ICE HOCKEY TRAINING Reading time : 10 min Updated October 14, 2026
Contents
An ice hockey session is planned around a constraint the other sports do not have: the ice is counted, and it is shared. The federations answer in the same way: rotating stations, small-area games that put the puck on everyone's stick, and team play that starts only after the skills. Hockey Canada gives 75% of U9 practice time to technical skills and 0% to team play and strategy.
What the hour of ice is for
Hockey Canada prints, on each division page, the share of practice time given to five items: technical skills, individual tactics, team tactics, team play (the systems) and strategy. The reading is simple: at the start everything is skills; team play arrives at 11.
Hockey Canada · practice time
What the hour of ice is for, U7 to U15
Skating and skills first; team play and strategy come late. The shares are the ones Hockey Canada prints.
Source: Hockey Canada, division pages U7 to U15 (practice-time shares); U18: 35, 15, 20, 15 and 10% as printed, which adds to 95%. Hockey Québec M9: 75, 15 and 10%.
Hockey Québec writes the same hierarchy for M9: 75% skating and puck control, 15% individual tactics (fakes, puck protection, approach to the puck carrier), 10% introduction to team tactics, with “les 4 rôles du joueur de hockey”. Hockey Canada teaches each skill in three stages (“Introduce” at U7 and U9, “Develop” at U11, U13 and U15, “Refine” at U18 and after) and writes that there is no position specialization before U13: all kids play all positions through U11.
The federations also publish the ratio of practice to games:
Federation, category
Practices per game
Number of games
Hockey Canada U7
3:1 in the development phase, 2:1 in the regular season
25 at most recommended
Hockey Canada U9
3:1 then 2:1
40 at most recommended, “no playoffs”
Hockey Canada U11
2:1 (phase 2)
46 at most recommended
Hockey Québec M9
22 lessons (9:1) then 2:1
20 games in the table, 18 in the text: the guide contradicts itself
USA Hockey 8U
34 to 40 practices
16 to 20 cross-ice or half-ice games
USA Hockey 10U, 12U
70% practice, 30% games
10U: 20 to 25; 12U: 30 to 35
Stations and shared ice
No federation read publishes “the” standard session. They publish plans that show how to fit many children on little ice:
Source
How the ice is organised
USA Hockey, 8U plans
50 minutes, up to 48 players, groups of 6 to 8; 5 minutes of free puck time, then six stations of 7 minutes; “groups stay in the same area” for the whole practice
USA Hockey, 10U plans
60 minutes, 30 to 40 players; 6 minutes of free play, four 9-minute stations “based on ability”, then two 9-minute games on 40-second shifts
Hockey Canada
3, 4, 5 or 8 stations; cross-ice: 3 games, or 2 games and a skills area, or 2 games and a rest area; a two-team, two-game model at U7 and U9, the score clock keeping time for both games
Hockey Québec M9
four teams on the ice, two on each side sharing a bench, a central net; two games a day at most
SIHF
the sheet cut into four (U9) or three (U12) identical fields; change zones in the corners or beside; the neutral zone is the change zone when four teams play on two fields
FFHG
third-ice tournament: 4 or 5 teams, 18-minute games, 20 minutes of resurfacing, a 2-hour slot; école de hockey on a sixth of the ice, up to 72 children, three or four games and two educational spaces, or four to six game spaces
England Ice Hockey U10
the middle third is the skills zone and the bench; rotation “game shift, skills zone, then rest”; three lines of similar level
The ÖEHV notes that continuous drills, lane training and small-area games keep activity time high, and that goaltenders must never be forgotten in planning. It treats activity time as a quality factor of a good session; the FFHG states its aim as “more players concerned by the puck”.
The small-area game
Hockey Canada defines the small-area game as competitive drills done in a smaller than normal playing area (“Decrease the Space! Increase the Pace!”): cross-ice, neutral zone, corners, depending on what the coach is teaching. USA Hockey's handbook names 75 of them by age: 13 for 8U, 12 for 10U, 18 for 12U, 18 for 14U to 18U and 14 for goaltenders. The ÖEHV asks every training to start with a small-area game.
An IIHF-hosted Finnish and Swedish study (25 formats tested, 2019-2020) gives the one measured figure: 5-on-5 on full ice gives 0.3 pass attempts and 0.2 shot attempts per player per minute of game time; 3-on-3 on a quarter of the ice gives 0.9 and 0.7. Its authors also write that 5-on-5, and especially 5-on-5 on full ice, is likely the least beneficial if you want to optimize game time and involvement for every player, and that a coach cannot just rely on games to teach different skills.
The multipliers Hockey Canada publishes for small-area games (two to three times the puck touches, four to six times the shots) differ from one of its pages to another. They are promotion figures: do not treat them as proof that a drill “works”.
Team play before 13
What does “tactics” mean for the youngest? The texts read answer: skills, roles and small games, not systems.
Hockey Canada defines an individual tactic (a player combines skills to create an advantage), a team tactic (a collective action of two or more players, for example 3 on 2), a team play system (a coordinated pattern, for example a 2-1-2 forecheck) and strategy (the choice of systems against an opponent). At U9: 0% for team play and strategy.
The SIHF allows no power play and no penalty kill in the U12 5-on-5 “Intro to Full-Ice” form; an older deck (2019) writes that the power play should not be deliberately practised and that the focus should be the four roles rather than tactics.
The ÖEHV organises content around four roles (puck carrier, offensive support, defender against the puck carrier, defensive support), not around positions.
USA Hockey lists transition games with a support player from 10U, but breakout and special-teams games only from 14 (14U to 18U).
What the texts read do not publish: no federation prints a face-off play (only the procedure), a shift length for U13 and above, or a named system other than as an example (“2-1-2”). The only document read that draws power-play formations is a 2002 workbook of Hockey Canada's predecessor, the Canadian Hockey Association: an old edition, to be read as such.
The generator on the hub of this guide builds a five-block minuted outline (warm-up, two mains, a small game, a cool-down) from the library of the age band you pick.
The drills of this guide
Skating tag and signal games
Tag and signal games on skates for the youngest. The USA Hockey small-area games handbook lists Freeze Tag, Forward/Backward Team Tag, Cops and Robbers, Red Light Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light and Musical Pucks for 8-and-under, on a third of the ice.
Drill detail
How it runs
Tag and signal games on skates for the youngest. The USA Hockey small-area games handbook lists Freeze Tag, Forward/Backward Team Tag, Cops and Robbers, Red Light Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light and Musical Pucks for 8-and-under, on a third of the ice. One end or a third of the ice for the whole group; sticks are not needed; pucks only for Musical Pucks. Pick one game and play a short round, then change. Freeze Tag: a tagged skater freezes where he or she is. Team Tag: skate forward or backward as the coach calls. Red, Green, Yellow and Blue Light: the coach calls a colour and each colour is a skating action the group has agreed (for example red to stop and green to go). Cops and Robbers and Musical Pucks are on the handbook's list as further games.
Players
4 or more
Coaching points
The handbook's stated purposes for this group: skating and teamwork, pivots with the head up, changing direction and skating both ways, stopping and agility, crossovers with the head up. Activity time is a quality factor of a session (ÖEHV): choose the game where nobody waits. Body checking is not part of the game at this age: Hockey Canada penalises it up to U13, Hockey Québec does not permit checking or contact physique in M9 and M11, USA Hockey prohibits it up to 12U, the FFHG bans body charges in U9 to U13 and the SIHF bans them in U9 and U12. Tagging is done with the hand. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec.
Harder
Add a stick and then a puck, and ask the group to change direction on the whistle.
Easier
A smaller area, walking before skating, and two taggers only.
goaltenderskateropponent
3 on 3 across a quarter of the ice (SIHF U9 and U12 format)
The SIHF small-ice game: three skaters against three, plus a goaltender each, across the width of a quarter of the rink for U9 and a third for U12, with a horn every 60 seconds and whole blocks changing on the fly.
Drill detail
Set out
A field of 30 x 15 m or smaller across the width · goals with the back edge 100 cm from the side boards, no goal line · a horn every 60 seconds
What it trains
The SIHF small-ice game at U9: three skaters against three, plus a goaltender each, across the width of a quarter of the rink. Whole blocks change on the fly, and the change rules make equal ice time structural.
Published frame
Every block plays the same time, with no double shifts: on the horn the whole block changes on the fly, the outgoing block leaves the puck, no passes at the change.
How it runs
The SIHF small-ice game: three skaters against three, plus a goaltender each, across the width of a quarter of the rink for U9 and a third for U12, with a horn every 60 seconds and whole blocks changing on the fly. The change rules make equal ice time structural. A field of 30 x 15 m or smaller across the width for U9 (four fields to a rink, two to four in use); 30 x 20 m or smaller for U12 (three fields); goals with the back edge 100 cm from the side boards and no goal line; blue light pucks and small « Kids 80 » goals for U9; change zones in the corners or beside the field, set by the organiser. Squad of 9 skaters and 1 to 2 goaltenders so that three blocks can rotate. Teams of three play 3 against 3 with a goaltender each (goaltenders may be left out by agreement, with small training goals). A horn sounds every 60 seconds: the whole block changes on the fly, the outgoing block leaves the puck, there are no passes at the change, and the new block plays on without delay. No double shifts. A foul gives a penalty shot instead of a player disadvantage. No offside; no result is communicated.
Players
6 or more, including 2 goaltenders
Coaching points
Body charges, checks into the boards and frontal body attacks are to be sanctioned by the coaches; a shove in the fight for the puck is allowed (SIHF Art. 87.3, 116). A slap shot is a small penalty in this format. No special coaching or forcing of the best players: every block gets the same share (SIHF Art. 112, 113); no double shifts unless fewer than two full blocks. Equal ice time: Hockey Canada (U7, U9, U11) does not permit shortening the bench to win and asks for as close to equal ice time as possible for players and goaltenders; Hockey Québec M9 requires equal ice time; the FFHG (third-ice) and the SIHF (U9, U12) make every block play the same time. The SIHF's U12 « Intro to Full-Ice » 5 on 5 has no power play, no penalty kill and no checks. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec. Goaltender kit: a helmet with a mask a puck cannot penetrate and, for U18 and younger, a stick blade must not penetrate it either (IIHF, SIHF, DEB); a neck laceration protector as for skaters (BNQ-certified throat protector at Hockey Canada in minor and female hockey, even with a mask attachment; HECC-certified at USA Hockey).
Harder
At U12 play the third-ice field (30 x 20 m); the SIHF's U12-1 « Intro to Full-Ice » is 5 on 5 on the full ice with a recommended squad of 15 and 2 goaltenders.
Easier
Play without goaltenders on the small training goals, on the 30 x 15 m field.
goaltenderskateropponent
4 on 4 across a third of the ice (FFHG U9 and U11 format)
The FFHG's third-ice game: four skaters and a goaltender per team, played across the width of the two end zones on a third of the rink, changing blocks at a 60-second buzzer.
Drill detail
Set out
A third of a rink of 56 x 26 m or larger, across the width of the end zones · the neutral zone is used only for the benches · a goalkeeper zone traced with a string of 162 cm (U9) or 220 cm (U11, U13) from the middle of the crossbar · a buzzer every 60 seconds
What it trains
The FFHG third-ice game: four skaters and a goaltender per team, played across the width of the end zone, with two blocks rotating on the buzzer. It is the format in which an FFHG U9 team plays its whole season.
Published frame
Each block plays the same time, at the pace of the changes; coaches do not anticipate the change: the buzzer is the only signal. No offside, no icing, no score display.
How it runs
The FFHG's third-ice game: four skaters and a goaltender per team, played across the width of the two end zones on a third of the rink, changing blocks at a 60-second buzzer. It is the format in which an FFHG U9 plays 100 % of its season. A third of a rink of 56 x 26 m or larger, across the width of the end zones; the neutral zone is used only for the benches; reduced goals H 90 x L 130 cm (U9) or a reducer, full-size goals H 122 x L 183 cm and a black 163 g puck for U11 and U13, a blue puck at U9; a goalkeeper zone traced with a string of 162 cm (U9) or 220 cm (U11, U13) from the middle of the crossbar. Squad of 8 to 10 skaters in 2 blocks of 4 or 5 plus 1 goaltender. Two blocks of four or five skaters rotate, with one goaltender who cannot be removed for an extra attacker. At each 60-second buzzer both teams leave and enter the playing area at the same time and the puck is left free. A foul: whistle, the offender is out until the next change and replaced numerically. No offside, no icing, no score display. At U13 the FFHG third-ice game is 3 against 3 with free changes and a penalty shot for a minor.
Players
8 to 20, including 2 goaltenders
Coaching points
Each block plays the same time at the pace of the changes, and coaches build blocks of matching level against each other (FFHG cahier des charges U9 U11 U13, 2026/27). Coaches do not anticipate the change: the buzzer is the only signal (FFHG). The FFHG bans body charges in U9, U11 and U13 (RAS art. 7.2); the aim of the format is more duels, handling, mobility and space-finding, with more players touching the puck. Equal ice time: Hockey Canada (U7, U9, U11) does not permit shortening the bench to win and asks for as close to equal ice time as possible for players and goaltenders; Hockey Québec M9 requires equal ice time; the FFHG (third-ice) and the SIHF (U9, U12) make every block play the same time. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec. Goaltender kit: a helmet with a mask a puck cannot penetrate and, for U18 and younger, a stick blade must not penetrate it either (IIHF, SIHF, DEB); a neck laceration protector as for skaters (BNQ-certified throat protector at Hockey Canada in minor and female hockey, even with a mask attachment; HECC-certified at USA Hockey).
Harder
At U13 play 3 on 3 with free changes (blocks of 3 or 4) and a penalty shot for a minor.
Easier
The FFHG École and Fair Play'Zir layout on a sixth of the ice: 2 on 2 or 3 on 3 with mini goals.
skateropponent
4 on 4 on half the ice (Hockey Canada U9, Hockey Québec M9)
The half-ice game of Hockey Canada's U9 division and Hockey Québec's M9: four skaters and a goaltender per team, two games at once with one in each half of the rink, timed changes and no offside or icing.
Drill detail
Set out
Half of the rink, at most 100 x 85 ft (about 30.5 x 25.9 m) · two games at once, one per half · timed changes, no offside, no icing
What it trains
The game of Hockey Canada’s U9 division and Hockey Québec’s M9: four skaters and a goaltender per team on half of the rink, two games at once, timed changes and no offside or icing.
Published frame
Rotate players through forward, defence and goal; no position specialisation before U13; as close to equal ice time as possible (Hockey Canada).
How it runs
The half-ice game of Hockey Canada's U9 division and Hockey Québec's M9: four skaters and a goaltender per team, two games at once with one in each half of the rink, timed changes and no offside or icing. Half of the rink, at most 100 x 85 ft (about 30.5 x 25.9 m); nets of 3 x 4 ft recommended (Hockey Canada U9; Hockey Québec M9 mandates 36 x 48 in); blue 4 oz or black 6 oz puck at Hockey Canada U9; 18 players per team recommended at U9 (four lines and two goaltenders); Hockey Québec M9 teams of 7 to 13, ideally 9. Two teams of four skaters and a goaltender in full equipment play 4 on 4, two games at once, one per half. Changes are timed by a buzzer or a whistle; a shift does not exceed two minutes (Hockey Canada recommends 60 seconds; Hockey Québec M9 uses 90 to 120 seconds). No offside, no icing. Two periods of running time, with face-offs to start each half. A minor penalty is noted, the offender sits the next shift and the team stays even.
Players
8 or more, including 2 goaltenders
Coaching points
Rotate players through forward, defence and goal: Hockey Canada recommends rotating all players through the goalie position at U9, and Hockey Québec M9 rotates players through goal; no full-time goaltenders at U9. No position specialisation before U13 (Hockey Canada). From 26 December Hockey Canada lets U9 teams play full ice: each Member decides whether to allow it. Body checking is not part of the game: Hockey Canada Rule 7.3 penalises it, and Hockey Québec M9 does not permit checking or contact physique. Equal ice time: Hockey Canada (U7, U9, U11) does not permit shortening the bench to win and asks for as close to equal ice time as possible for players and goaltenders; Hockey Québec M9 requires equal ice time; the FFHG (third-ice) and the SIHF (U9, U12) make every block play the same time. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec. Goaltender kit: a helmet with a mask a puck cannot penetrate and, for U18 and younger, a stick blade must not penetrate it either (IIHF, SIHF, DEB); a neck laceration protector as for skaters (BNQ-certified throat protector at Hockey Canada in minor and female hockey, even with a mask attachment; HECC-certified at USA Hockey).
Harder
Where the Member allows it, play full ice from 26 December (Hockey Canada U9).
Easier
Cross-ice 4 on 4 on a third of the ice, as in Hockey Canada's U7 model.
skaterskating
Game shift, skills zone, rest
A rotation that keeps every child active when two games share the ice: each line plays a game shift, goes to the skills zone, then rests.
Drill detail
Set out
Two games at the ends of the ice, cross-ice, with goals 1 m from the side boards · the middle third is the skills zone and the bench area · goals 130 x 90 cm or inserts · a blue puck
What it trains
A rotation that keeps every child active when two games share the ice: each line plays a game shift, goes to the skills zone, then rests. Changes are made on the buzzer only.
Published frame
The skills zone is pre-planned: decide in advance which station it holds. Changes on the buzzer only, to ensure equal ice time (England Ice Hockey U10).
How it runs
A rotation that keeps every child active when two games share the ice: each line plays a game shift, goes to the skills zone, then rests. England Ice Hockey runs its U10 game day this way, with a pre-planned skills zone in the middle third. Two games at the ends of the ice, cross-ice or half-ice, with goals 1 m from the side boards; the middle third is the skills zone and the bench area; dividers of about 10 x 5 cm; goals 130 x 90 cm or inserts; a blue puck; two on-ice coaches per team. Three skill-aligned lines rotate in the same order: a game shift (60 seconds maximum, running time), then the skills zone, then rest. Changes are made on the buzzer only. The skills zone is pre-planned: it holds a station from another theme.
Players
12 or more, including 1 goaltender
Coaching points
Coaches group players by ability, age and size in the three lines, and keep the lines at even strength (England Ice Hockey U10). Changes on the buzzer only, to ensure equal ice time (England Ice Hockey U10); no statistics and no standings at this age. A skills zone must be pre-planned: decide in advance which station it holds. Body checking is not part of the game at this age: Hockey Canada penalises it up to U13, Hockey Québec does not permit checking or contact physique in M9 and M11, USA Hockey prohibits it up to 12U, the FFHG bans body charges in U9 to U13 and the SIHF bans them in U9 and U12; England Ice Hockey U10 and U12 are non-checking. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec. Goaltender kit: a helmet with a mask a puck cannot penetrate and, for U18 and younger, a stick blade must not penetrate it either (IIHF, SIHF, DEB); a neck laceration protector as for skaters (BNQ-certified throat protector at Hockey Canada in minor and female hockey, even with a mask attachment; HECC-certified at USA Hockey).
Harder
Use the skills zone for a drill from the other themes, such as a shooting station or the puck-protection circle.
Easier
A single game with lines of three rotating on the buzzer, no skills zone.
Coach's call: the coach changes the rule
A small-area game in which the coach changes a rule during play to force one decision at a time.
Drill detail
How it runs
A small-area game in which the coach changes a rule during play to force one decision at a time. The USA Hockey handbook lists Coach's Call and the Multi-Puck Game for 10-and-under and Decision Maker for 12-and-under; its examples are backhand only, indirect off the boards, and two passes before a shot. One zone or a third of the ice with one or two nets; teams chosen by the coach, from 1 on 1 up to 5 on 5. Play a small-sided game and call a new rule at any moment: backhand only, indirect off the boards, two passes before a shot. Players must change what they do at once. One rule at a time, the same for both teams.
Players
2 to 10
Coaching points
The handbook's stated purposes: fun and skills, anticipation, quick-thinking anticipation skills. Keep the calls short and clear; stop play only to name the new rule. The calls are about passing and shooting, not contact. Contact in the game follows your class: body checking is banned up to U13 at Hockey Canada, up to 12U at USA Hockey, from U9 to U13 at the FFHG, in the SIHF U9, U12 and all Animation (A) classes, and in girls' and women's hockey at Hockey Canada and USA Hockey. Where your class allows checking, this drill stays free of it. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec. If a goaltender takes part, he or she wears the full goaltender kit (see the goaltending drills).
Harder
Combine two calls at once, for example backhand only and two passes before a shot.
Easier
One call per round and 2 on 2 only.
skateropponent
Corner game: 2 on 2 and 3 on 3 with game-length shifts
A corner game from the USA Hockey handbook for 12-and-under: 2 on 2 or 3 on 3 in a corner with shifts of 30 to 40 seconds, « just like in a real game ».
Drill detail
Set out
One corner of a zone · teams of two or three
What it trains
A corner game from the USA Hockey handbook for 12-and-under: 2 on 2 or 3 on 3 in a corner, with game shifts. It works on anticipation and quick thinking.
Published frame
Shifts of 30 to 40 seconds, just like in a real game (USA Hockey handbook); in a corner, puck battles stay stick-on-ice battles for the puck.
How it runs
A corner game from the USA Hockey handbook for 12-and-under: 2 on 2 or 3 on 3 in a corner with shifts of 30 to 40 seconds, « just like in a real game ». The handbook gives its purposes as anticipation and quick thinking. One corner of a zone; teams of two or three. Two teams of two or three play in the corner. A shift lasts 30 to 40 seconds, as in a real game; change teams on the clock.
Players
4 to 6
Coaching points
Shifts of 30 to 40 seconds, just like in a real game (USA Hockey handbook). This is a number printed for this game only: no federation text read gives a shift length for U13 and above. A corner means puck battles along the boards: keep them as stick-on-ice battles for the puck. Contact in the game follows your class: body checking is banned up to U13 at Hockey Canada, up to 12U at USA Hockey, from U9 to U13 at the FFHG, in the SIHF U9, U12 and all Animation (A) classes, and in girls' and women's hockey at Hockey Canada and USA Hockey. Where your class allows checking, this drill stays free of it. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec.
Harder
Move from 2 on 2 to 3 on 3.
Easier
2 on 2 only, with longer breaks between shifts.
goaltenderskateropponentskating
Progressive 4 on 4
A small-area game from the USA Hockey handbook for 14-, 16- and 18-and-under: a player is added every 10 seconds until the game reaches 4 on 4.
Drill detail
Set out
One zone with a net or two · two teams of four, with the extra players waiting at the boards · a goaltender if available
What it trains
Reading the changing numbers: start with a few players and add one every 10 seconds until the game is 4 on 4. The team with the extra player attacks the open space.
Published frame
A player is added every 10 seconds (USA Hockey handbook): the clock makes the decision, not the coach.
How it runs
A small-area game from the USA Hockey handbook for 14-, 16- and 18-and-under: a player is added every 10 seconds until the game reaches 4 on 4. The handbook's stated purposes are anticipation, quick thinking and heads-up progression. One zone with a net or two; two teams of four, with the extra players waiting at the boards; a goaltender if available. Start with a small number of players on the ice and add one player every 10 seconds until the game is 4 on 4. Players must read the changing numbers: when a team has the extra player, it attacks the open space.
Players
8 or more
Coaching points
A player is added every 10 seconds (USA Hockey handbook): the clock makes the decision, not the coach. Hockey Canada defines a team tactic as a collective action of two or more players, for example 3 vs 2: this game lets players meet that situation again and again. Contact in the game follows your class: body checking is banned up to U13 at Hockey Canada, up to 12U at USA Hockey, from U9 to U13 at the FFHG, in the SIHF U9, U12 and all Animation (A) classes, and in girls' and women's hockey at Hockey Canada and USA Hockey. In a checking class the game is played under that class's rules, as in a match. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec. If a goaltender takes part, he or she wears the full goaltender kit (see the goaltending drills).
Harder
Keep adding past 4 on 4 up to the team size the class plays, then remove players one by one.
Easier
Stop at 3 on 3 and play on a small field.
skateropponent
Four roles in a small game
A small game in which the coach names the four player roles that the ÖEHV, the SIHF's Impact U13 sheet and Hockey Québec's M9 guide use in place of systems: the puck carrier, the supporting teammate, the defender against the puck carrier and the defensive support.
Drill detail
Set out
A third of the ice across the width or a similar small field · 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 · the roles are named in the coach’s words
What it trains
At this age tactics means roles, not systems: the puck carrier, the offensive support, the defender against the carrier and the defensive support. When the coach stops play, each player says which role he or she has.
Published frame
The roles change with possession, all the time: the coach names a role, not a position. Nobody is fixed to a position before U13 (Hockey Canada).
How it runs
A small game in which the coach names the four player roles that the ÖEHV, the SIHF's Impact U13 sheet and Hockey Québec's M9 guide use in place of systems: the puck carrier, the supporting teammate, the defender against the puck carrier and the defensive support. At this age « tactics » means roles, not systems. A third of the ice across the width or a similar small field; 3 on 3 or 4 on 4, with a goaltender each if available; the roles are named in the coach's words. Play the small game. When the coach stops play, each player says which role he or she has: puck carrier (shoot at the goal, gain space, control the puck, switch), offensive support, defender against the puck carrier (prevent the goal, win the puck back, take away space, switch) or defensive support. Roles change with possession. Rotate players through all four roles and fix nobody in a position.
Players
6 or more
Coaching points
The roles change with possession, all the time (ÖEHV, Spielerrollen); the coach names a role, not a position. Hockey Canada allots 10 % of U9 practice time to team tactics and 0 % to team play and strategy; Hockey Québec M9 allots 10 % to a collective-tactics introduction, in particular the four roles of the hockey player; the SIHF's Impact U13 sheet puts the focus on the four roles instead of tactics. No fixed positions: Hockey Canada asks for no position specialisation before U13, and the SIHF's U12 focus names positionless play in the triangle. Body checking is not part of the game at this age: Hockey Canada penalises it up to U13, Hockey Québec does not permit checking or contact physique in M9 and M11, USA Hockey prohibits it up to 12U, the FFHG bans body charges in U9 to U13 and the SIHF bans them in U9 and U12. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec. Goaltender kit: a helmet with a mask a puck cannot penetrate and, for U18 and younger, a stick blade must not penetrate it either (IIHF, SIHF, DEB); a neck laceration protector as for skaters (BNQ-certified throat protector at Hockey Canada in minor and female hockey, even with a mask attachment; HECC-certified at USA Hockey).
Harder
Add the switch: after a turnover the puck carrier becomes the defender against the puck carrier.
Easier
Name only the puck carrier and the defender against the puck carrier.
skateropponentcoach or support playerpuck carryshotthe other choiceskating
Transition games with a support player
Small-area transition games with a stationary or support player, the family the USA Hockey handbook lists for 10-, 12- and 14-to-18-and-under: 3-on-2 Transition, Safehouse, Coach's Quarterback, Rover Transition, 4 Corner Support, Red Baron, 2-on-1 Transition.
Drill detail
Set out
One zone with a net · a support player (a coach, a rover or a stationary player) · three attackers against two defenders, or two against one
What it trains
The transition games of the USA Hockey handbook: players attack, win or lose the puck and switch at once, passing through lanes. The support player gives one more passing option.
Published frame
Everyone plays every role: Hockey Canada asks for no position specialisation before U13. The roles switch at once after a shot or when the puck is won.
How it runs
Small-area transition games with a stationary or support player, the family the USA Hockey handbook lists for 10-, 12- and 14-to-18-and-under: 3-on-2 Transition, Safehouse, Coach's Quarterback, Rover Transition, 4 Corner Support, Red Baron, 2-on-1 Transition. Players attack, win or lose the puck and switch at once, passing through lanes. One zone with a net; a support player (a coach, a rover or a stationary player); three attackers against two defenders, or two against one. The attackers play 3 on 2 or 2 on 1 and may pass to the support player, who gives them an extra passing option. When the defenders win the puck, or after a shot, the roles switch at once and the new attackers transition without waiting. Rotate attackers, defenders and the support player.
Players
5 or more
Coaching points
The handbook's stated purposes: transition offence and defence, creating a 2 on 1, quick thinking, passing lanes, fast transitions. Hockey Canada defines a team tactic as a collective action of two or more players, for example 3 vs 2; it allots 15 % of U11 and 10 % of U13 practice time to team tactics, and 20 % at U15 and U18. Everyone plays every role: Hockey Canada asks for no position specialisation until U13 and all positions through U11. Contact in the game follows your class: body checking is banned up to U13 at Hockey Canada, up to 12U at USA Hockey, from U9 to U13 at the FFHG, in the SIHF U9, U12 and all Animation (A) classes, and in girls' and women's hockey at Hockey Canada and USA Hockey. Where your class allows checking, this drill stays free of it. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec. If a goaltender takes part, he or she wears the full goaltender kit (see the goaltending drills).
Harder
Add a second support player or a third defender (3 on 3) and ask for the quick decision.
Easier
2 on 1 only, with the support player stationary.
skateropponentpuck carryshotpuck
Breakout games: 4 on 3, 3 on 2 and cross-ice
Breakout games from the USA Hockey handbook for 14-, 16- and 18-and-under: a mid-ice 4-on-3 breakout, a 3-on-2 breakout forecheck that can only turn to offence after a turnover and one successful pass in the team's own end, and the cross-ice 3-on-2 « Town Carnival ».
Drill detail
Set out
Half of the ice or mid-ice with a net at the end · a supply of pucks at each end · teams of four and three, or three and two
What it trains
The breakout games of the USA Hockey handbook: mid-ice 4 on 3, breakout forecheck 3 on 2 and the cross-ice breakout (Town Carnival). The options to read come from Hockey Canada.
Published frame
Change roles after every two breakouts. The options to read (from Hockey Canada) come from the skills of skating, pivots, retrievals and passing; the words a group uses for them are the group’s own.
How it runs
Breakout games from the USA Hockey handbook for 14-, 16- and 18-and-under: a mid-ice 4-on-3 breakout, a 3-on-2 breakout forecheck that can only turn to offence after a turnover and one successful pass in the team's own end, and the cross-ice 3-on-2 « Town Carnival ». Hockey Canada's defencemen overview names the breakout options. Half of the ice or mid-ice with a net at the end; a supply of pucks at each end; teams of four and three, or three and two. Mid-Ice 4-on-3 Breakout: four players break out against three forecheckers in a quick transition; change roles after every two breakouts. Breakout Forecheck 3-on-2: the team may only go on offence once it has created a turnover and made one successful pass in its own end. Town Carnival: a 3-on-2 cross-ice breakout with a designated breakout defenceman, rotated every two breakouts. Options to read, from Hockey Canada: quick up, wheel, overs, reverse, rim, set, support.
Players
5 or more
Coaching points
Hockey Canada's breakout options come from the skills of skating, pivots, retrievals and passing; the words a group uses for them are the group's own decision. Hockey Canada allots 20 % of U15 and U18 practice time to team tactics and 15 % to team play systems; the only forecheck system named in a federation text read is the 2-1-2 (Hockey Canada, as the example of a team play system). No other numbered system is taught here. Contact in the game follows your class: body checking is banned up to U13 at Hockey Canada, up to 12U at USA Hockey, from U9 to U13 at the FFHG, in the SIHF U9, U12 and all Animation (A) classes, and in girls' and women's hockey at Hockey Canada and USA Hockey. In a checking class the forecheck is played under that class's rules, as in a match. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec. If a goaltender takes part, he or she wears the full goaltender kit (see the goaltending drills).
Harder
Add the neutral-zone regroup before the entry: D to D, D to D up, D to D open-ice reverse, D to D hinge (Hockey Canada defencemen overview).
Easier
3 on 2 with the forecheckers passive until the first pass.
skateropponentcoach or support playermarker
Special teams games: 4 on 3, 5 on 3 and the regroup
Power-play and penalty-kill games from the USA Hockey handbook for 14-, 16- and 18-and-under: 4-on-2 and 4-on-3 special teams on a one-minute change, 5-on-3 with a player in the middle of four cones in a diamond, and a regroup game in which stationary players on the face-off dots turn a 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 into a 4-on-3 or 5-on-4.
Drill detail
Set out
One zone · four cones in a diamond for the 5-on-3 game · two stationary players, one on each face-off dot outside the blue line, for the regroup game
What it trains
The power-play and penalty-kill games of the USA Hockey handbook: 4 on 2 and 4 on 3, 5 on 3 with a player in the middle of four cones, and the regroup game where a stationary player turns a 3 on 3 into a 4 on 3.
Published frame
Special teams exist only where the class has penalties that reduce a team: use the named shapes as names, not as a measure.
How it runs
Power-play and penalty-kill games from the USA Hockey handbook for 14-, 16- and 18-and-under: 4-on-2 and 4-on-3 special teams on a one-minute change, 5-on-3 with a player in the middle of four cones in a diamond, and a regroup game in which stationary players on the face-off dots turn a 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 into a 4-on-3 or 5-on-4. One zone; four cones in a diamond for the 5-on-3 game; two stationary players, one on each face-off dot outside the blue line, for the regroup game. 4-on-2 and 4-on-3 Special Teams: the two sides play 4 on 2 and 4 on 3 and change every minute. 5-on-3 Player in the Middle: five attackers play around the four cones against three defenders in the middle. Regroup game: a team plays 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 until it regroups, and the stationary player on each face-off dot outside the blue line turns it into a 4-on-3 or a 5-on-4.
Players
7 or more
Coaching points
Special teams exist only where the class has penalties that reduce a team: not at Hockey Canada U7 to U9, Hockey Québec M9, the FFHG third-ice formats or the SIHF U9 and U12 3 on 3, and not in the SIHF's U12 5 on 5 (no power play, no penalty kill). The SIHF's Impact U13 sheet says power play should not be practised deliberately. Named shapes from an old Hockey Canada workbook (CHA 2002): power play 3-2 high umbrella, 1-3-1 and 1-2-2 overload; five on three 2-3 and 2-1-2; penalty kill box and diamond. The workbook's success targets are blank: use the shapes as names, not as a measure. Icing while shorthanded: the IIHF and Hockey Canada do not call it; USA Hockey does so only from Youth 15 Only and Girls 16U. Contact in the game follows your class: body checking is banned up to U13 at Hockey Canada, up to 12U at USA Hockey, from U9 to U13 at the FFHG, in the SIHF U9, U12 and all Animation (A) classes, and in girls' and women's hockey at Hockey Canada and USA Hockey. In a checking class the game is played under that class's rules, as in a match. Kit: a certified helmet with full face protection for juniors (U18 and younger by birth year at the FFHG, the SIHF and the DEB; every division at Hockey Canada except Senior and Major Junior, and all players at Hockey Québec; below Adults at USA Hockey) and a neck laceration protector (all FFHG categories; all SIHF leagues, training included; BNQ-certified in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey and for all players at Hockey Québec; every USA Hockey classification except Adults). Mouthguard: required by USA Hockey from 12U to 18U and by the FFHG in U19 and U20, optional at Hockey Québec. If a goaltender takes part, he or she wears the full goaltender kit (see the goaltending drills).
Harder
Rotate the roles every minute and add one of the named shapes as an option for the attackers.
Easier
Start with 4 on 3 and a passive defence.
Frequently asked questions
How many children can play in an hour of ice?
The documents read publish examples, not a rule: USA Hockey's 8U plans go up to 48 players in groups of 6 to 8; the FFHG école de hockey provides for up to 72 children on ice cut into sixths; Hockey Canada recommends 18 players a team at U9, with two games on two half-ice surfaces. The number depends on the surface available and the number of adults.
Do the youngest need a full-time goaltender?
No, and several federations write it: “No full-time goaltenders” at Hockey Canada in U7 and U9, “no fulltime goalies” at USA Hockey in 8U, rotation at Hockey Québec M9, and the SIHF recommends not recruiting a fixed goaltender at U9. See the goaltending guide.
Can a system be taught at U11?
Hockey Canada gives it 10% of practice time for team play and 5% for strategy, against 50% for technical skills. The texts read name a system only as an example. At USA Hockey, transition games with a support player start at 10U.
Sources
Hockey Canada: division pages U7 to U18 (practice-time shares), season-structure pages U7, U9 and U11, Skating, Puck Control, Small Area Games and Developing Skilled Defencemen overviews (2020-21), Player Development Definitions (2020). Hockey Québec: Guide des opérations M9 (2021 edition, 2024-25 modifications). USA Hockey: Small Area Competitive Games Handbook (2018), 8U and 10U plans, Recommended Program Structure by Age Group (undated). SIHF: Reglement Spielbetrieb NAFS 2026/27 (Art. 109 to 119), Wegleitung U12-1 (2025/26), Impact U13 deck (2019). ÖEHV: Rot-Weiss-Roter-Faden (undated). FFHG: cahier des charges U9 U11 U13 2026/27, Fair Play’Zir 2026/27. England Ice Hockey: U10 rules 2026-27. Study: Lundby and Väliaho, Game Formats for Youth Hockey, FIHA and SIHA, hosted by the IIHF (17.6.2020). Power-play workbook: Canadian Hockey Association, 2002 (old edition). Hockey Canada's U18 shares (35, 15, 20, 15 and 10%) add to 95% as printed. Content checked on 14 October 2026.
After “Building an ice hockey session on shared ice”, plan the session
The generator is right on the session: plan by the players’ age band and the duration, pick a theme. Paak builds a minuted five-block outline (warm-up, two work blocks, a game and a cool-down) from this same library of 44 drills.
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