Youth Hockey Coaching: Two Items You Must Consider When Building a Preseason Plan

Over the past few months, my journey as a youth hockey coach has been nothing short of exhilarating and enlightening. Stepping into this role, I quickly realized there was so much more to coaching than meets the eye. From developing strategic game plans to fostering a positive and inclusive team environment, every aspect of the coaching process has presented me with a unique learning opportunity. I have immersed myself in studying the intricacies of the game, delving into coaching methodologies, and honing my communication skills to effectively connect with young athletes. It has been a challenging yet rewarding journey, as I strive to provide the best possible guidance and mentorship to my players, equipping them with the skills and values they need to succeed both on and off the ice.

Through my research and training, one area of focus which has stood out to me is how to put together an effective plan when dealing with middle school and high school athletes when there is a significant difference in maturity levels. Specifcally, there are two main variables that stand out to me when putting together an effective plan for preseason practices when these two groups are involved. These two areas are: physical and cognitive.

Both areas are closely related to the maturation effect which refers to the natural developmental changes that occur in an individual over time, leading to improvements in their performance or behavior. These changes clearly happen between middle school and high school and need to be always taken into consideration.

1. Physical Abilities

Middle School: When I think about the 12U hockey players I coach, they are typically still in the the early stages of physical development. These athletes are radically different in terms of size, coordination, strength, and endurance so it is important to consider these differences and design preseason practices that match their youth and lack of fully developed physical skills.

High School: My 13+ athletes are usually more in advanced stages of physical development even though only a few years separates them from the middle school athletes. They generally have more strength, power, coordination, and endurance so my practices for high school athletes can focus on further enhancing these physical strengths and preparing them for more competitive scenarios.

2. Cognitive Abilities

Middle School: Immaturity. Low attention spans. Poor decision-making. I see this a lot at the middle school level. With that being said, I am intentional about making sure preseason practices include age-appropriate drills and clear instructions.

High School: My 13+ hockey players tend to have more developed cognitive abilities, allowing them to handle more complex instructions, tactical concepts, and game strategies. Plus, their longer attention spans help tremendously as well. My preseason practices for high school athletes can involve more complicated drills, team tactics, and decision-making exercises that align with their cognitive abilities.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, my experience as a youth hockey coach has been a transformative journey of growth and learning. From understanding the nuances of the game to developing effective coaching methodologies, I have embraced the challenges and strived to provide the best guidance to my players. Recognizing the varying physical and cognitive abilities between middle school and high school athletes, I have tailored my preseason practices to accommodate these differences, ensuring that each player receives appropriate instruction and support.

As I continue on this coaching path, I am excited to witness the progress and achievements of my players, knowing that I have played a role in shaping their skills and instilling valuable life lessons. Coaching youth hockey has not only enriched my own knowledge and skills but has also allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of young athletes, fostering their passion for the game and empowering them to reach their full potential.