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chances DRILLS
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1/2 Court Press

The 1/2 court press is again a team effort and relies on all players joining in and being disciplined. The 1/2 court press is a bit like space invaders - players must move as one unit, from side to side in front of the ball. It is very important that once the ball has gone into the zone, past the highest defenders, the team goes in to full court press mode. But when the ball is played back out of the 1/2 court zone the 1/2 court disciplines have to be adhered to once again. The advantage of the 1/2 court press is that it is easier than taking the initiative, also less agreements need to be made compared to the full press. When to use: The Half court Press is very good for the underdog team that is not able to create chances from their own possession. So using this system you choose to let the opposition have most of the possession and wait for them to make a mistake. Your team will create lots of break opportunities because with every loss of possession the opposition will leave a large amount of space behind them which your side can exploit for the break.

Roles and Responsibilities

Attacking Shoulder of D

Objective: Players to make the correct decision in attacking situations and ensure correct attackers are in correct position to affect the game. Purpose: Increase the chances of threatening the opposition goal and coming away with a positive result. Set-up: Midfielder plays ball across the pitch from left to right. Receiving midfielder will start to carry the ball forward and should threaten to play the ball directly into the D. Attacker runner on the D will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline. A defender will decide whether to follow the attacking runner or block the ball from the receiving midfielder going into the D. The pass that receiving midfielder makes, should be influenced by the defenders movement as to where the space is. 2 attackers in the D should initially look for a deflection if the ball is flung directly into the D. If the ball is played to the attacker running the D, they should reposition themselves to receive a pass or be at the far post for a deflection.

Game related

Creating scoring chances - 3 v 1

Player CF feeds the ball to RW through the area. On receiving the ball the RW takes the ball to the back line, (as soon as the ball has passed through the area the defender can leave the area and try and stop the three attackers scoring). On reaching the back line the RW can pass the ball back to the CF or across the goal to the LW. When CF receives the ball from the RW he/she can return the ball to RW or pass the ball to LW depending on the defender.Pass and follow sequence CF-RW-LW-CF.

Shooting & Goalscoring

Creating scoring chances - 3 v 2

Player CF feeds the ball to RW through the area. On receiving the ball the RW takes the ball to the back line, (as soon as the ball has passed through the area both defenders can leave the area and try and stop the three attackers scoring). On reaching the back line the RW can pass the ball back to the CF or across the goal to the LW or to RM. Pass and follow sequence CF-RW-LW or RM, whichever player shoots at go-CF.

Shooting & Goalscoring

Creating scoring chances - GK

A good fun exercise for scoring goals, and for keepers to have a good work out. Split the group into teams of four and put 2 or 3 keepers in the circle. The 4 attackers go into the circle with a ball and try to score, they can take as long as they like providing the ball remains in the circle.

Shooting & Goalscoring

Creating scoring chances

Player CF feeds the ball to RW who takes the ball to the back line. On reaching the back line he/she passes the ball back to the CF who has now come directlry behind the RW. When CF receives the ball he/she takes the ball into circle and shoots.CF is now new RW and RW comes back to the start. Next CF starts.

Shooting & Goalscoring

Far Post Deflection

Objective: Players to be in the correct position when deflecting a ball at the back post. Purpose: Increase the chances of connecting with the ball and therefore scoring a goal. Set-up: A midfield passer will start with the ball and wait for an attacker to make a run on the edge of the D. Attacker will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline. At this point, the passer will play the ball into the attackers path and the far post attacker will start their run towards the far post. Attacker with the ball will hit a cross in the direction of the far post. The far post attacker should be in a set position and attempt to deflect the cross into the goal.

Movement off the ball

Lift To The Defender's Reverse Side

Coaches Objective: To teach the attacker to use their body positioning and movement to commit the defender to their open stick side before eliminating with a lift on the reverse stick side. Purpose: By using your body to sell the defender one way opens up their other side to eliminate them to get through into the D for a goal shot or to them move the ball on. 

Eliminating a Player

Lifting The Ball Elimination

Coaches Objective: To teach the attacker to eliminate the defender at pace by lifting the ball and changing the direction of it when it's in the air. Purpose: When the ball is lifted, the defender will stand more upright, reducing their reach and mobility. It also reduces their chances of making a clean tackle, therefore putting them in a vulnerable position.

Eliminating a Player

Reverse Stick Receive and Shot

Objective: Direct the received pass in the direction of the baseline to open up the optimal shooting angle. Purpose: Increase the chances of hitting the target and therefore scoring a goal. Set-up: A midfield passer will start with the ball and wait for an attacker to make a run on the edge of the D. Attacker will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline. At this point, the passer will play the ball into the attackers path. The attacker should take a receiving touch, followed by a shot at goal off their left foot.

Passing & Receiving

Creating scoring chances - 3 v...

Player CF feeds the ball to RW through the area. On receiving the ball the RW takes the ball to the back line, (as soon as the ball has passed through the area both defenders can leave the area and try and stop the three attackers scoring). On reaching the back line the RW can pass the ball back to the CF or across the goal to the LW or to RM. Pass and follow sequence CF-RW-LW or RM, whichever player shoots at go-CF.

General

Creating scoring chances - 3 v...

Player CF feeds the ball to RW through the area. On receiving the ball the RW takes the ball to the back line, (as soon as the ball has passed through the area the defender can leave the area and try and stop the three attackers scoring). On reaching the back line the RW can pass the ball back to the CF or across the goal to the LW. When CF receives the ball from the RW he/she can return the ball to RW or pass the ball to LW depending on the defender.<BR>Pass and follow sequence CF-RW-LW-CF.

General

Creating scoring chances Shoot...

Player CF feeds the ball to RW who takes the ball to the back line. On reaching the back line he/she passes the ball back to the CF who has now come directlry behind the RW. When CF receives the ball he/she takes the ball into circle and shoots.<BR>CF is now new RW and RW comes back to the start. Next CF starts.

General

Creating scoring chances - GK ...

A good fun exercise for scoring goals, and for keepers to have a good work out. Split the group into teams of four and put 2 or 3 keepers in the circle. The 4 attackers go into the circle with a ball and try to score, they can take as long as they like providing the ball remains in the circle.

General

Hockey: Lifting The Ball Elimi...

Coaches Objective: To teach the attacker to eliminate the defender at pace by lifting the ball and changing the direction of it when it's in the air. Purpose: When the ball is lifted, the defender will stand more upright, reducing their reach and mobility. It also reduces their chances of making a clean tackle, therefore putting them in a vulnerable position.

General

Attacking Shoulder of D Shooti...

Objective: Players to make the correct decision in attacking situations and ensure correct attackers are in correct position to affect the game.Purpose: Increase the chances of threatening the opposition goal and coming away with a positive result.Set-up: <li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Midfielder plays ball across the pitch from left to right.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Receiving midfielder will start to carry the ball forward and should threaten to play the ball directly into the D.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Attacker runner on the D will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>A defender will decide whether to follow the attacking runner or block the ball from the receiving midfielder going into the D.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The pass that receiving midfielder makes, should be influenced by the defenders movement as to where the space is.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>2 attackers in the D should initially look for a deflection if the ball is flung directly into the D. If the ball is played to the attacker running the D, they should reposition themselves to receive a pass or be at the far post for a deflection.

General

Far Post Deflection Shooting &...

Objective: Players to be in the correct position when deflecting a ball at the back post.Purpose: Increase the chances of connecting with the ball and therefore scoring a goal.Set-up: <li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>A midfield passer will start with the ball and wait for an attacker to make a run on the edge of the D. <li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Attacker will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>At this point, the passer will play the ball into the attackers path and the far post attacker will start their run towards the far post.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Attacker with the ball will hit a cross in the direction of the far post.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The far post attacker should be in a set position and attempt to deflect the cross into the goal.

General

Reverse Stick Receive and Shot...

Objective: Direct the received pass in the direction of the baseline to open up the optimal shooting angle.Purpose: Increase the chances of hitting the target and therefore scoring a goal.Set-up: <li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>A midfield passer will start with the ball and wait for an attacker to make a run on the edge of the D. <li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Attacker will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>At this point, the passer will play the ball into the attackers path.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The attacker should take a receiving touch, followed by a shot at goal off their left foot.

General

Pass and Follow Pattern Passin...

It is possible to set up any pattern of play and practice it with the pass and follow exercise. This one is just one example of a switch from left to right to create a goal chance.

General

reverse stick lift over the st...

Changing direction with a lift of the ball over the stick. Important that the player moves there feet and body around the ball to then push of their left foot and lift the ball over the stick.

General

Stick Dink: Changing Direction...

- Perform a stick dink while changing direction<br />- At red cones, perform a 45 degree lift<br />- At blue cones, straighten up

General

1/2 Court Press Roles and Resp...

The 1/2 court press is again a team effort and relies on all players joining in and being disciplined. The 1/2 court press is a bit like space invaders - players must move as one unit, from side to side in front of the ball. It is very important that once the ball has gone into the zone, past the highest defenders, the team goes in to full court press mode. But when the ball is played back out of the 1/2 court zone the 1/2 court disciplines have to be adhered to once again. The advantage of the 1/2 court press is that it is easier than taking the initiative, also less agreements need to be made compared to the full press. When to use: The Half court Press is very good for the underdog team that is not able to create chances from their own possession. So using this system you choose to let the opposition have most of the possession and wait for them to make a mistake. Your team will create lots of break opportunities because with every loss of possession the opposition will leave a large amount of space behind them which your side can exploit for the break.

General

Team relay Self Pass - Hockey ...

Four teams of 3 or 4 players. Put one goal 15m over the half way line so the half way line is the top of the circle. The four team teams, one playing and one on the 23m line, are working in two partnerships - whites vs blues. Team 1 starts with the ball and tries to score against team 2. When team 2 gain possession, either after a goal or tackle, they have to pass the ball to team 3 who now can try and score in the other goal. Team 1 has to run back and defend. When team 1 win the ball they have to pass the ball to team 4 who attack against team 3 etc. After a team has passed the ball to their partner team they take their place at the 23m line and wait for their chance to attack.

General

3 vs 1 - Two Grids Scoring on ...

Set out 2 grids that are attached by a common line with 3 attackers and 1 defender in each. 3 Players, with one ball, in one grid keep possession of the ball and try to pass the ball to the other three players in the other grid. Once they have done this the other three players must also try to keep possession in order to once again pass the ball back into the other grid.

General

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chances SESSIONS
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Using the Reverse Stick Turn in Game Situations

Rolling out on your backhand side can be a risky play, exposing the ball more to the defender. However being able to effectively utilise it in games will develop you attacks, keeping them unpredictable and open up areas of the pitch you may not have discovered before.

3 vs 1 Break Hockey - Create Scoring Opportunities

Don't dilly-dally. Teach your players to win the turnover and drive quickly CHARGE up the field to make the most of the fast break!

Passing to create deep space

Run deep into space and look for that fast, attacking pass, deep in opposition territory!

Attack and Finish - Shooting Circle Drills

Teach players making the forward run, looking over their shoulder and receiving the ball on the run in this attacking session

Introducing 2 vs 1 situations ...

Improve your players' ability to run with the ball under pressure and play the smart pass to a team-mate.

Low Speed Elimination PLUS Clo...

Eliminate at low speed by recognising the space and utilizing it to beat the defender. The two-way session also works on your defenders movement to close the space to reduce the chance of elimination.

Moving into space to receive t...

Don't get frustrated when the attack grinds to a halt due to a lack of support - work on their support running into space!

Slow passing - Improving push ...

Beef up your players passing with this push pass technique session working on transfer of weight and technique
chances ANSWERS
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New rules, the attacking 5 yard hit outside the D -?

New rules, the attacking 5 yard hit outside the D - has anyone got any great ideas for set plays?

sue shelswell Coach, New Zealand

Coaching beginners

This is my first year coaching field hockey and I am coaching beginners, a U8 team. Any drills geared towards beginners?

Archived User Coach

Tactical drills for attack and defence to stop ball-watching?

They are very crowed and play a lot in the middle they are ball watching> They are playing in each others positions

carla Coach, South Africa

overloading in the circle?

how do you stop your team over crowding in the circle? what drills or game situations could i use at training?

Archived User Coach

How to improve the ball transfer from midfield to forwards?

Dear colleagues, I am coaching a 1st women team (Argentina) and the system that is working for us very well is 3-1-3-3. Given the quality players we've got in the midfield and attack we try to emphasize our offensive game all the time. The problem I am struggling to resolve is that the forwards do not get involved in chances to score inside the circle very often. The few chances the forwards have they are able to score but it is our midfielders who most of the time get to the circle in possession with the ball. I would like to see a quick transfer of the ball from the midfielders to the forwards who need to be in touch with the ball more often during the game and have the midfielders supporting the attack rather than being the leaders of the attack.Is there any drill or way to improve this aspect of the game? Thanks for your time. Martin

Martin Vila-Aiub Coach, Argentina

drills for backpassing

Have a team of older group of ladies who need to learn to pass the ball back, any good drills for this?

trudy adamson Coach, New Zealand

Coaching plan (season outline) for coming season?

Hi all, after "volunteering" at the last minute to coach last season, I'm looking forward to coaching again this season but would like to be a bit more organised starting the season. Last season I used drills from here (thank you contributors) and put together a practice plan each week addressing what I thought were our weakness from the game just played. This got us through the season, we were promoted after grading and finished the season in the top 4 playoffs for our grade.I wonder if there is some kind of guide to putting a more coherent training plan together for the season.I'm coaching a boys secondary school team, aged 12-18. What kind of skills should they have mastered?What should they be attempting, working towards mastering (individually and as a team)?I last played as a collage boy on grass fields, the change to turf pitches has obviously obsoleted (along with age) much of what I knew as a player.Any pointers appreciated.David

David Smith Coach, New Zealand

Player accountability

How can I get my players to be accountable for their skills? During drills, they mistrap balls next to the sideline, bounces over, poor passing etc, and it doesn't seem to bother them. I instigate the team accountability, where the team calls them on it, but no one seems to do it.Any suggestions would be great.Cheers,Brent

Archived User Coach

Full court, half court and 3/4 Press- HELP

Hi all, thank you for taking the time to read my question. I was hoping for some clarity around 'presses'Pressing oppositions 16- Full press3/4 pressHalf courtWhat are the pro's and cons offensively of each and in what situation would you suggest using each?

Joel Forrester Coach, England

How to play hulf press

how to play half press and full press

Ritu Khanom Coach, Bangladesh

Respect and finishing issue

I am currently the skipper of a 1xi.I am a year younger and am struggling with getting respect.But that's not the real problem.My team has no trouble getting to the d,and can run baseline like pros,but no matter how hard we practice we still can't seem to get that final finish.It's puzzling for me as I'm a cb.Please answer on what drills can help with finishing.

Leone Lanuti Coach, South Africa

7 sides hockey

What is the best formation and game play for 7 sides tournament in defending and attacking?

Ameer Shazwan Coach, Malaysia

direct shots on corners

how can I help my goalkeeper to stop a direct shot froma corner hit

karen judge Coach, United States of America

advantages of playing 3-2-1 when playing 6 a side without a goalie

advantages of playing 3-2-1 when playing 6 a side without a goalie

Coach, United Kingdom

How to improve the ball transf...

Dear colleagues, I am coaching a 1st women team (Argentina) and the system that is working for us very well is 3-1-3-3. Given the quality players we've got in the midfield and attack we try to emphasize our offensive game all the time. The problem I am struggling to resolve is that the forwards do not get involved in chances to score inside the circle very often. The few chances the forwards have they are able to score but it is our midfielders who most of the time get to the circle in possession with the ball. I would like to see a quick transfer of the ball from the midfielders to the forwards who need to be in touch with the ball more often during the game and have the midfielders supporting the attack rather than being the leaders of the attack.Is there any drill or way to improve this aspect of the game? Thanks for your time. Martin

Martin Vila-Aiub Coach, Argentina

Tournament prep -building fitn...

I have just returned from coaching my first high school hockey tournament. It was great fun but the girls really felt it by the end of the tournament. I want to offer guidance in the form of a fitness build up to the girls for next season but am not sure what my expectations should be. How fit should you be looking to get if you are preparing to play 7 50min games over 5 days? And what types of fitness should I be suggesting? Sprinting and Intervals along with Swimming are things I feel that could be introduced. Ideally it needs to be accessable (not expensive or require special equipment), self managed (to an extent) and let it fit in with their daily rountine as best possible to give them the best chance to commit (i.e. I feel like suggesting they power walk to school rather than get dropped off will work better than asking them to join a gym to do the pelaton classes) Any ideas? Or things that have worked in the past?

Archived User Coach

How to coach school team with ...

Hi,I perhaps naively, expected to have most of our team from last year carry over and only have a few new comers to integrate and get up to speed with the rest. However meeting the team at our first practice last night i find I have five players still at school from last year and the rest all new comers, most of whom had not held a hockey stick at all till practice.This being only my second season coaching (year 9 to year 13 boys) has left me feeling a little blindsided, and feeling quite unsure how to prepare practices that target both groups of boys. Do i lump them both groups together, keep them separate? What drills/exercises to best bring the new comers up to speed.I don't want to neglect either group, keep practice worthwhile for the experienced boys, but also bringing the new comers up to a level were they can mix in with the others and learn organically from them while practicing as a team. David

David Smith Coach, New Zealand

My u/15 girls can't play as a ...

I really have a big problem with my u/15 girls.  They just can't play as a team. Any advice please. There's always a fight between someone. Mariette

Archived User Coach

1st ever training Session Stru...

I have been given my first team ever!! They are 11 year old girls and I wanted guide/ recommendation on how I should structure my one hour sessions? E.g. how long should I spend on a warm up, drill etc. .Cheers,Freya

Archived User Coach

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