Without a tremendous base of well-rounded athleticism, kids have a low ceiling of improvement potential. But even with more practice time, repetitively rehearsing hockey skills without the very physical tools these skills draw upon will yield few results. Sport-specific conditioning is part of the solution. Improve overall athleticism. Build the very physical attributes that skills and tactics draw upon.
Transfer gains onto the ice to improve actual game performance.
Enhance other aspects such as mental strength and work ethic. Include drills that artificially enhance athleticism, to give kids the power, agility, dynamic balance, coordination, quickness, hand-eye reaction skill, footwork and other attributes they are missing. This type of conditioning utilizes small equipment such as medicine balls, reaction balls, lateral movement tubing and micro hurdles. On the ice, I utilize modified scrimmages, varying net positions and rules to force players to think a better game and become more creative. No up and down the wing.