USA Hockey celebrates another 8U participation record |
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Being a hockey goalie is not for everyone, but USA Hockey wants to make sure that it could be for anyone. Phil Osaer, goaltending manager for USA Hockey's American Development Model, helps explain why it's so important to encourage players at the 8U level to give the position a try – and how the organization is trying to make it easier to do just that. |
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Q: Why do you think youth sports participation has declined? Has hockey participation declined?
A: Like most things in life, the answer to why youth sports participation has declined in the United States is probably more complex than any single reason. But two factors that I believe contribute to declining participation are (1) pressure to perform at a young age and (2) burnout from over-exposure to a sport.
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Quality |
Little kids are doers. They don't want to stand around listening to an adult speak; they want to move and be active, which is exactly how they learn. A quality practice at the 8U age group focuses on a high amount of activity for kids. Using station-based practices helps segment kids into smaller groups and increases the involvement of each kid at each station. |
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