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American Development Model (ADM)

USA Hockey & AHAI American Development Model

USA Hockey, along with AHAI, has introduced the American Developmental Model (ADM). The Program was implemented after an extensive international study by USAH of educators, child development experts, coaches (from many different sports), physiologists and National Sports Federations. The ADM goal is to provide a very defined systematic (building block) approach to developing athletes starting from the earliest stages of participation, thus increasing the athlete’s skill, enjoyment and proficiency.

The USA Hockey ADM is an all inclusive program starting from the U8, Learn to Play (LTP) levels all the way to elite athletes competing at the Professional level. The ADM also addresses improved coaching techniques and Referee development. This program includes on-ice, off-ice, in-season and off-season curriculum for producing a well balanced complete athlete. It defines what is to be emphasized at what age to ensure proper skill development for each age level. The ADM also defines how much and what kind of competition is needed at each level.

U-8 Developmental Program
A 20 week fully designed program including practice plans and a player evaluation process. The U-8 plan includes two levels; the (LTP) Learn to Play Mite level and the Advanced Mite level.

Game Limits at All Age Levels
Designed to help clubs and coaches acquire a good practice to game ratio and enhance skill development before placing too much emphasis on competition.

While changing the culture of how hockey is taught is a formable task, the end result will be rewarded in additional player participation, a higher skill level of ALL our participants and coaches… and it will be more FUN for all!