OK, I said I'd stay off this, guess I was wrong. Why all the hostility? I'd like this topic to get back to it's title, "Development" at some point.
I guess I don't understand the all "Workmen" like mentality all the time, oh, my bad. Maybe the word "FUN" was a bad choice. I have seen on the boys side over and over again, and now in girls, kids pushed from 3 years old through their teens. Some being of great talent, and some not so much. Yet several get to be 15, and all the seriousness of HOCKEY, HOCKEY, HOCKEY, 24 X 7, or "Got to be the Best", kills their spirit. And hanging out with friends, girlfriends/boyfriends, cars, jobs, money, and many other things become easier and more lets say "Interesting" to them, now that I know the word "Fun" offends you so much that is. If it is all business like, or "true life lessons" I just fear that then kids will decide not to play, as it becomes "Work" at that point. I've also seen it the other way, where the hard worker gets over looked. I am not arguing with either of you on the fact that there needs to be a more serious look when working or even working hard and trying to develop. I am a big fan of this as a matter a fact. I'm just trying to look at the big picture here, not just one child. Girls hockey needs more support than tossing a few kids aside right now to make way for the "Elite" kids only.
I've been around kids of all ages and talents with in this sport and one thing has become very evident, no matter the age or ability, they truly do want to have yes, "FUN", while competing of course. But I guess that word has a different meaning for us all, lesson learned for me, hey that was FUN! Even the most talented kids some times quit or don't show up, if it isn't "Interesting". I think OntheEdge may have said it best with their comments about this becomes the parents wanting it more so. Ask your kid if they would rather go play a game tonight, or go to 3 hours of dry land and stick handling? My bet the first response is, "Who's playing?". Is that for social or just their competitive spirit? Most or maybe all of the desire has to come from the kids, and definitely not the parents, on that we all can agree.
Development
Moderators: Mitch Hawker, east hockey, karl(east)
I absolutely agree that the desire has to come from the girl and not the parents. I also agree that too much of the fun is taken out of the sport at the younger levels. I see too many mites and U10 girls being pushed too hard when I think it is very important at this age to allow the social aspect and fun of the sport take hold. I do however think that there is a transition age somewhere at the U12 age (however girls catch the fever at different times) where some kids start taking the sport more seriously and want to develop their skills to compete with the best. High school hockey is a competitive sport and in order to compete hard work is necessary.hockeyrube7 wrote:OK, I said I'd stay off this, guess I was wrong. Why all the hostility? I'd like this topic to get back to it's title, "Development" at some point.
I guess I don't understand the all "Workmen" like mentality all the time, oh, my bad. Maybe the word "FUN" was a bad choice. I have seen on the boys side over and over again, and now in girls, kids pushed from 3 years old through their teens. Some being of great talent, and some not so much. Yet several get to be 15, and all the seriousness of HOCKEY, HOCKEY, HOCKEY, 24 X 7, or "Got to be the Best", kills their spirit. And hanging out with friends, girlfriends/boyfriends, cars, jobs, money, and many other things become easier and more lets say "Interesting" to them, now that I know the word "Fun" offends you so much that is. If it is all business like, or "true life lessons" I just fear that then kids will decide not to play, as it becomes "Work" at that point. I've also seen it the other way, where the hard worker gets over looked. I am not arguing with either of you on the fact that there needs to be a more serious look when working or even working hard and trying to develop. I am a big fan of this as a matter a fact. I'm just trying to look at the big picture here, not just one child. Girls hockey needs more support than tossing a few kids aside right now to make way for the "Elite" kids only.
I've been around kids of all ages and talents with in this sport and one thing has become very evident, no matter the age or ability, they truly do want to have yes, "FUN", while competing of course. But I guess that word has a different meaning for us all, lesson learned for me, hey that was FUN! Even the most talented kids some times quit or don't show up, if it isn't "Interesting". I think OntheEdge may have said it best with their comments about this becomes the parents wanting it more so. Ask your kid if they would rather go play a game tonight, or go to 3 hours of dry land and stick handling? My bet the first response is, "Who's playing?". Is that for social or just their competitive spirit? Most or maybe all of the desire has to come from the kids, and definitely not the parents, on that we all can agree.
At the highest levels it doesn't mean that fun is no longer required its just that fun is in the context of competition. Fun is found in comraderie and seeing results from all of the work as a team and individual to get better and achieve goals. Most athletes try to play at the highest level because it feeds their desire to compete. If competing at the highest level is no longer fun there are other options that can be pursued (provided parents listen and watch to see what their kid truly wants). IMO it is the child that determines how much they want to put into training. It is up to the parent to help and guide them to appropriate goals and expectations. If your child doesn't want to work on their skills he or she should understand that there are others that will do work and are likely to reap the rewards of hard work. There are different levels of hockey for kids that have different priorities. Rec hockey is fun with no pressure, U19 (which is growing in Minnesota) is fun and still competitive but not yet at the highest level.
In summary, if a girl wants to compete at the highest level she has to do the necessary work. If a girl's priority is to have fun without working at the game, unless she is truly gifted, there are other more appropriate levels to play. The parent should let the girl make her own decision. Watch your daughter. If she is getting close to high school age and she goes to the back yard on her own to shoot and stickhandle she wants to compete. If the only way she will do any extra work is if you tell her to get out there or put her in clinics and camps, then maybe she really doesn't want what you want. If she does the clinics and is just going through the motions and not really trying very hard she might just be doing it for you and not her. Encourage your daughter but do not push her. Parents should monitor and assess themselves constantly because there is a fine line between pushing and encouraging.
Great trip report on how hockey development is done in Russia.
Back in February, National Coach-in Chief, Al Bloomer, and USAH Coaching Education Director, Mark Tabrum, travelled to Russia to observe and learn from the Russian Coaching Education Program. Attached is their report. As you will see there are a few similarities, but many more differences between their system and ours. Having fun is not a priority, but there is a huge emphasis on individuals SKILLS. "Tactics and systems are not introduced in Russian hockey until age 14." A few players whom you may have heard of came from this system include Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, and Pavel Datsyuk...
USA Hockey Coaches Section – Russia 2008 Final Report
In February 2008 Mark Tabrum and Al Bloomer visited St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia. The purpose of the trip was to learn about the Russian Coaching Education Program and to observe the differences as well as similarities between USA Youth Hockey and Russian Youth Hockey. Barry Smith and Mikhail Manchik, CKA Ice Hockey Club of St. Petersburg, were our hosts. They made all the on-site arrangements for the visit. The Russian people we visited were very generous with their time and conversations were open and candid. This report is an attempt to summarize the trip. The first part will discuss coaching and coaching education. The second part will describe the philosophies and operation of Russian youth hockey, specifically age six thru the age of 18.
There are 168 indoor rinks in Russia. In 2007, the Russian Hockey Federation reported 25,956 male players, 257 female players and 56,754 junior players. The primary governing body for Russian Hockey is at the club level. The Russian club level is similar to our association level. Russia is divided into six regions for hockey; however, there appears to be no equivalent to our affiliates or districts.
We visited four hockey clubs:
CKA – St Petersburg – our host
Khimik – Moscow
Dynamo – Moscow
CSKA – Red Army – Moscow
We also visited The Basza in St. Petersburg. The former Red Army Hockey HQ was built in 1870 and serves as hockey training center, CKA offices, provides training meals, houses medical staff and provides sleeping quarters for players and staff.
Coaching Program:
The Russian coaching education system is extensive and demanding.
• All coaches must go through a rigorous educational process. They must first obtain a sports degree from an accredited university. After receiving this degree, coaches spend a year attaining a coaching degree specific to the sport they are coaching. Coaches spend time in the classroom and are given practical experience by coaching with two separate teams during this year of hockey-specific training. This theory and practical experience totals 500 hours. Most Russian coaches are former players. Coaches are required to have skating ability and goaltender coaches receive additional specialized training.
• There is emphasis on player athleticism – off ice physical training and physiological development are a significant part of the coaching curriculum. Off ice training begins at age eight; weight training is used based on player testing, usually beginning at age 12. Dry land and strength training is a key component in the development of Russian players
• All youth hockey coaches are paid professionals. This is their full time job. Salaries vary; ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 per year. There are additional benefits that may include housing, insurance and meals. The coaches can make additional money conducting summer camps. Volunteer coaches are very rare; if they participate, it is on a very supervised and limited basis.
• The top/best coaches teach at the entry levels (6, 7 & 8 year olds).
• In some clubs a coach will move vertically through the system with the same birth year. In other clubs the coaches will stay at the same birth year level for up to 10 years.
• Clubs have three coaches per team (10 and under); two coaches per team for 11-18 year olds. Clubs have at least one goaltender specialist that works with all goaltenders.
• Clubs have a Hockey Director in charge of the entire program. Clubs also have a Coaching Program Director that establishs a detailed daily, as well as yearly, curriculum of development. This curriculum (lesson plan) is followed by all coaches at all levels. There may be coaching councils that offer ideas and suggestions, but ultimately the Coaching Program Director sets the curriculum. While some clubs prepare the detailed lesson plan, others give the coaches the scheduled points to emphasize and allow them to prepare the detailed lesson plan.
• The coaches are strict disciplinarians. If a player is misbehaving he/she will be told to leave the ice. In one instance we saw a coach firmly “whack” non-attentive players with his stick. Players can be dismissed by the Program Director for discipline issues and/or behavior. There is no hearing and no appeal. We were told that although Directors have the ability to dismiss, it does not happen very often. The coach demands and receives respect on and off the ice. Russian coaches have almost a dictatorial style.
• Coaches within the club work together. The program is designed for vertical development – moving players to the next level within the club. Standardized curriculum/philosophy allows for smooth transition and players are prepared for the next level. The primary objective is to prepare players for the parent professional club team.
• Players practice on ice a minimum of five times per week. Each practice lasts from 90 to 120 minutes. In addition, players from age 8-12 will have three off ice training sessions per week. Older players will have five off ice training sessions per week. At about age 12-14, weights are added to the off ice training program. Off ice training is very important in Russian hockey.
• Coaches are evaluated at least once per year. Winning is not the major criteria in a coach’s evaluation. Player skill development and progress is the primary criteria for coaches. Ultimately coaches are evaluated by the number and quality of players they develop. Historically turnover is low.
• The primary objective of each program is to develop players for the parent professional team. A secondary objective is to develop players for the national teams. Winning at the older ages (16 and older) is considered but is not a primary objective. A 17-year-old is eligible to play in the top professional league.
• The practices we observed for the 5-8 year-olds worked on fundamental skills. Specific drills, requiring multiple skills, were run for long periods of time (15 to 30 minutes) and emphasized repetition. The overall pace was moderate. The coach gave verbal instruction and occasionally stopped practice for demonstration. We saw practices at this level where a player had a puck on his stick for the entire session. Puck possession and puck protection are high priorities in Russian hockey.
• We observed a few practices for 17-22 year olds. Here one vs. one battles, odd man situations and puck movement seemed to be the focus. The pace of these practices was very high. There were three coaches on the ice and there were skill stations.
• Practices overall focus on the individual skills of the player not the team concept of North American hockey. One specific practice we observed had players skating around tires on one end of the rink. The other end had players stick-handling pucks through and around metal tri-pods. Players in the middle of the ice were put in 1 vs 1, 1 vs 2, and 1 vs 3 situations.
• Tactics and systems are not introduced in Russian hockey until age 14.
Summary of game to practice ratios for 2008:
This may vary slightly from club to club. The following is an attempt to summarize the four clubs we visited.
Birth year (age) – games per season – practice/training information per week
2003 (5) – No games – skate 3-4 times per week
2002 (6) – No games – skate 4-5 days; 1-2 off-ice sessions
2001 (7) – 10-15 games – practice 5 days; 2 to 3 off-ice sessions
2000 (8) – 15-20 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1999 (9) – 20-30 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1998 (10) – 30-35 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1997 (11) – 40 games – practice 5 days; 3 office sessions
1996 (12) – 45 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1995 (13) – 45 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1994 (14) – 45-60 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1993 (15) – 45-60 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1992 (16) – 45-60 games – 2 practices per day 5 times per week; 5 off-ice sessions
1991 (17) – 45-60 games – 2 practices per day 5 times per week; 5 off-ice sessions
1990 (18) – 45-60 games – 2 practices per day 5 times per week; 5 off-ice sessions
Mark and Al visited the University of Sport in St. Petersburg, enrollment of 10,000 students. Leonid Mikhno, Director Ice Hockey Department was our host. We gave a 90-minute presentation on the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program to a class of 35 students. We met with about 25 coaches from CKA Hockey Club in St. Petersburg. Our host was Rafail Ishmatov, St. Petersburg Youth Hockey Director. We presented an outline of the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program. We answered many questions about our program as well as the USA Hockey structure and objectives.
Youth Hockey in Russia – 2008:
Youth Hockey in Russia is club driven. The clubs are owned and administered by professional teams of the Russian Professional Elite League and is broadly governed by the Russian Hockey Federation. The federation dispenses state money to the clubs, deals with insurance issues, makes general youth program recommendations, selects coaches for and operates the national teams. There are 23 clubs in Moscow; 10 are members of the professional elite league. In St. Petersburg there is only one.
Although there are similarities between Russian Hockey and USA Hockey, the differences are cultural and in the points of emphasis. The Russians have issues with parents as well as the concern for cost just like we do. They want to grow their registration but availability of rinks and ice time are issues. Players having fun is not a priority in Russian hockey. The number of indoor rinks is 168. The weather changes have reduced outdoor ice facilities to almost none. Another issue in Moscow is the traffic and the ability of parents to get young players to the rink. Players tend to play for the club nearest their home. Hockey appears to be part of the school physical education curriculum. They approach the game the same as one would approach taking courses in school.
We asked each club about girls’ hockey. There was not a girls’ program in any of the four clubs we visited. Girls are often put in older groups (up to two years older) if they pass the testing due to the fact that they are physically bigger than boys. Spartak is the only organization with an official girls training program. Talented girls usually migrate there. Currently there are 257 registered Russian girls playing hockey.
• There is generally no cost for the ice.
• Players are put in groups by birth year. Players with the same birth year skate and play together. A player can move to an older birth year if he passes evaluation and testing. A player cannot move up more than two years.
• The clubs are open to any 5 & 6 year old that wants to play. The emphasis is skating. Players at this age will skate for one year without a stick. There are no games for 5 & 6 year olds. Usually the club has 60 to 80 skaters in this group. Dynamo had 200 in 2008. Parents pay for equipment.
• Each club evaluates their players – this evaluation occurs in either May or August.
• Seven-year-olds are evaluated and tested. They will play 10-15 games. Players eight and under use a lighter, but same size, black puck. They will play 15-20 games. All games are played on half-ice, but not “cross-ice”.
• At the end of the season nine-year-olds are tested. Those that do not meet high standards are dismissed. Those not selected can try another (less competitive) club or they drop out. Here about 40% of the original group advance, roughly 35 out of the 60 kids.
• At the end of season 10-year-olds are tested, about 40% (25) of the original 60 move on. From this point on drop out/dismissal is minimal.
• Movement of players from one club to another does occur. Any player from another club will be evaluated and tested before he is accepted.
• Although most of the players with a club start at age 5, 6 or 7, occasionally a club will get a first year player that is 8, 9 or 10. In this instance these players take skating for one year, are then tested and their future with the club is determined. Those 11 and older are selected and must meet high standards to continue.
• Goalies receive specific specialized training as early as age eight. This can be two extra sessions per week.
• The Russians teach and allow checking along the boards for 8-year-olds but will call a penalty if the play is too rough or flagrant. There is currently discussion within Russia about this practice. The opinion of the clubs we visited is that it will continue.
• Russians are just as concerned with recruiting players as we are. Soccer and hockey are the two most popular sports in Russia. With the growth of soccer and continued emphasis on it, the hockey talent pool is being depleted as kids at younger age levels are opting to play soccer instead of hockey.
• Russians do not play club hockey year round but their teams remain in tact by participating together in summer camps and other sports to develop their athleticism.
• All players (up to age 18) are required to wear neck guards and face mask but are not required to wear a mouth guard.
• National Championships
o Ages 12-17 have an organized national championship for each birth year
o Ages 10-11 have an unofficial regional tournament (6 regions)
o Under 10 age groups have tournaments within their own cities
People we met:
CKA:
Barry Smith – Head Coach – CKA Hockey Director
Misha Manchik – Executive Assistant Coach
Rafail Ishmatov – St. Petersburg Youth Hockey Director
Yury Kulikov – Interpreter Assistant to Barry Smith
Khimik:
Pavel – Hockey Director
Dynamo:
Vladimir Polupanov – Hockey Director
CSKA - Red Army:
Sergey Babinov – Hockey Director
University of Sport – St Petersburg:
Leniod Mikhno – President
Yuri Balashov – Honorable National Coach of Russia
Moscow Guide/Interpreter:
Sasha Golovko
Recommended Reading: King of Russia by Dave King with Eric Duhatschek, 2007
Submitted by: Al Bloomer & Mark Tabrum
Back in February, National Coach-in Chief, Al Bloomer, and USAH Coaching Education Director, Mark Tabrum, travelled to Russia to observe and learn from the Russian Coaching Education Program. Attached is their report. As you will see there are a few similarities, but many more differences between their system and ours. Having fun is not a priority, but there is a huge emphasis on individuals SKILLS. "Tactics and systems are not introduced in Russian hockey until age 14." A few players whom you may have heard of came from this system include Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, and Pavel Datsyuk...
USA Hockey Coaches Section – Russia 2008 Final Report
In February 2008 Mark Tabrum and Al Bloomer visited St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia. The purpose of the trip was to learn about the Russian Coaching Education Program and to observe the differences as well as similarities between USA Youth Hockey and Russian Youth Hockey. Barry Smith and Mikhail Manchik, CKA Ice Hockey Club of St. Petersburg, were our hosts. They made all the on-site arrangements for the visit. The Russian people we visited were very generous with their time and conversations were open and candid. This report is an attempt to summarize the trip. The first part will discuss coaching and coaching education. The second part will describe the philosophies and operation of Russian youth hockey, specifically age six thru the age of 18.
There are 168 indoor rinks in Russia. In 2007, the Russian Hockey Federation reported 25,956 male players, 257 female players and 56,754 junior players. The primary governing body for Russian Hockey is at the club level. The Russian club level is similar to our association level. Russia is divided into six regions for hockey; however, there appears to be no equivalent to our affiliates or districts.
We visited four hockey clubs:
CKA – St Petersburg – our host
Khimik – Moscow
Dynamo – Moscow
CSKA – Red Army – Moscow
We also visited The Basza in St. Petersburg. The former Red Army Hockey HQ was built in 1870 and serves as hockey training center, CKA offices, provides training meals, houses medical staff and provides sleeping quarters for players and staff.
Coaching Program:
The Russian coaching education system is extensive and demanding.
• All coaches must go through a rigorous educational process. They must first obtain a sports degree from an accredited university. After receiving this degree, coaches spend a year attaining a coaching degree specific to the sport they are coaching. Coaches spend time in the classroom and are given practical experience by coaching with two separate teams during this year of hockey-specific training. This theory and practical experience totals 500 hours. Most Russian coaches are former players. Coaches are required to have skating ability and goaltender coaches receive additional specialized training.
• There is emphasis on player athleticism – off ice physical training and physiological development are a significant part of the coaching curriculum. Off ice training begins at age eight; weight training is used based on player testing, usually beginning at age 12. Dry land and strength training is a key component in the development of Russian players
• All youth hockey coaches are paid professionals. This is their full time job. Salaries vary; ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 per year. There are additional benefits that may include housing, insurance and meals. The coaches can make additional money conducting summer camps. Volunteer coaches are very rare; if they participate, it is on a very supervised and limited basis.
• The top/best coaches teach at the entry levels (6, 7 & 8 year olds).
• In some clubs a coach will move vertically through the system with the same birth year. In other clubs the coaches will stay at the same birth year level for up to 10 years.
• Clubs have three coaches per team (10 and under); two coaches per team for 11-18 year olds. Clubs have at least one goaltender specialist that works with all goaltenders.
• Clubs have a Hockey Director in charge of the entire program. Clubs also have a Coaching Program Director that establishs a detailed daily, as well as yearly, curriculum of development. This curriculum (lesson plan) is followed by all coaches at all levels. There may be coaching councils that offer ideas and suggestions, but ultimately the Coaching Program Director sets the curriculum. While some clubs prepare the detailed lesson plan, others give the coaches the scheduled points to emphasize and allow them to prepare the detailed lesson plan.
• The coaches are strict disciplinarians. If a player is misbehaving he/she will be told to leave the ice. In one instance we saw a coach firmly “whack” non-attentive players with his stick. Players can be dismissed by the Program Director for discipline issues and/or behavior. There is no hearing and no appeal. We were told that although Directors have the ability to dismiss, it does not happen very often. The coach demands and receives respect on and off the ice. Russian coaches have almost a dictatorial style.
• Coaches within the club work together. The program is designed for vertical development – moving players to the next level within the club. Standardized curriculum/philosophy allows for smooth transition and players are prepared for the next level. The primary objective is to prepare players for the parent professional club team.
• Players practice on ice a minimum of five times per week. Each practice lasts from 90 to 120 minutes. In addition, players from age 8-12 will have three off ice training sessions per week. Older players will have five off ice training sessions per week. At about age 12-14, weights are added to the off ice training program. Off ice training is very important in Russian hockey.
• Coaches are evaluated at least once per year. Winning is not the major criteria in a coach’s evaluation. Player skill development and progress is the primary criteria for coaches. Ultimately coaches are evaluated by the number and quality of players they develop. Historically turnover is low.
• The primary objective of each program is to develop players for the parent professional team. A secondary objective is to develop players for the national teams. Winning at the older ages (16 and older) is considered but is not a primary objective. A 17-year-old is eligible to play in the top professional league.
• The practices we observed for the 5-8 year-olds worked on fundamental skills. Specific drills, requiring multiple skills, were run for long periods of time (15 to 30 minutes) and emphasized repetition. The overall pace was moderate. The coach gave verbal instruction and occasionally stopped practice for demonstration. We saw practices at this level where a player had a puck on his stick for the entire session. Puck possession and puck protection are high priorities in Russian hockey.
• We observed a few practices for 17-22 year olds. Here one vs. one battles, odd man situations and puck movement seemed to be the focus. The pace of these practices was very high. There were three coaches on the ice and there were skill stations.
• Practices overall focus on the individual skills of the player not the team concept of North American hockey. One specific practice we observed had players skating around tires on one end of the rink. The other end had players stick-handling pucks through and around metal tri-pods. Players in the middle of the ice were put in 1 vs 1, 1 vs 2, and 1 vs 3 situations.
• Tactics and systems are not introduced in Russian hockey until age 14.
Summary of game to practice ratios for 2008:
This may vary slightly from club to club. The following is an attempt to summarize the four clubs we visited.
Birth year (age) – games per season – practice/training information per week
2003 (5) – No games – skate 3-4 times per week
2002 (6) – No games – skate 4-5 days; 1-2 off-ice sessions
2001 (7) – 10-15 games – practice 5 days; 2 to 3 off-ice sessions
2000 (8) – 15-20 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1999 (9) – 20-30 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1998 (10) – 30-35 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1997 (11) – 40 games – practice 5 days; 3 office sessions
1996 (12) – 45 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1995 (13) – 45 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1994 (14) – 45-60 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1993 (15) – 45-60 games – practice 5 days; 3 off-ice sessions
1992 (16) – 45-60 games – 2 practices per day 5 times per week; 5 off-ice sessions
1991 (17) – 45-60 games – 2 practices per day 5 times per week; 5 off-ice sessions
1990 (18) – 45-60 games – 2 practices per day 5 times per week; 5 off-ice sessions
Mark and Al visited the University of Sport in St. Petersburg, enrollment of 10,000 students. Leonid Mikhno, Director Ice Hockey Department was our host. We gave a 90-minute presentation on the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program to a class of 35 students. We met with about 25 coaches from CKA Hockey Club in St. Petersburg. Our host was Rafail Ishmatov, St. Petersburg Youth Hockey Director. We presented an outline of the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program. We answered many questions about our program as well as the USA Hockey structure and objectives.
Youth Hockey in Russia – 2008:
Youth Hockey in Russia is club driven. The clubs are owned and administered by professional teams of the Russian Professional Elite League and is broadly governed by the Russian Hockey Federation. The federation dispenses state money to the clubs, deals with insurance issues, makes general youth program recommendations, selects coaches for and operates the national teams. There are 23 clubs in Moscow; 10 are members of the professional elite league. In St. Petersburg there is only one.
Although there are similarities between Russian Hockey and USA Hockey, the differences are cultural and in the points of emphasis. The Russians have issues with parents as well as the concern for cost just like we do. They want to grow their registration but availability of rinks and ice time are issues. Players having fun is not a priority in Russian hockey. The number of indoor rinks is 168. The weather changes have reduced outdoor ice facilities to almost none. Another issue in Moscow is the traffic and the ability of parents to get young players to the rink. Players tend to play for the club nearest their home. Hockey appears to be part of the school physical education curriculum. They approach the game the same as one would approach taking courses in school.
We asked each club about girls’ hockey. There was not a girls’ program in any of the four clubs we visited. Girls are often put in older groups (up to two years older) if they pass the testing due to the fact that they are physically bigger than boys. Spartak is the only organization with an official girls training program. Talented girls usually migrate there. Currently there are 257 registered Russian girls playing hockey.
• There is generally no cost for the ice.
• Players are put in groups by birth year. Players with the same birth year skate and play together. A player can move to an older birth year if he passes evaluation and testing. A player cannot move up more than two years.
• The clubs are open to any 5 & 6 year old that wants to play. The emphasis is skating. Players at this age will skate for one year without a stick. There are no games for 5 & 6 year olds. Usually the club has 60 to 80 skaters in this group. Dynamo had 200 in 2008. Parents pay for equipment.
• Each club evaluates their players – this evaluation occurs in either May or August.
• Seven-year-olds are evaluated and tested. They will play 10-15 games. Players eight and under use a lighter, but same size, black puck. They will play 15-20 games. All games are played on half-ice, but not “cross-ice”.
• At the end of the season nine-year-olds are tested. Those that do not meet high standards are dismissed. Those not selected can try another (less competitive) club or they drop out. Here about 40% of the original group advance, roughly 35 out of the 60 kids.
• At the end of season 10-year-olds are tested, about 40% (25) of the original 60 move on. From this point on drop out/dismissal is minimal.
• Movement of players from one club to another does occur. Any player from another club will be evaluated and tested before he is accepted.
• Although most of the players with a club start at age 5, 6 or 7, occasionally a club will get a first year player that is 8, 9 or 10. In this instance these players take skating for one year, are then tested and their future with the club is determined. Those 11 and older are selected and must meet high standards to continue.
• Goalies receive specific specialized training as early as age eight. This can be two extra sessions per week.
• The Russians teach and allow checking along the boards for 8-year-olds but will call a penalty if the play is too rough or flagrant. There is currently discussion within Russia about this practice. The opinion of the clubs we visited is that it will continue.
• Russians are just as concerned with recruiting players as we are. Soccer and hockey are the two most popular sports in Russia. With the growth of soccer and continued emphasis on it, the hockey talent pool is being depleted as kids at younger age levels are opting to play soccer instead of hockey.
• Russians do not play club hockey year round but their teams remain in tact by participating together in summer camps and other sports to develop their athleticism.
• All players (up to age 18) are required to wear neck guards and face mask but are not required to wear a mouth guard.
• National Championships
o Ages 12-17 have an organized national championship for each birth year
o Ages 10-11 have an unofficial regional tournament (6 regions)
o Under 10 age groups have tournaments within their own cities
People we met:
CKA:
Barry Smith – Head Coach – CKA Hockey Director
Misha Manchik – Executive Assistant Coach
Rafail Ishmatov – St. Petersburg Youth Hockey Director
Yury Kulikov – Interpreter Assistant to Barry Smith
Khimik:
Pavel – Hockey Director
Dynamo:
Vladimir Polupanov – Hockey Director
CSKA - Red Army:
Sergey Babinov – Hockey Director
University of Sport – St Petersburg:
Leniod Mikhno – President
Yuri Balashov – Honorable National Coach of Russia
Moscow Guide/Interpreter:
Sasha Golovko
Recommended Reading: King of Russia by Dave King with Eric Duhatschek, 2007
Submitted by: Al Bloomer & Mark Tabrum
Development
Isn't all that exactly what I said when starting this thread? 
Seriously, though, what a facinating read. I think it's clear that an extremely serious and regimented system is bound to produce excellence for those kids who can handle it.
I'm not sure that our culture would support a similar system, but there obviously are things to focus on. In no particular order: skill development vs. systems, no or fewer games at the younger ages, skating only early on, and pucks on sticks for entire practices come to mind. And how about coach qualification? Obviously we aren't going to get full time, degreed coaches for mites, but it does point out the value of quality coaching.
A lot of these concepts have been discussed for years, and it's not only Russia that uses them. The Swedes and Finns also also hammer on skills. The proliferation of super players from these countries suggest they are doing something right.
All that said, the US is producing as many high level players right now as ever before. I think that taking select concepts and melding them with what we do now would make things better yet.
Seriously, though, what a facinating read. I think it's clear that an extremely serious and regimented system is bound to produce excellence for those kids who can handle it.I'm not sure that our culture would support a similar system, but there obviously are things to focus on. In no particular order: skill development vs. systems, no or fewer games at the younger ages, skating only early on, and pucks on sticks for entire practices come to mind. And how about coach qualification? Obviously we aren't going to get full time, degreed coaches for mites, but it does point out the value of quality coaching.
A lot of these concepts have been discussed for years, and it's not only Russia that uses them. The Swedes and Finns also also hammer on skills. The proliferation of super players from these countries suggest they are doing something right.
All that said, the US is producing as many high level players right now as ever before. I think that taking select concepts and melding them with what we do now would make things better yet.
In the 'big' picture this sounds about as close to the opposite of the Herb Brooks wide pyramid philosophy as you can get. Only a tiny percentage of Russian kids can play hockey obviously. Minnesota has 149 ice arenas, plus probably a third of those have two sheets of ice. Russia has 168? We must have more hockey players in Minnesota too.
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chickendance
- Posts: 220
- Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:46 pm
develop:
to make active or promote the growth of
to work out the possibilities of
to create or produce especially by deliberate effort over time
How can you promote such horrible concepts in our children? Clearly we would not want to promote development, since if they develop they may utilize their potential. They might even find out what they are and are not good at. I forgot...development is good as long as it is not in sports...because thats not really an important part of a persons life.
to make active or promote the growth of
to work out the possibilities of
to create or produce especially by deliberate effort over time
How can you promote such horrible concepts in our children? Clearly we would not want to promote development, since if they develop they may utilize their potential. They might even find out what they are and are not good at. I forgot...development is good as long as it is not in sports...because thats not really an important part of a persons life.
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finance_gal
- Posts: 185
- Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2006 2:58 pm
My husband makes the trip to Russia every couple years for his business. He travels not to the hotbeds of Russian hockey that were described here but to some dismal places east of the Urals (Perm, Kazan, Kaluga, then back to Moscow) and what he found there is an extreme interest in Hockey and the American way of teaching it.
In Perm there was only one arena so they would have groups of kids lined up in the parking lot doing drills. Whole teams would be lined up doing head fakes (all at the same time) and stick handling, all the same moves, at the same time. When they finally would get into the arena not one second of ice time would be wasted, they worked on what they needed to work on then moved out of the arena so the next group could come in. All the teams would get about 30 minutes of ice time in the arena and all the uncoached ice time they wanted on the river. After talking with the coaches, my husband discovered that they don’t know how to recruit volunteers. They depend on who the ministry of athletics sends them. They would love to have some volunteer coaches, for at least a change of pace, and would welcome them with open arms. But that’s not in their culture to stand out from the crowd (it could get you punished in Soviet times). As a result of this the hockey playing kids all have professional coaches from day 1 and they all turn out to be great team players but it will be a rare Russian player that you see who can step up in a big game and play above his head because the Russians aren’t taught to play that way. From what I’ve seen and heard I’ll take the American way over the Russian way.
In Perm there was only one arena so they would have groups of kids lined up in the parking lot doing drills. Whole teams would be lined up doing head fakes (all at the same time) and stick handling, all the same moves, at the same time. When they finally would get into the arena not one second of ice time would be wasted, they worked on what they needed to work on then moved out of the arena so the next group could come in. All the teams would get about 30 minutes of ice time in the arena and all the uncoached ice time they wanted on the river. After talking with the coaches, my husband discovered that they don’t know how to recruit volunteers. They depend on who the ministry of athletics sends them. They would love to have some volunteer coaches, for at least a change of pace, and would welcome them with open arms. But that’s not in their culture to stand out from the crowd (it could get you punished in Soviet times). As a result of this the hockey playing kids all have professional coaches from day 1 and they all turn out to be great team players but it will be a rare Russian player that you see who can step up in a big game and play above his head because the Russians aren’t taught to play that way. From what I’ve seen and heard I’ll take the American way over the Russian way.
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Thunderbird77
- Posts: 134
- Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2006 2:01 pm
I too have travelled to Russia on several occassions. Here is what I have observed. The Russians love their sports. Hockey is one of them. Lots of people play hockey. At least those who have both the interest and the means. When I mentioned that I had a daughter that played, there were a lot of raised eyebrows. Per the USA hockey report, not too many women play, and it appeared to me that it would come as a surprise to most Russians that hockey is a sport women would play.
I can't say that is cultural, because in other areas, Russia is on par with other countries I deal with. It seemed to me the reason was more "historical" than anything. Women haven't historically played hockey and continue this path.
I can't say that is cultural, because in other areas, Russia is on par with other countries I deal with. It seemed to me the reason was more "historical" than anything. Women haven't historically played hockey and continue this path.
Good article in Lets Play Hockey this month. The authors website listed beolw has a lot of good information.
Why girls need strength training more than boys
By Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS
Building strength is critical for all hockey players. But it is even more important for girls.
Compared to the boys, young female players are already at a physiological and psychological disadvantage when it comes to developing strength. Most young male players desperately want to get bigger and stronger, and have higher testosterone levels that allow them to build that size and strength. On the other hand, young female players do not develop strength as naturally as the boys and are typically less eager to do so.
Although developing strength is critical for a young female player’s success, concerned parents are hesitant to get their daughters involved in strength training. They want to make sure that their daughter doesn’t miss out on any opportunity to reach her full potential on the ice, but don’t want to risk her getting injured while training off the ice.
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about strength training for young athletes, so let’s set the record straight on the four most common myths as they relate to young female hockey players.
Myth #1: With no body checking, strength training isn’t necessary.
”No body checking” does not mean “no body contact.” Girls may not need to worry about being able to take a big hit, but they’ve got to be able to win battles in front of the net and along the boards. Building this battle-winning strength off the ice is critical to a young player’s ability to excel on the ice and does not require them to lift heavy weights.
Myth #2: Strength training at a young age will lead to injury.
Most parents avoid getting their daughters involved in a strength training program because of concerns about safety. Young athletes tend to get injured when they receive poor instruction on technique or are exposed to a level of training that this inappropriate to their age and ability. However, proper instruction of body-weight strength exercises, coupled with a safe and gradual progression of intensity, will actually help to prevent injuries both on and off the ice.
Myth #3: Strength training will make girls “muscle-bound.”
It is virtually impossible for a young female player to become “muscle-bound” from strength training. Even the most elite female hockey players in the world do not build huge muscles and they are using the most advanced weight training techniques around. A properly designed “body-weight first” strength training program will not cause a young female player to become “muscle-bound,” but it will make her a stronger, faster and better player.
Myth #4: Male players strength train. Female players don’t.
Girls are constantly bombarded with messages from the popular media about how “thin is in” and being strong is “not feminine.” Female athletes competing in sports that require strength and power, such as hockey, may be even more susceptible to psychological issues related to body image than their peers. Therefore, it is our job, as coaches and parents, to encourage and empower every young girl to become strong and assure her that this strength will be of great benefit to her on-ice performance and her off-ice confidence.
Building a foundation of strength is critical to every young female player’s success. A properly designed training program will not require them to lift heavy weights and will not lead to them becoming “muscle bound.” With “body-weight first” strength training, girls can build strength and stability in all of the muscles and joints that support and power hockey-specific movements. This will not only give them a physical edge on the ice, but also give them a psychological edge off the ice.
Every girls’ hockey player must train to get stronger – because her strength off the ice is just as important as her strength on it.
About the author
Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS is a certified Youth Conditioning Specialist and Founder of Total Female Hockey. In addition to training and coaching girls at all levels of hockey, from novice to the National team, Kim has also played at the highest level of women’s hockey in the world for the last decade (NCAA & CWHL).
Kim’s female player development website – www.totalfemalehockey.com gives the coaches and parents of aspiring young players access to state-of-the-art programs and the most up-to-date tips and advice on how to help their players take their game to the next level.
To learn more about female-specific player development, get your free report: The #1 Mistake Female Players Make in the Offseason at www.totalfemalehockey.com
Why girls need strength training more than boys
By Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS
Building strength is critical for all hockey players. But it is even more important for girls.
Compared to the boys, young female players are already at a physiological and psychological disadvantage when it comes to developing strength. Most young male players desperately want to get bigger and stronger, and have higher testosterone levels that allow them to build that size and strength. On the other hand, young female players do not develop strength as naturally as the boys and are typically less eager to do so.
Although developing strength is critical for a young female player’s success, concerned parents are hesitant to get their daughters involved in strength training. They want to make sure that their daughter doesn’t miss out on any opportunity to reach her full potential on the ice, but don’t want to risk her getting injured while training off the ice.
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about strength training for young athletes, so let’s set the record straight on the four most common myths as they relate to young female hockey players.
Myth #1: With no body checking, strength training isn’t necessary.
”No body checking” does not mean “no body contact.” Girls may not need to worry about being able to take a big hit, but they’ve got to be able to win battles in front of the net and along the boards. Building this battle-winning strength off the ice is critical to a young player’s ability to excel on the ice and does not require them to lift heavy weights.
Myth #2: Strength training at a young age will lead to injury.
Most parents avoid getting their daughters involved in a strength training program because of concerns about safety. Young athletes tend to get injured when they receive poor instruction on technique or are exposed to a level of training that this inappropriate to their age and ability. However, proper instruction of body-weight strength exercises, coupled with a safe and gradual progression of intensity, will actually help to prevent injuries both on and off the ice.
Myth #3: Strength training will make girls “muscle-bound.”
It is virtually impossible for a young female player to become “muscle-bound” from strength training. Even the most elite female hockey players in the world do not build huge muscles and they are using the most advanced weight training techniques around. A properly designed “body-weight first” strength training program will not cause a young female player to become “muscle-bound,” but it will make her a stronger, faster and better player.
Myth #4: Male players strength train. Female players don’t.
Girls are constantly bombarded with messages from the popular media about how “thin is in” and being strong is “not feminine.” Female athletes competing in sports that require strength and power, such as hockey, may be even more susceptible to psychological issues related to body image than their peers. Therefore, it is our job, as coaches and parents, to encourage and empower every young girl to become strong and assure her that this strength will be of great benefit to her on-ice performance and her off-ice confidence.
Building a foundation of strength is critical to every young female player’s success. A properly designed training program will not require them to lift heavy weights and will not lead to them becoming “muscle bound.” With “body-weight first” strength training, girls can build strength and stability in all of the muscles and joints that support and power hockey-specific movements. This will not only give them a physical edge on the ice, but also give them a psychological edge off the ice.
Every girls’ hockey player must train to get stronger – because her strength off the ice is just as important as her strength on it.
About the author
Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS is a certified Youth Conditioning Specialist and Founder of Total Female Hockey. In addition to training and coaching girls at all levels of hockey, from novice to the National team, Kim has also played at the highest level of women’s hockey in the world for the last decade (NCAA & CWHL).
Kim’s female player development website – www.totalfemalehockey.com gives the coaches and parents of aspiring young players access to state-of-the-art programs and the most up-to-date tips and advice on how to help their players take their game to the next level.
To learn more about female-specific player development, get your free report: The #1 Mistake Female Players Make in the Offseason at www.totalfemalehockey.com
FHIT Girls Program for 2009
My daughter recieved this today and I thought it was interesting and worth sharing has anyone had experience with this program - I know FHIT has trained a lot of boys but don't know anything about the girls program.
http://www.fhitplayers.com/Portals/57/2 ... Packet.pdf
My daughter recieved this today and I thought it was interesting and worth sharing has anyone had experience with this program - I know FHIT has trained a lot of boys but don't know anything about the girls program.
http://www.fhitplayers.com/Portals/57/2 ... Packet.pdf