HOME Hockey Drills Defending Skills

Hockey: Tracking Back

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DESCRIPTION

- Ball is fed into a forward on the half way line T- spot
- Two defenders
- One defender is set slightly ahead of the forward
- The second defender is on the half way line, and must run back to assist his team once the initial ball has been fed in

COACHING POINTS

- The deeper defender should attempt to slow the forward down to allow the second defender to get back into a defensive position
- Effective body position should be utilised to channel the forward wide
- The defender should consider making the challenge outside of the 25. Not only does this give more time to get back into position if the ball is not taken, but removes the risk of a penalty corner being awarded

PROGRESSION

- Allow the feeder to join in with the attack, creating a 2 vs 2
- Both defenders must start in line with the forward

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Defend the circle:

Defender passes the ball.

Attackers go 1 on 1 and try to penetrate the circle.

Defenders priority is to stop the player getting through gate 1, then gate 2, then gate 3.

The defender engages as far away from the the circle edge as possible.

Work the left and right sides.

Defending Skills

Under pressure:

2 players have to try and pass the ball to each other. While the other 2 players have to close down the player on the ball. The defenders can tackle and intercept. The attackers can move anywhere along the line.

Defending Skills

Defending the circle:

Defenders on 23 metre line closes down and forces the attacker outside away from the goal. Attacker has to try and score a goal.

Defending Skills

Terminator:

The players each have a ball. On the coaches command the defending team comes in to the area and tries to hit all the balls out. If a player gets his ball hit out then they can stay in and help their team mates by finding space to receive a pass.

Progression: Change the numbers for this drill to 3 defenders with 8 attackers with 8 balls.

Defending Skills

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