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| Anyone who has watched, coached or participated in 8U hockey knows that it can look and feel a little chaotic at times. At that age, kids are at very different stages of both skill and size development, making for action that can be all over the map. Within that chaos, though, there should be some consistency of approach, because while each 8U player develops at their own individual rate, they should all be learning five fundamental things at that age. |
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Q: Why aren't we working on systems and full-ice flow drills in practice? The coaches need to toughen up our 8-year-old players, not play silly games like soccer, handball and tag on the ice. I even saw a video of a coach stickhandling in a tyrannosaurus rex costume during an 8U practice. How is that making these kids better at hockey?
A: The recipe for creating a great hockey player – or even a player who simply reaches his or her full long-term potential – includes more than one ingredient. Hockey skill or aptitude is critical, but so is physical literacy and all-around athleticism. Passion for playing the game is another essential ingredient. It's literally the fuel that powers the entire development process. Without it, no player will reach full potential. So, what nurtures passion in an 8-year-old? Definitely not coercion and activities designed to "toughen them up."
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Bruins, USA Hockey team up to host coaching symposium
USA Hockey and Boston Bruins emphasize the development benefits of small-ice hockey at annual coaching symposium.
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| Kids |
What's important to you? What kinds of things do you want to do? Now list the things that would be appealing to the 8-year-old you.
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