National Coaching Resources
USA Hockey
Official coaching resources, including age-specific practice plans, small-area games, skill development activities, goaltending instruction, and educational materials.
Coaching Materials
Peabody Youth Hockey
Coach Resources
Great coaching begins with preparation, continued learning, and a commitment to player development. Explore coaching materials, practice plans, drills, and educational resources from USA Hockey, Massachusetts Hockey, and Ice Hockey Systems to help create a positive and rewarding experience for every player.
Coaching Resource Library
Resources to Help You Succeed
The following organizations offer valuable tools for practice planning, player development, skill instruction, and coaching education. Select any resource to visit its website in a new tab.
State Coaching Resources
Massachusetts Hockey
Coaching information, educational materials, certification guidance, and player development opportunities for coaches throughout Massachusetts.
Coaching Materials
Additional Coaching Tools
Ice Hockey Systems
A library of hockey drills, animated diagrams, practice plans, small-area games, coaching videos, and instructional resources for a range of ages and skill levels.
Drills & Practice Planning
Ice Hockey Systems Homepage ↗
Hockey Drill Library ↗
Hockey Practice Plans ↗
Coaching Education Resources ↗
Coaching Tips & Articles ↗
Some resources may require a free account or paid membership.
Developing Our Players
Coaching Principles
Effective youth hockey coaching should be age-appropriate, engaging, and centered on helping every player improve. These principles help guide a positive learning environment across PYH programs.
Skill Development
Emphasize skating, puck control, passing, shooting, and other fundamentals appropriate to each player's age, experience, and ability.
Player Engagement
Keep players active, minimize unnecessary waiting in lines, and use stations and small-area games to maximize meaningful repetitions and touches.
Teamwork & Sportsmanship
Reinforce communication, respect, accountability, and teamwork. Encourage players to support teammates and demonstrate positive behavior toward coaches, officials, and opponents.
Fun & Confidence
Create a welcoming, encouraging environment where players feel comfortable learning, making mistakes, trying new skills, and building confidence on the ice.
Practice Planning
Plan With Purpose
Coaches are encouraged to prepare practice plans in advance, establish clear development goals, and adapt activities to the needs of their players.
USA Hockey's age-specific practice planner guides provide a strong starting point for building structured, engaging sessions that emphasize skill development, appropriate competition, and active participation.
Coaching Support
Questions or Need Assistance?
Peabody Youth Hockey encourages coaches to share ideas, collaborate, and take advantage of the many available development resources.
Whether you need help finding practice materials, understanding coaching requirements, or planning age-appropriate development activities, please reach out.
Jillian Annese — PYH Coaching Coordinator