
Small pitch with end zones and 2 goals (or mini goals). You can score once you pass the halfway line. 2 teams of 4 at each end of the pitch. The coach rolls a ball in and calls 1v1 or 2v2 or 3v3 etc, players must organise to get onto pitch. Progression: Teams secretly decide how many players to field: 2, 3 or 4. Play for 3 rounds, and they can only choose each number once. This will create some interesting overloads/underloads, i.e. 4v3, 2v4.
Feedback: Reaction time and decision-making - who has the ball Defensive mindset or attacking mindset? Patience and work rate to find space to carry the ball to and support when facing an overload.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
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.