Hockey Drills

White player 1 and 2 have decided between them who will take the self pass (without the defender knowing) On the whistle both white players run to take the self pass but only one comes back with the ball. The defender can try and stop them scoring. Player taking the self pass can shoot or pass to other player. Next pair decide between them and get ready.

Three players set up in a triangle formation, with the two attackers as the base of the triangle. The ball carrier is on the left side The ball carrier makes a positive run towards the outside of the defender Player without the ball (support player) runs into space to receive a pass and communicates they are ready to receive the pass The defender should get attracted to the ball and ball carrying attacker. As soon as the defender engages, the ball carrier should pass right to the supporting player

In pairs, both players have a ball. One of the players has to try and make the ball make contact with the other players ball. On achieving this, players roles reverse.

- 3 vs 3 - Small goals either end of an area - Ball must be taken through the goal under control - Once a goal has been scored, the opposite team gain possession

Set up with cones set out in a square 10m x 10m, and inside the square have two teams of three players each, and one ball between them. The aim of the game is for each team to make as many one touch (wall) passes as possible. Every wall pass is awarded 1 point.

Two teams play a game against each other with off set goals.

The jab can be used as a form of delay either to dispossess a player with the ball if the ball is away from the stick or to tempt the player to take their eyes off the ball and possibly lose possession. The stick jabs out towards the ball with the left hand and then returns to both hands. After the jab the defender returns to the original balanced position. The grip on the stick will change slightly, the hands turn, usually palms upwards.

4 players inside the 23 meter area try to pass the ball through the defensive zone (the space between the 23 meter to the half way line) to the players in the other half. When the ball has successfully been played across to the other side the opposite team must try and play the ball back through the defensive zone. The 6 defenders inside the middle zone have to try and intercept the ball and break. When they get the ball they must try and score a goal against the players who lost the ball.

- Using a reverse stick block challenge to gain possession of the ball

Split your group into two teams - defenders and attackers. Players with the ball have to run around the cone and try and score. Players without ball also have to run around the cone, and then try and stop the other player scoring.

Strong low body position and balanced ready to move. Left foot forward, right foot back, stick on the ground or hovering slightly above the ground. Position of feet and stick make a strong triangle shaped base. Tackle must be positive and strong with feet balanced. Stick face angled towards the ball. The tackle should be timed just as the ball momentarily leaves attacker's stick initiated by a jab to put player off or as player loses control. The defender's stick should not be flat on the ground as this is a safety issue. The defender could be injured by the attacker if their head is down too low and the attacker could take advantage of this over commitment by using a low lift. Flat stick only when attacker stationary or moving very slowly

As the attacker makes lead runs left and right the defenders main concern is to be between the attacker and the D.  If there was a huge stick pivoting from the penalty flick spot and attached to the attacker this is the line the defender is looking to patrol.  Depending on the defenders strengths in tackling on their forehand or reverse they may compensate by allowing the attack to creep towards their stronger side.  The focus is for the attacker to always see space away from goal and not towards it. 

- Set up a small area, with 2 forwards and 2 defenders - The forward players should dribble towards the weaker side (the left foot) of the defender - The defender should perform a low, reverse stick challenge

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.

The wide player passes the ball to the supporting player who then passes the ball wide, missing out the other central player. This practice can be done with 2 balls at the same time.

The attackers (Red Players) have to try and dribble the ball around one of the red cones in the middle and then go back through their gate without being tackled by one of the defenders. Every time the attackers do this successfully they score a point. The defenders are allowed to roam anywhere they like inside the red grid in order to tackle the attackers.