LADDER OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
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.
AGES 19-21 (FEMALE)
AGES 19-23 (MALE)
The focus of this stage is the stabilization of performance-on-demand
characteristics and achieving excellence at the highest levels of performance, e.g.,
the National Hockey League, 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+
6
7
14
