The first weeks of the season decide whether a junior or new player sticks with adult hockey. Here is how to keep them safe, give them a clear job and build their confidence from the very first bully.
Most tackles are lost before the stick goes down. Teach your defenders to channel, wait and choose the right tackle, and you will win more ball and give away fewer cards.
England Hockey's rule guidance for 2026/27 takes effect from 1 September. Here are the changes that will actually alter how you coach, and how to brief your squad in one pre-season session.
The attacers pass the ball to each at the top of the D. The player reciving the ball must move towards the ball to receive it to avoid any interception. Include a defender that can put pressure on the player taing the shot. This is more realistic to game situation. To encourage the attackers to fight for the ball back if they have been turned over, give the defender a goal to score in, which will give the attacker time to still win the ball back and tae a shot.
To avoid slowing down the rythm of the drill, if the attacker loses the ball but wins it bac form the defender, let them score in the side goals. This means the next players can start the drill without waiting for the whole back and forth of the players ahead to play out.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
There are currently no more drills being shared in this category
Register for FREE and get coaching tips, top drills, session and more every week!
