Optimal Athlete Development | Ken Martel

With over 25 years of experience in player development and a long history as a coach with USA Hockey, Ken Martel was named technical director of USA Hockey’s American Development Model in May 2009. He is charged with helping provide a framework for associations nationwide to follow for optimal athlete development.

Table of Contents

0:00 - Intro

1:34 - Growing up

2:26 - Issues parents are facing in youth sports

7:40 - Hockey parents and scouting

10:45 - Great characteristics of coaches

14:11 - Importance of continued education for coaches

20:31 - Ken’s USA Hockey work

24:15 - Rolling out the ADM Model

27:28 - Experiencing and reversing 60% attrition

33:47 - Differences between USA Hockey and Hockey Canada

38:14 - Multisport opinions and strategies

45:58 - Personal sport specialization history

48:34 - World Juniors and World Championships

52:16 - Success of Finland’s hockey organizations

55:50 - Maintaining sport culture

58:09 - Official attrition in America

1:00:42 - Ken’s proudest accomplishment

1:02:54 - Book recommendations

1:04:44 - Tips for coaches to shave 5 years off their learning curve

1:07:50 - Connecting with Ken and USA Hockey