A very simple yet extremely effective drill that promotes competition and motivates the learning of new skills. Every player starts with a ball in a box of approx 10m by 10m. Adjust the box size for the number of players involved. Once the game is started, players must look after their own ball whilst trying to knock the other players balls out of the established box. Once you've been knocked out, line up beside the coach and discuss what needs to be worked on or practice in a box set up to the side.
Encourage low body position, a close and tight ball position and overall back players to take a chance and see how many people they can eliminate. Start with a few training runs that allow the players to return once they've been knocked out. To motivate you could issue a hockey skill specific punishment to complete before you return. As the player numbers reduce stand half way in the box and reduce the space to move in. Keep reducing the space until one person is left. If players are hiding around the outside edges, set up a few cones or areas in the middle and give bonus points for those who can perform a desired skill on the cone or in the area.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_hockey
The best teams don't just press - they press at the right moment. Here's how to train your players to read the cues.
Affordable tracking technology has reached grassroots hockey. Here's how to use it to improve performance without drowning in data.
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.
