Passers collect balls and dribble them through the Forest (cone maze), then shoot them through the Swamp (middle area) to the Receivers at the other end, who shoot into the goal. Swamp Monsters in the middle try to intercept and shoot the balls into 1-2 side goals (can be cone gates/tipped over box/mini goals etc.) Swamp Monsters must stay in the Swamp. No other players can enter it. Play for [4] mins then count who scored most goals (Monsters or Players). Then swap the Monsters. Variations: Invincibility Spell: inexperienced players can enter the Swamp to pass from closer distance, they have invincibility from being tackled or intercepted for [8] secs Vary size of goals and their distance from playing area Vary no. of Passers/Monsters Keepers: put 1-2 GKs in the goals
Intended for under-8s or under-10s. This game can be used to practice longer range passing, hitting and scoring, intercepting and outletting. There is no tackling, but tackling can be introduced. i.e. temporarily merge the Swamp and Receiver zones. Suggest maximum of 12 players, i.e. 5 Passers, 3 Monsters, 4 Receivers. Feedback: Passers: Can you aim for a Receiver, and alert them before passing? (eye contact, call name) Can you disguise your pass and make the Monsters go the wrong way (feint with stick, body position, eye contact, call) Receivers: Can you let the Passer know you want the ball? (eye contact, call, wave hand, point with stick) How to stop the ball going under your stick? Monsters: Can you block passes on your left side? How?
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.
