Quite often players get fooled by the name Free Hit and waste these opportunities to score by blindly smashing the ball into the D. To eliminate this common mistake the first of this Sportplan sessions works on creating space inside the D and drawing defenders out of position by moving to meet the pass or to create a diversion for the hit taker to play a self-pass.
To help your players create more time and space inside the shooting circle we start with a communication warm-up drills, with three balls all moving round at the same time! We then get your players to move out to receive the pass before finishing with a couple of Free Hit practices - designed to improve the way your players find space for the shot!
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
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.