1. Finish my checks—stay low and stay safe.
2. Block a shot in every game.
3. Work on positioning my shot 12 inches above the ice; it will go right over the goalie’s pad.
4. Skate hard the entire game—not just when I have the puck. This will change my game.
5. Recite in my head, “Move a Mountain,” to build mental toughness.
6. Don’t let anyone break my spirit and hang tough when I’m not playing as much as I want to; I’ll get my chance.
7. Make safe plays to gain more playing time; know that my coach wants reliability first and foremost.
8. Improve my practice habits—because you play in games the way you play at practice.
9. Fake a shot before letting a bomb go in the other direction. It works every time.
10. Work on your backwards skating, defensemen. This is the key to D—make it your mission to beat everyone going backwards.

Bonus Resolution: Have fun playing the greatest game on earth!

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Jeff Serowik, a former NHL player and founder/president of Pro Ambitions Hockey, for this story.

• All children need vigorous physical activity as part of their daily lives, and sports provide all the benefits of exercise and the potential for acquiring a sense of accomplishment. If a child is having trouble in the classroom, sports may be an important avenue of success in his or her life, so it could be harmful to take it away. In fact, when youngsters feel a sense of success in athletics, this can enhance their self-esteem, which carries over to other areas—including academics.

• On the other hand, practices and games can rob time from schoolwork. When sports-related demands become excessive, it might be in the child’s best interest to disallow participation.

What should parents do if their child is having trouble keeping grades up?

• Start by looking for other causes of poor classroom performance. Too much TV watching might be one problem; conflicts with other duties, such as a job, might be another cause.
• Parents should ask their child what they can do to help him or her improve at school. Plus, input should be sought from coaches, teachers, and school counselors.
• In some cases, the family and school may decide that the child is not studying enough. In this situation it is reasonable to make sports involvement dependent upon achieving better grades.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Frank L. Smoll, Ph.D., for this article. Dr. Smoll is a sport psychologist at the University of Washington and co-director of Youth Enrichment in Sports. To see previews of his Mastery Approach to Parenting in Sports and Mastery Approach to Coaching DVDs, visit www.y-e-sports.com.

Q. At a recent select tournament for Squirts, I heard U.S. parents, players and even coaches complaining that Canadians learn body checking at age 7, and that’s why they’re “so far ahead” of the United States in hockey. Could that be true?

A. First of all, Canada’s hockey governing body, Hockey Canada, lets provinces determine what age to start body checking and as such it varies throughout Canada. In Quebec, players start at Bantam (13–14) while in Alberta they start at Atom (9–10).

Interestingly enough, Hockey Canada has taken an intensive look at USA Hockey’s recent age change and is considering similar guidance. As important, what separates hockey players at any age is their skating, shooting and puck-handling skills—so isolating a skill like body checking and trying to point to that as a reason players may be ahead makes no sense. That said, it is doubtful players anywhere are focusing on body checking at age 7 in lieu of all-important skating, shooting and puck handling.

In fact, Hockey Canada recently came out with a long-term athlete development document that very much mirrors the ADM, focusing on age-appropriate training that is very much individual skill focused at the younger ages. Most likely, at any age level, the reason a group of players are ahead of another group is because they skate better, handle the puck better—and consequently make more plays that result in the puck ending up in the back of the net more often—not because they are better at body checking. Period.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to USA Hockey ADM Regional Manager Joe Doyle for assistance with this story.

1. Set a good example of an active person.

What kids see has greater impact on them than what they hear. In other words, kids are tuned into observational learning. They will do many things their parents do, and physical activity is no exception. Active parents produce active children. If children see their mom and dad participating in and enjoying sports, then it’s going to be more natural for them to want to pursue those activities. On the other hand, if parents are couch potatoes….

2. Let kids participate in determining when they are ready for sports.

Children who are forced into sports before they are ready usually have bad experiences. When kids say they are interested, parents should start looking seriously at it. By involving children in the decision-making process, they feel a sense of ownership in the outcome. This creates a greater sense of commitment: “I’m doing it because I want to do it, not because I’m made to do it.”

3. Give priority to your child’s own interests.

Most kids develop a sense of their personal interests at an early age. And although parents might prefer that their child be active in sports, maybe the child would rather play the violin. Because of this, parents should let their children have a say in determining what tune they march to. Remember that youth sports are about what participation can do for kids, and not what parents get out of it.

4. Don’t use sports as a baby-sitter.

Some parents erroneously believe their involvement merely consists of getting their child signed up and driving them to and from games. But that’s just part of it. Parents not only have a right but a responsibility to oversee their child’s sport participation.

5. Emphasize the process of enjoyment rather than the product of winning.

Research on young athletes’ motives for playing sports has consistently shown that their primary objective is to have fun. Studies also indicate that the main reason why youngsters drop out of sports is, “It isn’t fun any more.” Simply stated, children want to play sports to have fun—and when the fun disappears, so do they.

6. Emphasize striving to improve skills rather than comparing oneself with others.

Physical development occurs at different rates in youngsters, and this should be made clear to them. It is particularly important that children whose skill is lagging not view this as a permanent condition. Parents who praise self-improvement efforts can help their kids derive pleasure from their progress over time. This creates many worthwhile experiences in sports—even for athletes who never will be stars.

7. Give kids an opportunity for early success.

Properly structured learning situations are designed to ensure some degree of initial success. And when children perform sport skills correctly, they should be given ample amounts of verbal praise and/or nonverbal forms of reinforcement—a smile, a pat on the back, a high-five. In other words, catch the athlete doing something right. In addition, liberally reinforce effort and achievement. Remember, whether kids show it or not, the positive things you say and do stick with them.

8. Establish and maintain open lines of communication.

Tell your children what you expect—things like giving maximum effort, listening to the coach, having fun—and ask what they are thinking. Make it very clear you want to know how they feel about what’s happening in practices and games. This type of two-way communication is essential.

9. Evaluate your child’s coach.

Parents should talk to the coach, regularly go to games and occasionally attend practices. Additionally, they should ask themselves the following questions:

• Are the young athletes treated with respect?
• Are they being taught?
• Are they given a chance to perform?
• Are they made to feel what they’re doing is a fun activity?

If not, it may be necessary to find another team for your child. Unfortunately, some coaches don’t understand what youth sports should be about, and the negative experience they provide can turn a kid off to sports forever.

10. Think safety first.

What can be done to prevent sport injuries? The American College of Sports Medicine offers the following guidelines:

• Have a preseason medical checkup, which can detect medical problems early and prevent new ones.
• Always warm up before playing and cool down afterward.
• Be in the proper physical condition before playing a sport.
• Have all the necessary protective equipment, and make sure it fits correctly.
• Inspect playing surfaces and facilities prior to the game or practice to make sure they are safe.
• Wear the appropriate clothing for the activity.
• Teach children the rules and the importance of following them.

11. Be alert for signs of pain or injury.

Kids might not say they are hurt because they believe it will disappoint parents and/or coaches. Because of this, adults must look for the symptoms of injuries common to the sport. Early detection is important. At the first sign of pain, get the young athlete out of the game or practice and get pain checked out. Additionally, an injured athlete should not return to play until the symptoms of injury have completely disappeared. Continued participation may make the injury worse and may place the athlete at a high risk for another injury.

12. Don’t live your dreams through your children.

All parents identify with their children to some extent and thus want them to do well. This is natural and healthy. But sometimes parents over-identify, and the child becomes an extension of themselves. Parents who are “winners” or “losers” through their children are experiencing the frustrated-jock syndrome, which places extreme pressure on the children. The young athlete must succeed, or the parent’s self-image is threatened. To avoid this, don’t define your own self-worth in terms of how good your children are.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Frank L. Smoll, Ph.D., for this article. Dr. Smoll is a sport psychologist at the University of Washington and co-director of Youth Enrichment in Sports. To see previews of his Mastery Approach to Parenting in Sports and Mastery Approach to Coaching DVDs, visit www.y-e-sports.com.

Q.

A. Americans need to quash their “mindset of worrying about the scoreboard,” says Joe Doyle, USA Hockey ADM Regional Manager. This is precisely why the U8 program holds jamborees and does not post the score in games (even if every coach, player and parent knows the score). The point is, according to Doyle, “Do you want your kid to win tournaments at age 8? Or do you want him to be a better player at 12, 14, 16, 18?” The ADM is about long-term athlete development, which emphasizes building skills in the early years—skills that will pay off when emotional and physical maturity hit in the later years.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Joe Doyle for his assistance with this story from Kelly Anton, Managing Editor.

Like ignorance, for example.

I was sent a link to an article that was published last week, in which it was inferred that putting the emphasis on development in youth soccer, as opposed to winning, is a bad thing.

The question was raised, “Isn’t the whole idea in becoming better that you win more than you lose?”

Long-term player development will grow the game

My answer to this is yes, the purpose of becoming better is to win more than you lose. But in youth soccer in Canada, skill development does not happen as a natural extension of the current win-at-all-costs system that is in place.

The question arose because of a decision not to award medals to the winners of the Eastern Ontario District Soccer Association (EODSA) leagues. The justification for this decision was due in part to financial limitations, but also because, as the article quoted, “the presentation of medals is considered to emphasize winning versus player development, which is the new focus of OSA programs.”

The author then made the assumption that winning is no longer considered to be a part of player development, and that winning is a now considered a “bad thing.” The author then questioned the legitimacy of this policy—which is where I took exception. The policy in question is the CSA’s long-term player development plan, or LTPD. It is based on Sport Canada’s long-term athlete development plan, or LTAD.

It wasn’t something created on a whim, nor was it scribbled on the back of a napkin. It is backed by volumes of research on the growth and development of children, the stages of development that they all go through, and the optimal environments in which they flourish. Virtually every sport in the country has a long-term development plan based on LTAD.

Single-minded strategy a ‘mirage’

For years, the competitive structure of youth soccer in Ontario has been based on the “Pyramid for Play,” where teams are rewarded for winning by being promoted to a higher level of competition. The highest level of the pyramid is Level One, represented by the Ontario Youth Soccer League, which comes into play when children are 14 years of age.

The problem with this system of promotion and relegation is that, by its very nature, it forces coaches to “play to win” with children as young as 9 years old. There is no need for them to try to develop players who are technically skilled, because there is a shortcut available to them.

The easiest way to win in youth soccer is to choose the biggest, strongest, fastest kids, and rely on their physical superiority to outmuscle their opponents. In doing this, very little emphasis is placed on teaching kids the fundamental skills of the game—because there is no need to. Generally, the big, strong, fast kid who can “boot it” the hardest can be successful in youth soccer up until about the age of 14.

Unfortunately, this success is all a mirage.

Eventually, the physical advantage of these players levels off, and when it does, the kid who was a star player when he or she was younger—simply because of the physical advantage—is no longer able to compete at a high level.

Why does it even matter, you ask? What difference does it make if that kid can no longer compete? Why don’t we just play to win at all ages, survival of the fittest, so to speak? Because not only are we driving away players who have the potential to be top players simply because they are physically immature for their age, we are also doing a disservice to those kids who are athletically gifted at a young age by not teaching them the skills they need to be successful in the game over the longer term.

We have all seen a kid playing a game and dominating the opposition because they are athletically superior. It didn’t matter that they couldn’t trap a bag of cement, or that their first touch was about as soft as a brick wall—they could run like the wind and kick the ball harder than any of their peers.

Physically dominant kids need skills, too

Now imagine what those kids could do in the game if there were put in an environment where they were taught to control the ball, to have a velvety first touch, to spray passes all over the park. Imagine if they were free to develop those abilities in an environment where they were allowed to make mistakes, without the fear of losing a game and missing out on promotion.

How much better do you think that athletically gifted kid would become?

LTPD puts the emphasis on development because these are children we are dealing with. They all need to be given time to learn the game—not just the ones who finish first because they are physically mature for their age. Ultimately, we play soccer to win the game. That is the goal of all sporting contests. The issue here isn’t about whether or not to give out medals to kids—most would agree that there are life lessons to be learned through winning and losing, and I’m one of them.

The issue is the assumption that because kids are winning, they are developing effectively. I would argue that our lack of depth at the international level suggests otherwise. Our system is broken and needs to be fixed—and no amount of medals is going to do that.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Michele Amido for this story.

Mites

Eight and under players love little stuff like Ringettes for training, sports bracelets/necklaces, colored laces and tape, and water bottles. Heck, you might even be able to pass off neck guards and mouthguards as gifts on this set! Also check out the Brady Brady hockey-themed books that offer universal messages of friendship, family, loyalty and sportsmanship.

Squirts

In most cases, these kids are traveling to tournaments for the first time—and we all know what that means: mini hockey! From the voice of experience: You’ll save in the long run by investing in a composite stick and steel net. Throw in a few glow-in-the-dark balls for good measure!

PeeWees

Only hockey parents know that something called a “peewee” is bigger than a “squirt.” As mature 11- and 12-year-olds, PeeWees have likely outgrown their wheeled hockey bags and are ready for the backpack style.

Bantams

Protecting your kid’s head is a no-brainer, especially with checking coming into play at this level. The Messier Project’s Cascade M11 helmet looks super cool and is designed to “address the epidemic of concussion in hockey.” Watch the video here.

Midgets

The game is rougher and sticks are breaking at this age. A Midget player is likely to be happy with any new stick, but one in particular is drawing rave reviews: Easton RS composite. Its looks and performance are stunning, making it a top-of-the-line gift.

All Youth Players

Is anyone too old for mini hockey (aka, knee hockey and shinny)? Well, no. And the popularity of sports bracelets and necklaces is not waning. And you can’t go wrong with necessities such as sticks and tape.

Adults

When do you replace your hockey equipment when you stop growing? When it’s trashed, right? This makes it easy to buy hockey gifts for adults. Just take a peek in the bag (or at the bag) and choose the most worn-out looking pieces to replace. Or, nobody appreciates an old-school tabletop hockey game like an adult. Check out the Stiga NHL Rod Hockey Game for hours of fun; there’s a stand for it, too, but what fun is it if it’s not scratching the table?

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Kelly Anton, Managing Editor of Grow the Game, for this story.

Top 5 Stocking Stuffers

Maximize your stickhandling and skating skills with these stocking stuffers.

1. Green Biscuit Training Puck—develop better passing and stickhandling skills on any off-ice surface.
2. Smart Hockey Training Ball—work on stickhandling on any off-ice surface with this ball that mimics the feel of a puck.
3. Lit Biscuit Light Up Hockey Puck—the game never ends with this durable, lighted puck.
4. SK8T Fuel Skate Blade Coating—reduce friction and hold your edge better with a permanent liquid layer between the skate blade and ice surface to maximize your play.
5. Rollerguard Rolling Skate Guard—convert ice skates to inline skates for use on any surface, inside or out.

Top 5 Training Essentials

Build power and accuracy with these training essentials.

1. Trion SK8W8 Skate Weights—improve skating speed, endurance and leg strength.
2. Complete Shot Stick Weight—amp up quickness, shot power and stickhandling in only minutes per day.
3. EZ Goal 4 Corner Netting Targets—pick the corners with durable, easy-to-install corner pockets.
4. Demon Hot Shot Puck—measure the distance of a slap shot, snap shot or pass/wrist shot!
5. Sweet Hands—maneuver the puck through obstacles in any configuration you can think of, on- or off-ice.

Top 5 Bang-for-Your-Buck Gifts

Want to wow your kids or spouse this holiday season? Set them up with a tiled training room or a “driveway” kit. All you need is a shooting surface, something to shoot at and something to return pucks. Plus, it never hurts to work on your stride and conditioning!

1. Shooting Tiles or Shooting Pad—start investing in tiles for a training room or pick up a shooting pad or two for driveway use.
2. EZ Goal Folding Goal with Backstop Rebounder—shoot endless pucks at this durable net with no worry about lost pucks or wild shots.
3. Hockey Shooting Tarp—protect your walls, windows and doors while practicing shooting at a “goalie.”
4. Pass Master or One-Timer—work on your passing with a puck returner, on-ice or on your home shooting tiles or pads.
5. PowerSlide Board Package—increase lateral power, strength, agility and endurance with a slide board that’s great for the whole family, hockey players or not!

Finished with your holiday shopping? Keep this list handy for birthdays!

1. Your top hand should do most of the work. Beginners tend to use their bottom hand too much and it ends up with choppy stickhandling. Your top hand should be doing most of the work when it comes to moving the puck and pulling moves; your bottom hand is there for support.

2. Don’t hold the stick too tight. Your bottom hand should have a nice loose grip most of the time so the shaft can slide through, allowing the stick to move closer (or further away) from your body.

3. Protect the puck. If you see a defender coming to you, move the puck to the other side of your body and block them from getting it. You can use your feet, hips, leg, arm, back of your hand and body to separate the puck from opposing players.

4. Keep your shoulders and arms loose. Your shoulders and arms should move freely to enable maximum range of motion. Loosen up those shoulders and move the puck around your body.

5. Move the puck around your ENTIRE body. Beginners control the puck in front of them—pros can control the puck anywhere around their body.

6. Practice your reach. To keep the puck you need to keep it away from the defenders. By simply moving the puck from one side of your body to the other side, you can gain 5 to 15 feet of separation.

7. Keep the puck moving. Practice “soft hands” and dribbling the puck so that the puck is almost always moving. By keeping the puck moving you are keeping the opponent thinking and guessing—so they will never know when you are going to pull a move on them, shoot the puck or pass.

8. Practice with your head up. If you have your head down you will miss passes, miss plays or end up laid out on the ice. With practice you can develop a sixth sense and know where the puck is on your blade without looking at it. If you practice with your head down, you will play with your head down. Make sure you are not staring at the puck when you practice.

9. Make your off-ice practice as game-like as possible. Hockey is played with a puck on the ice. If you use a ball on cement you will need to adjust a lot to adapt the skills you learn off the ice to the real game. I recommend a nice smooth surface and the Green Biscuit to make your training more game-like.

10. Practice A LOT. Your muscles have memory, and if you practice enough they can perform things automatically just like tying your shoes or walking. Before you start practicing, you need to know WHAT to practice and HOW to practice.

Now, check out my Complete Guide to Stickhandling, which includes a detailed guide as well as a 30-minute training video. It was written by me, Jeremy, from How To Hockey. I have helped thousands of hockey players improve their game and I want to help you improve your stickhandling. If you don’t learn anything from the guide, you can have it for free!

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Jeremy Rupke with HowToHockey.com for this story.

According to page 67 of the 2011–2013 Official Rules of Ice Hockey, “Up to a maximum of two assists shall be awarded to those player(s) who had possession of the puck immediately prior to the goal being scored. Only one point can be credited to any single player for a goal scored and each goal or assist shall count as one point in the respective player’s record.”