles

Rebounds

Situations