
Start off with a standard game of stuck in the mud: 1 ball each except mud monster. When tagged by the monster, stand with legs apart, and wait for a friend to release you by dribbling the ball through your legs. Progression to encourage passing to keep the ball away from the defender: Take away half the balls. The monsters can now only tag the players with a ball.
- Look up, and time your pass - don't wait until the defender is too close. - Players can also pass to each other rather than dribbling across the area, to release people faster, even if monster is not chasing them.
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.