Under 15 Development

Learning to Compete

Phase Three, "Training to Train," in the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model is a crucial period for hockey players, typically ranging from ages 12 to 16. During this phase, athletes transition from simply learning and enjoying the sport to focusing on developing the foundational skills and physical capacities essential for future high-performance play. The emphasis is on consolidating technical skills, enhancing tactical understanding, and building a solid fitness base, including strength, endurance, and speed. Players are introduced to more structured and intensive training sessions that balance skill development with physical conditioning. This phase is critical for instilling discipline, refining technical abilities, and developing game sense, setting the stage for athletes to progress to higher levels of competition with a well-rounded skill set and physical ability.