USA Hockey

10 An American Hockey Parent Handbook Ladder of Player Development USA Hockey's American Development Model includes eight stages founded on proven long-term athlete development principles. The objective of this stage is to refine fundamental movement skills and begin to acquire basic sport skills through fun-focused methods. This is the time when a foundation is set for future acquisition of more advanced skills. In this stage, the focus is on the development of physical literacy. Fundamental movement skills should be mastered and motor development emphasized, while participation in multiple sports and activities is encouraged. For optimal skill acquisition, the basic hockey skills of skating and puck control are introduced. Fun competitions are also introduced in a team environment. AGES 6-8 (FEMALE) AGES 6-9 (MALE) FUNdamentals This early development period is essential for acquiring fundamental movement skills (running, gliding, jumping, kicking, catching, striking, etc.) that form the foundation for more complex movements, thereby preparing children for a physically active lifestyle. USA Hockey encourages activity that incorporates fundamental movement skills in the four environments that lead to physical literacy: in the water (swimming), on the ground (athletics), in the air (gymnastics), on ice and snow (sliding and skating). Kids should start with a learn-to-skate program and then a learn-to-play program as their initial steps into hockey. AGES 0-6 ACTIVE START AGES 6-8 (FEMALE) The objective of this stage is to refine fundamental movement skills and begin to acquire future acquisition of more advanced skills. In this stage, the focus is on the development of physical literacy. Fundamental movement skills should be mastered and motor development emphasized, while participation in multiple sports and activities is encouraged. For optimal future acquisition of more advanced skills. In this stage, the focus is on the development of

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