Practising receiving the ball and gaining instant control before moving to space to engineer a shot in the D; on the left move away from imagined defender first and then work feet round and accelerate towards D to emerge with space for a shot; on the right, a wide arc away from defender with acceleration should have deisred effect; same on right side as left (players alternate sides)
1. Left hand (at top of stick) over ball to angle ball down towards floor and avoid it flying up 2. Right hand soft to cushion the ball and secure instant control 3. Shoulder width-stance to give necessary balance --> be prepared (on toes!) for passes that don't come direct to stick.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_hockey
2026 is the first full year with mandatory face masks for penalty corner defence. Here's how to train your defenders for the new equipment reality.
Move beyond drills and let your players discover solutions through play. The constraints-led approach is transforming how hockey is coached at every level.
From mandatory safety equipment to evolving tactical systems and player-centred coaching methods, field hockey is transforming. Here's what every coach needs to know for 2026.
