Snipe Academy Skill Development Charts

The U7 chart focuses on introducing the essential movement and puck skills that create a strong foundation for future development.

Key areas include:

• Balance and agility
• Forward and backward skating
• Starting, stopping, and turning
• Edge control
• Stationary and moving puck control
• Passing and receiving
• Introductory shooting
• Basic offensive and defensive habits

The U9 chart builds on foundational skills by introducing more advanced movement patterns, puck-handling techniques, passing habits, shooting skills, and individual tactics.

Key areas include:

• Skating technique and edge control
• Crossovers, pivots, and transitions
• Puck control while moving
• Passing and receiving in motion
• Shooting in motion
• Deception and attacking skills
• Angling and basic defensive play
• Introductory team positioning

The U11 chart focuses on improving technical consistency while helping players begin applying their skills with greater speed, awareness, and purpose.

Key areas include:

• Acceleration and efficient skating
• Quick feet and evasive movement
• Puck control and attacking skills
• Passing and receiving while moving
• Shooting in motion
• Offensive deception
• Defensive positioning and puck retrievals
• Basic breakouts and zone entries

The U13 chart develops stronger execution under pressure and introduces more detailed offensive, defensive, and team concepts.

Key areas include:

• Skating speed and change of direction
• Advanced pivots and transitions
• Puck control with speed
• Passing options and puck support
• Shooting, tips, and deflections
• Offensive moves and net drives
• Gap control and defensive tracking
• Breakouts, entries, and team play

The U15 chart emphasizes advanced technical development, tactical awareness, decision-making, and applying skills effectively in competitive situations.

Key areas include:

• Puck protection and deception
• Passing and receiving under pressure
• Quick-release and in-stride shooting
• Individual offensive and defensive play
• Puck support and transition
• Hockey sense, communication, and compete habits

The U18 chart focuses on refining advanced skills and helping players execute with speed, consistency, awareness, and purpose.

Key areas include:

• High-level skating and mobility
• Puck management and protection
• Deception and offensive creativity
• Passing and receiving under pressure
• Shot selection and scoring habits
• Defensive awareness and positioning
• Team play and transition
• Hockey sense, adaptability, and communication