Contact Help center
Hockey Hockey
HOME Field Hockey Coaching Trends SEARCH

Field Hockey: creating

creating DRILLS
View All

1 v 1 move through channels

Set out cones on lines creating lanes across or down the pitch, each lane approx 2m wide. The player with the ball runs diagonally across the lanes, while the defender has to try and get in front of the player with the ball. Whenever the defender gets into the same lane as the player with the ball, the player with the ball has to change direction and run diagonally across the lanes in the opposite direction. Once the players get to the end of the lanes, the roles reverse.

Eliminating a Player

Confusion

To improve running with the ball and changing direction players have to run around the cones creating a figure of eight as they go around the centre cone before then running out and around the outer blue cone. Players must dribble forehand around the middle cone and then reverse the stick around the outside cone.

Moving with the ball

Creating 2 v 1

Player 1 passes the ball back to the supporting player. Player 1 then runs in the opposite direction to which he/she wants to receive the ball. The supporting player plays the ball back, first time, into the space created. Player 1 should time the run so that after receiving the return ball, he/she can play a fast 2v1 with the attacker.

Overload situations

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

Creating Space to Receive the Ball

Player 3 runs into the channel. At the same time player 1 passes the ball to player 2. Player 3 has to time the run, so they can run out of the channel once player 2 is ready to pass the ball, not before. Again it is important that player 3 should not have to slow down to receive the ball, and should take the ball while continuing to run and shoot at goal.

Movement off the ball

Front Defence Game

Place a cone in the middle of the halfway line. Two players start with the ball on the halfway line with a 3rd player standing and waiting just behind them. After the attacking player passes the ball to the two defenders in front of them the two players on the half way line move to try and win the ball back. The two defenders with the ball have to try and get the ball to the player who is still stood on the halfway line. However, if the two front players closing down the ball win the ball the 3rd player (on the halfway line) can then help them to score a goal, creating a 3 vs 2 situation.

Indoor Hockey

Pass and follow exercise, this exercise is about creating space.

When player 2 receives the ball, player 3 creates a space behind them, for player 2 to pass the ball in for player 4 to run onto and receive. Player 4 can then cross the ball to the player 5 who has a shot at goal. Every player then rotates to the next position.

Shooting & Goalscoring

Creating 2 v 1 Shooting & Goal...

Player 1 passes the ball back to the supporting player. Player 1 then runs in the opposite direction to which he/she wants to receive the ball. The supporting player plays the ball back, first time, into the space created. Player 1 should time the run so that after receiving the return ball, he/she can play a fast 2v1 with the attacker.

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

1-1-3-4-2 Roles and Responsibi...

This system gives support to the backline as well as the midfield. It relies on the 2 forwards to do a lot of running in defence and play further forward when their team is in possession. When to use: If your team is very fit and want to force the other team back by creating overloads in your defence and midfield.

General

Far post goal Shooting & Goals...

The player on the left passes the ball into the path of the player on the right. When this player receives the ball they continue to run with with it before passing the ball to the player on the far post who then has shot on goal. The player passing to the far post continues to run after their pass and takes up a new position by the right post. The practice can now start again from the other side.

General

Ramp Elimination Eliminating a...

Coaching Objective: To teach the attacker to run towards the defender at pace and eliminate by creating a little lift over the defenders stick. Purpose: This skill can be done at pace and is quite subtle therefore is effective in getting past oncoming defenders when the space is tight and the option of dragging the ball into space is not there.

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

Hockey: Making and running int...

The defender is not allowed inside any of the 4 areas and can only try to intercept the ball. The players keeping possession can only pass the ball to empty areas, so therefore the players need to run out of their 'safe' box area to be able to receive the ball in that area.

General

Use footwork to create space (...

2 v 1 situation using a quick change of pace to eliminate the defender <br> <b>Coaching Points</b> Pass the ball in to the defender and get it back, picking the ball up on the move The attacker takes the ball to right then quickly turns his feet to the left and drags the ball across his body Note the change in pace-this is key to creating the space to get past the defender The attacker without the ball follows the movement of the attacker with the ball

General

Get beyond the 23m line Moveme...

2 players stand on the 23m line with a defender. The defender is only allowed to defend outside the 23m area. One player on the half way line starts with the ball. One of the attacking players on the 23m line runs to the back line and the other runs diagonally away from the defender and towards the player with the ball. If the defender runs with the player without the ball, the player <b>with</b> the ball can try to pass the ball through the created space to the player on the back line. However, if the defender stays in the space the player with the ball can pass the ball to the player running diagonally for that player to pass the ball to the back line (dog leg). Once the player receives the ball on the back line, the game switches around and the defender can now only defend inside the 23m area.<BR>Important to make the area at least 10 - 15m wide otherwise the defender can cover both options too easily.

General

Through Ball Movement off the ...

Some players stand outside the 23m area with a ball each. One player has to try and play the ball to the player in the circle through the area with the two defenders. On making a successful pass he/she then runs through the area to support the attacker.

General

Making Space Passing & Receivi...

Players move as shown in the diagram. Player at the front of the queue passes to the player on the wing who is moving from side to side waiting for the pass. They then run up the line and then cut back and pass to the player waiting in the circle who then shoots at goal. Players involved then move round and play starts again.

General

Creating Space to Receive the ...

Player 3 runs into the channel. At the same time player 1 passes the ball to player 2. Player 3 has to time the run, so they can run out of the channel once player 2 is ready to pass the ball, not before. Again it is important that player 3 should not have to slow down to receive the ball, and should take the ball while continuing to run and shoot at goal.

General

Make Space Movement off the ba...

The worker player makes a run around the outside of the channel. The passer times their pass so that the worker player can run onto the ball inside the channel. The worker player then dribbles out of the channel and into the circle for a strike on goal.

General

Pass and follow exercise, this...

When player 2 receives the ball, player 3 creates a space behind them, for player 2 to pass the ball in for player 4 to run onto and receive. Player 4 can then cross the ball to the player 5 who has a shot at goal. <br>Every player then rotates to the next position.

General

Hockey: Quick Drag To The Defe...

Coaches Objective:  To teach the attacking player to give the impression of attacking the defenders open stick side before eliminating on the defenders reverse stick side. Purpose:  There is a much greater chance of a succesful elimintion on the defenders reverse stick side. By getting them to commit on their open stick side, creates a great opportunity to eliminate the other way to then pass or shoot.

General

Pass and Move Movement off the...

Players have to pass the ball around the outside of the square with only 3 players. To make this possible, the player after the pass has to move to the empty corner (any direction).

General

Early 2 vs 1 Overload situatio...

Players get into pairs with 1 ball per pair. The player with the ball dribbles around the area until one of the two defenders in the area comes towards them. At this point they need to pull the ball back and pass to their partner. Defenders in the area are not allowed to tackle or intercept the ball, they can only put pressure on players with the ball.

General

The Reverse Stick Hit Shooting...

Objective: To introduce a more advance style of hitting, often called the tomahawk, to get the player to hit the ball accurately and firmly, developing a sound technique.  Purpose: Being able to accurately hit a back hand shot or pass creates numerous different opportunities to get a shot away or to deliver a pass. Structure: Pairs   

General

Indian Dribble Moving with the...

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
creating DRILL CATEGORIES
View All
2 v 1 Drills
Game related Drills
2 v 1 Drills
Game related Drills
creating SESSIONS
View All

Creating Goal Scoring Opportun...

This Session looks at creating goal scoring opportunities and improving goal conversion rate and confidence in the final third.

Senior Session: Passing to link midfield to attack

Encourage adventurous attacking with this passing transition session - teaching players to look up and pick out their team-mate's attacking runs

Give and Go - Passing to find space!

Teach players to run into space, use overlapping runs and make the right decisions when attacking with this give and go plan

Free hits outside the D

See free-hits around the circle as a massive opportunity to take the initiative and create guilt-edge chances at goal.

2 v 1 in a game situation - Drawing in the Defender

Creating 2v1?s across the pitch is the holy grail for attackers. It is an easy and low-risk way of eliminating defenders however can be tricky to create in a match setting. Use this session to develop your team?s ability to create the overload in attack.

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

Improving passing movement and vision

Space; something we all crave, but it won?t just come to you? unless you?re doing everything right! Find out how to make space find you!

2v1 - Attacking Right to Left

Make the most of the overload - keep the opposition's defender guessing - will your players go it alone or use their option on the left?

Junior: Pull the Ball Back to Change Direction

Teach players how to escape crowded areas with a skilful pull back to shake off defenders

Transfer the Ball Over Distance to Shift Defence

Shift the defence to create gaps in their press to exploit. Develop your teams patience and recognition of where the space will come.

The Final Pass & Shooting/Marking - Pass or Carry?

Pass or carry? Making a split second decision on the pitch will determine the success of the attack, so ensure your players make the right one!

Transfer the Ball Over Distance Techniques

Begin developing your teams transfer by nailing the technique, disguising passes and making the right decision as to when to pass long and when to stay short.

Low Speed Elimination PLUS Closing Down to Tackle

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.

Senior Session - Reverse turn to keep possession

Caught in a trap? Well contrary to what Elvis says you can back out. Teach your players to turn back to look for support and to continue the attack!

Pressure play - Pressing the ball as a team

"All for one, and one for all!" - Teach your players to apply pressure to the opposition as a team!
creating ANSWERS
View All

What's a good drill for creating space in the attacking?

What's a good drill for creating space in the attacking 'D'?

Gary Stacey Coach, England

Hi. New to the site. Download or Saving drills?

Hi. New to the site. I am a fully paying member. I was wondering if anybody can tell me how to download the animations from the Sportsplan website? I want to download them to my tablet (similar to ipad) and show the team at training how the drill/skill etc is to be done. However, don't have internet access on tablet, so can't access drills online, and need to save it to tablet to show them. Can anybody help? Any suggestions?

Archived User Coach

Hockey level 2 assessment

Hi,I need to play 4 linked hockey sessions to a specific theme I don't know which one to chose such as I can't say attack because there can be so much to cover . So any help?

Tajinder Kaur Sahota Coach, United Kingdom

How to coach school team with novices and experienced players?

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

How do i avoid blank pages in my PDF?

when creating a PDF of my plan it inserts blank pages in the PDF. e.g. a plan that should fit on 2 pages of A4 comes through as a 4 page PDF with content on pages 1 and 3 and blank pages on pg 2 and 4. How do i avoid this?

Simon Nicklin Coach, England

Problem with creating text on chalkboard

I'm not able to add text when creating a new chalkboard.

Lucie Savelberg Coach, Netherlands

Is there a tutorial on creating animations?

Is there a tutorial on creating animations?

Jason Madvig Coach, United States of America

Creating Animated Passing Drills

How can I create animated drills that pass back and forth between players?

Jesus Arriaza-Lopez Coach, United States of America

Animation tutorial

Are there any tutorials for creating animated drills?

Jesus Arriaza-Lopez Coach, United States of America

Creating a PDF

When I try to create a PDF of the plan I want it does not create a PDF

Paige Stringer Coach, United Kingdom

making lesson plans

how do I put the things I want to do in my training session in one place? I would just fav them but I coach 4 Diffrent age groups

Tillie House Coach, England

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

6 a side without a goalie formation

Would you say switching it around to a 1-2-3 would make for better attacking formations?

Coach, United Kingdom

Drills/games for Seniors

Hi! Im Martina, I am 25 years old and I am in charge of a weekly training session for a Mens Seniors team. They are a mixed group, from 17-60 years old. Im finding it a bit hard to find a balance for all the players as there are young but also experienced ones. I want to make the trainings fun and dynamic, so any help with drills is appreciated!Thank you

Martina Scollo Coach, United Kingdom

progression

how would you progress from this

Olivia Mason Coach, England

Multiple Passes

Hi there , im finding it hard to do multiple passes when creating a animation

Shaun Tuteru Coach, Australia

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

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1000+ hockey drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_hockey
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
Mandatory Face Masks: Adapting Your Penalty Corner Defence in 2026

Mandatory Face Masks: Adapting Your Penalty Corner Defence in 2026

2026 is the first full year with mandatory face masks for penalty corner defence. Here's how to train your defenders for the new equipment reality.

February 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Constraints-Led Training: Designing Game-Based Hockey Sessions

Constraints-Led Training: Designing Game-Based Hockey Sessions

Move beyond drills and let your players discover solutions through play. The constraints-led approach is transforming how hockey is coached at every level.

February 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
6 Things Changing Field Hockey in 2026

6 Things Changing Field Hockey in 2026

From mandatory safety equipment to evolving tactical systems and player-centred coaching methods, field hockey is transforming. Here's what every coach needs to know for 2026.

January 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Hockey POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
short cornerspassingfitnessdribbling drillsblock tackledrag flickwarm up drillspressshootingtacklingoutlettingdribblingshort cornerdefence drillswarm upindoorpassing drillschannellinghitting

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Excellent drills, very detailed videos. Useful site for my U15 boys team.

Parry U15 boys Hockey Coach, Australia

I love using Sportplan. It's been a great help for co-ordinating hockey practice and being able to help tweak skills and getting the most out of my players!

Laura Swezey Hockey Coach, United States

Great site. An absolute must for coaches who are willing to change and learn new drills. Superb, simply superb.

Ignatius D'souza India

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1000+ hockey drills
  • create professional hockey coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested hockey plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Hockey POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
block tackle channelling defence drills drag flick dribbling dribbling drills fitness goalie drills half court press hitting hitting drills hockey indian dribble indoor long corner netball outletting passing passing drills penalty corner posting up press push pass shooting short corner short corners slap hit tackling warm up warm up drills
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the worlds largest hockey coaching resource for 1000+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT