USA Hockey certifies coaches to be employed at the Tier I-III Junior hockey levels. Each coach must be certified as a Level 4 coach.
Level 4 - Advanced (Has completed Levels 1-3)
The Level 4 clinic examines in great depth the psychological, motivational and teaching aspects of coaching athletes, along with the physiological and conditioning requirements of training ice hockey players. It also deals in-depth with more complex tactics and systems and Advanced levels of player skills and development.
Training Topics
Successful completion of Level 3
Coaching Development
Teaching Techniques Psychology of Coaching Nutrition
Physiology and Conditioning
Player Development
Dryland Training Techniques Individual and Positional Skills
Goaltending Dryland Training
Team Development
Offensive Systems Defensive Systems Special Situations
Advanced Systems of Modern
American Hockey
Achievement
Advanced level special project
Level 5 – Master
The Level 5 clinic takes a more in-depth look at systems of team play and player skill development at the international level. Daily, small-group breakout sessions occur that addresses present day hockey issues with an assigned leader.
The Level 5 clinic is held every two years at a designated regional site.
Training Topics
Coaching Development
Psychology of Coaching Elite Athletes
Physiology and Conditioning
Player Development
Training Techniques for Elite Players
Advanced Individual and Positional Skill Development
Team Development
Advanced Tactics
Advanced Systems for Offensive Systems
Advanced Systems for Defensive Systems
Advanced Systems for Special Systems
Achievement
Thesis/Research Project
