The best players always seem to have so much time on the ball and that’s because they create the time for themselves by pre-scanning to get a clear picture of the play in front of them so they can carry to space or pass early before pressure arrives. Get your players pre-scanning in this session so they have an idea of what to do before the ball arrives.
What's in the Session?
After ensuring your players are warm and ready for the session both mentally and physically, the session starts with a practice that encourages the players to adopt the best body position to firstly adopt the best body position off the ball and create an understanding with their fellow players in order to keep possession amongst ‘Chaos’. The session progresses with an ‘Escape the Box’ practice which forces the players to pre-scan to understand where the pressure is coming from and identify the gaps that they can escape from when receiving a pass. Finally, finish the session with a modified game to put the pre-scanning skills learnt in the session into a game-specific scenario. The session continually provides key coaching points to encourage immediate vision when the player receives the ball.
Give your players the ability to create time for themselves on the field. Pre-scan before the ball arrives and identify the space and passes ahead to consolidate possession and create defence splitting passes.
in more ways than one
sportplan_netball
in more ways than one
sportplan_hockey
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.
