U S A H O C K E Y PA R E N T H A N D B O O K
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Photos by HHOF-IIHF IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
The objective of this stage is to transfer from the training
environment to a competitive environment. Athletes must
consolidate technical skills and maintain ancillary skills and
underlying physical capabilities. Training volume remains high while intensity
increases with the importance of competitions. Training is usually 10+ months
of the year, disciplined and hockey-specific. Athletes will usually be required to
move away from home for training and competition environments that fit this
stage of development.
The focus of this stage is the stabilization of performance-on-
demand characteristics and achieving excellence at the highest
levels of performance, e.g., professional hockey, the Olympics, the
World Championship. Only a very small percentage will achieve this stage. It is
important to build a winning strategy with these athletes and to individualize
training and recovery to prevent over-training.
AGES 19-21 (FEMALE)
AGES 19-23 (MALE)
AGES 19+
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TRAIN TO COMPETE
TRAIN TO WIN
P L AY E R
D E V E L O P M E N T
