The study at the Ak Bars Hockey Academy is based on a methodology developed taking into account the requirements and standards imposed on an athlete in modern ice hockey. What is it like?

The main goal of the academy is to make sure that the graduates of the it, upon completion of their studies, are fully ready for competitions and the realities of adult ice hockey.

The methodology was developed by specialists of the scientific and methodological center – Sergey Shvedov, Igor Zakharkin and Professor Viktor Gorsky.

The age range of the students of the Ak Bars Academy is quite wide – from 5 to 18 years, therefore, materials for training players are developed taking into account the physiological and psychophysiological characteristics of each age group. There are three of them in total:

• children’s group (from 5 to 12 years old);
• teen group (from 12 to 15 years old);
• youth group (from 15 to 20 years old).

By the end of each age period, a hockey player has formed a certain set of skills and abilities, which become the basic for the next stage of preparation and training.

For example, by the age of 12, a child’s motor base is laid, dexterity, speed, flexibility, coordination, and game thinking develop. The young ice hockey player already knows the technique of ice skating, dangling, can assess the game situation and finish the attack. It is at this age that a child develops a conscious desire to play ice hockey. The child should enjoy the game.

By the age of 15, ice hockey players already have more developed physical qualities. At this age, they begin strength training with their own weight and small weights, as well as endurance training sessions. The athletes have already been trained tactically, have the skills of conducting a power struggle at the sides and on the court, are able to play in the majority and minority. A high level of discipline is required from them. This period is characterized by the development of leadership and strong-willed qualities.

Ice hockey players aged 16-18 should have developed high-speed, coordination qualities. They must have fully mastered the entire arsenal of riding techniques at any speed, with the resistance of rivals, change of direction. During this period, the development of all kinds of strength qualities and endurance takes place.

By the age of 20, ice hockey players must possess all methods of receiving and transmitting the puck, make throws at different speeds, and win single combats with opponents. They must be able to apply and correctly perform any tactical actions when playing in attack and defense in all areas of the ice rink. A hockey player at this age is already required to comply with the regime of a professional athlete in everyday life, training and gaming.