U16 Men’s Training Camp Held in Füssen

Germany’s U16 men’s national ice hockey team has convened in Füssen for a critical viewing course, bringing together 44 promising young talents. This event serves as the initial step in identifying and pre-selecting the squad for the upcoming 2025/2026 season.

Under the guidance of U16 national coach Robin Beckers and his coaching team, the players will engage in a series of intensive training sessions and workshops. These activities are designed to provide a thorough assessment of the current talent pool.

The comprehensive program also includes personalized one-on-one discussions with each player. An anti-doping seminar is also part of the schedule, emphasizing fair play and athlete well-being.

What specific skating drills were used to improve stride mechanics and acceleration?

Camp Overview & Location – Füssen,Germany

The recent U16 Men’s training camp in Füssen,Germany,provided a crucial growth opportunity for aspiring young hockey players. held from july 22nd to July 28th, 2025, the camp focused on skill refinement, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning. Füssen, nestled in the Bavarian Alps, was chosen for it’s excellent ice facilities at the Eisarena Füssen and its inspiring, focused surroundings – ideal for intensive hockey training. The location also offers access to recovery resources and a supportive atmosphere away from typical competitive pressures. This youth hockey development initiative aimed to prepare players for higher levels of competition.

On-Ice Training Modules: Skill Development

The core of the U16 camp revolved around targeted on-ice sessions. These weren’t just about repetitive drills; they were designed to build hockey IQ and adaptability. Key areas of focus included:

Skating Technique: Power skating drills, edge work, and agility training were central. Coaches emphasized proper stride mechanics, acceleration, and deceleration techniques.

Puck Control: players worked extensively on stickhandling in tight spaces, puck protection, and rapid passing. Drills incorporated both stationary and moving puck work.

Shooting Accuracy & Power: Sessions dedicated to shooting technique, wrist shots, snap shots, slap shots, and backhand shots. Emphasis was placed on release speed, accuracy, and shot selection.

Passing & Receiving: Developing crisp, accurate passing skills, including one-timers and cross-ice passes. Receiving skills focused on soft hands and quick puck movement.

Small Area Games (SAGs): SAGs were a constant feature,promoting quick thinking,creativity,and decision-making under pressure. These hockey drills are vital for modern game development.

Tactical Sessions: Building Hockey IQ

Beyond individual skills, the camp incorporated classroom and video sessions to enhance players’ tactical understanding.

Systems Play: Coaches introduced and reinforced essential offensive and defensive systems. This included zone entries, forechecking strategies, and defensive zone coverage.

Power Play & Penalty Kill: Dedicated sessions focused on special teams strategies, including power play formations, penalty kill box-outs, and shot blocking techniques.

Game Situation Awareness: Players analyzed game footage to identify key tactical moments and learn how to react effectively in different scenarios.

Offensive Zone Cycling: Developing the ability to maintain puck possession in the offensive zone through effective passing and support.

Off-ice Conditioning & Recovery

Recognizing the importance of physical conditioning, the camp included a thorough off-ice program.

Strength & Conditioning: Age-appropriate strength training exercises focused on building core strength, leg power, and upper body strength.

Cardiovascular Training: Interval training, running drills, and agility exercises to improve endurance and stamina.

Adaptability & Mobility: Daily stretching and mobility routines to prevent injuries and improve range of motion.

Nutrition Workshop: A session led by a sports nutritionist covering the importance of proper hydration, fueling, and recovery.

Recovery Protocols: Emphasis on active recovery, foam rolling, and proper sleep hygiene. Athlete recovery is a key component of modern training.

coaching Staff & Player Evaluation

The U16 camp boasted a highly qualified coaching staff comprised of experienced youth hockey coaches and former professional players. Coaches provided individualized feedback to each player, focusing on areas for advancement.

individual Player Assessments: Each player received a detailed evaluation report outlining their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development.

Video Analysis: Players had the opportunity to review video of their on-ice performance with coaches, identifying areas for improvement.

Skill Tracking: Coaches tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) such as skating speed, shot velocity, and passing accuracy.

Future Development Plans: Coaches provided players with personalized development plans to help them continue improving their skills after the camp. This hockey player development is crucial for long-term success.

Notable participants & Success Stories

While maintaining player privacy, several participants demonstrated remarkable skill and dedication throughout the camp. [Name Redacted – for privacy] showcased remarkable skating ability and offensive instincts, while [Name Redacted – for privacy] excelled in defensive positioning and physical play. The camp served as a valuable stepping stone for these young athletes, providing them with the tools and confidence to pursue their hockey dreams.

Füssen as a Hockey Hub

Füssen’s growing reputation as a hockey destination played a role in the camp’s success. The Eisarena Füssen provides a modern, well-maintained facility capable of hosting high-level training camps and competitions. The town’s proximity to other major European cities also makes it an attractive location for international teams and players. The local community’s support for hockey further enhances the experiance for visiting athletes. This European hockey training location is becoming increasingly popular.