U18 (Port Colborne Minor Hockey)

DEVELOP AND CONSOLIDATE TECHNICAL SKILLS (ages 15 - 17 yrs old)

At the U18 age group, players should begin to consolidate the basic technical skills of the game. Hockey should be the main sport focus of players, reducing the number of other sports being played to just one or two. At this stage, players will be introduced to advanced group and team tactics.

Depending on the individual player, other activities could be introduced relating to physical preparation to begin to develop a solid base for training routines. U18 players will develop basic psychological attributes such as concentration, activation, visualization, relaxation and positive internal dialogue. They should also develop training routines to complement the on-ice activity like warm-up, hydration, cool down and nutrition.

FOR COACHES

* The intensity is increased during training in order to meet the competition demands.
* Make the task more difficult (effort given, greater speed of execution).
* The training session preparing the team for a competition must mirror the game requirements.
* Begin  to work with players on the mental skills of goal setting, visualization, focus.
* Look for High Performance coach education programs to continue to develop your coaching skills.
* Continue to focus on the fundamental technical skills and the tactical application of these skills.
* The tactic/strategy is adapted to the age level and the background of the players and to the typical characteristics of the team.

FOR PARENTS

* Learn to go to the limit of your performance capabilities if you wish to improve.
* Begin to focus on 2-3 sports but continue to be active. 
* Physical preparation becomes important and a focus on training is key – develop good habits. 
* Inventory your strengths and weaknesses; what hockey skills do you need to work on to take you game to the next level?