USA Hockey's American Development Model
18 & Under (18U)

Train To Train
Ages 17-18
For the 2024-25 Season, we will have ages 16, 17, and 18 at this level.

The objective of this stage is to prepare athletes for the competitive environment, continue to refine technical adaptability, ancillary skills and develop the physical attributes.

This is the time to optimize general athleticism and fitness and to begin to specialize in ice hockey. Training should be individualized to the athlete’s particular needs in each facet of performance – technical, tactical, physical and mental, with the understanding that these areas are highly interdependent. During this stage, training volume and intensity increase, so incorporation of recovery methods and monitoring is important. The training season is longer, and event specific. Competitions and tournaments become more important and the focus starts to shift from development to performance. Athletes learn to prepare for competition, and learn to handle competitive pressures in any situation. This is the time to consolidate individual strengths and rectify weaknesses.

18 & Under (Midget Major) 

Technical Development

• Refinement of skills at a high speed in all conditions
• Execution of technical ability must be performed in game situations

Tactical Skills

• Speed of transition from offense to defense and defense to offense
• Speed of decision making skills 2

Physical Development

• Biological maturation is typically completed during this stage; however, some athletes may still be growing
• Fundamental movement skills should be incorporated into dynamic warm up and fun speed, agility and conditioning games
• Strength and Power Development: Programming will depend on training age. Most athletes have been exposed to strength training by this age. More advanced concepts can be applied if appropriate training age and qualified instruction such as eccentric-based training, complex training, velocity-based training and Olympic lifts and variations for power development.
• Plyometrics: High intensity plyometrics; multiple 2-foot hopping & jumping; 1-2x per week
• Speed: Maximal speed and acceleration; Strength training focused on maximal strength + explosive exercises; Complex training, plyometrics & Olympic lifts
• Agility: Primary focus on reactive agility (60%); incorporation of FMS (20%) and change of direction (20%) through warmups
• Conditioning: Acquisition of expertise through deliberate practice; combination of small-sided games, HIIT and repeat sprints
• Develop individualized programs for fitness, primary and secondary injury prevention or rehab, and recovery

Psychological Development

• The athlete should have well-developed mental preparation skills, and should continue to refine these skills
• Competition becomes more important and athletes must learn to perform on demand
• Training and practice in mental preparation will help the athlete cope with the stresses associated with training, tournaments and selection, and will contribute to their overall development as competitive athletes
• Athletes should have input in setting training goals and priorities, and should be included in decision-making process
• Athletes are capable of self-coaching and should be encouraged to think for themselves, rather than relying solely on coach feedback

Ancillary Skills

• Ensure that key support systems (fitness monitoring, recovery and regeneration, psychology, nutrition and health needs) are in place and integrated with the training program
• Regular, year-round strength & conditioning
• Athletes should refine and individualize their own ancillary capacities

Click the button below.
(Must have a player rostered to this team and be logged in to view)