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unit DRILLS
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Ball into Space

Player 1 runs into the space to receive the ball from player 2 who: Can hit or push the ball Can give an aerial ball into the space. The player looking to receive the ball then runs into the circle and shoots.

Passing & Receiving

Drawing the defender to create scoring opportunity

Player 2(left wing) receives ball from the Player 1 (left midfield) and takes the ball into the zone, where the defender can try and win the ball. Just before player 2 loses the ball, he/she turns away from the RD and passes the ball to player 1. It is important that this player stays outside the 23m area and straight behind player 2. When player 1 receives the ball, he/she plays the ball to player 3, who runs towards the circle and uses player 4 + 5 to try and score a goal.Every player then follows their own pass and next ball(player 3 to 4 to 5).

Shooting & Goalscoring

Interception - Open Stick

in this video the defender times their run to intercept the pass to the left winger. To practice this skill set up players in groups of three, with one feeder, one attacker and one defender. The defender should be standing slightly ahead and on the inside of the attacker to ensure they get to the ball first. When the feeder plays the ball up towards the two players they should both set off to try and win the ball.

Defending Skills

Pass to player behind the defender

The defender is only allowed to defend inside the zone. The 2 outside players can choose to pass from outside or inside the zone. The 2 players outside the area are looking to create a passing opportunity to get the ball to each other (passing through or around the defender). This skill is very important for the self pass.

Eliminating a Player

Playing against Dice defence

It is important that the team in possession plays the ball around and down the boards into the midfield players and back until the shape of the dice is lost and attack down the board to play the ball to the opposite side for the up coming midfielder to score an open goal.

Indoor Hockey

Playing into space

2 players have to cleverly pass the ball to each other to create an opportunity to pass through the goal to the other side (into space). The defender can only intercept once the ball has gone through the goal.

Passing & Receiving

positional unit play

Start by putting your players in their position on  half a pitch. (whateve the formation you want to play.) Give one of the players a ball and ask the team to pass the ball around the team as fast as they can. This should start to get players used to the players around them.

Game related

Practice to learn the principle of the 1/2 court press

The defending team forms a line on the half way line of the pitch (in this case the 23m line).Any player from the opposition that runs beyond the line of defence, should be very tightly marked while inside the 1/2 court. Every time the attacking player runs back out. The defender should stop on the defensive line. Every time the team playing 1/2 court gains possession of the ball they should have a fast break situation. It is important that only 2 out of the 5 players should take the opportunity of this break, and not the whole team, because on losing the ball you still want to be able to continue playing the 1/2 court.

Conditioned Games

Set play area

The defenders aim is to take the ball out of the 23m area in control and the 3 attackers aim is to try and score a goal. 3 v 3 plus a keeper.

Conditioned Games

Wall Pass Circuit - Uncontested

Pass and follow with a wall pass. Player 1 passes the ball for a wall pass to player after receiving the ball back. Player 1 passes the ball to player 4. Player 4 does a wall pass with player 3 and receives the ball back. Player 4 then continues and plays a 2v1 at the top of the circle against the defender (only allowed to defend outside the circle. After your shot you swap with one of the wall passers by the cone on the 23 metre line.

Passing & Receiving

Box Bandit: Fluid Small Unit P...

- 5 yard square<br />- 3 forwards and 2 defenders<br />- Forwards must stay on the outside of the square<br />- Defenders cannot leave the square or tackle the player in possession<br />- Forwards around the square can move around<br />- If a defender intercepts the ball, they should swap with the forward who made the pass

General

Small Unit Play: All in the Gr...

- Carrying the ball in a small area<br />- Players should move in multiple directions<br />- Practice v-drags, roll outs etc.

General

Unopposed 11-a-side Game relat...

The team has to pass the ball around the team using two touches. However, when ever players run out of position, a player misses the ball or runs with the ball, the coach throws in a new ball and the team has to react to the new ball (keeping the shape of the team at all times).

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

Hockey: Carrying ball - Left w...

Objetcive: To understand the requirments of the player when dribbling with the ball down the left side of the field.  Purpose: The position of the ball and technique when dribbling will alter where the next pass or tackle is going to come from. Carry in the correct position to give as many options for the pass and to send a clear message to the rest of the team, Eg. wingers/forwards leads.  Structure: Pairs   

General

Hockey: Aerial Pass: Receiving

- Receiving the aerial pass<br />- The body should be put behind the ball<br />- Ball should be taken on the head of the stick<br />- Once the initial aerial has been cushioned, the ball should be steadied quickly to allow the next pass to be played quickly

General

Set play area Conditioned Game...

The defenders aim is to take the ball out of the 23m area in control <br />and the 3 attackers aim is to try and score a goal. 3 v 3 plus a keeper.

General

The Clip Hit Passing & Receivi...

Objective: To master the clip hit, often used as a progression to the full hit, but also very effective in a game situation. Purpose: It is a quicker hit than a full swing hit due to the fact the hands are lower down the stick, shorterning the swing and menaing you can get a quick hit away under pressure.  Structure: Pairs   

General

Changing direction with the ba...

- Carrying the ball in different position<br />- Working on footwork<br />- Playing position from red to blue cone<br />- Sharp roll/turn at first red cone<br />- Move feet around the ball at second red cone

General

First Time Deflection Into Cir...

This drill focuses on quick delivery of the ball into the circle.Midfielder passes the ball into player in a wide position who uses the pace of the pass to deflect the ball into an attacker making a run in the circle. Attacker receiving the ball in the circle, should shape their run to create space where the ball is going to be played into.Attacker should then look to put a ball across the goal.

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

1 v 2 break defense Defending ...

Players work in pairs in this drill - attacking and defending pair. The player who starts with the ball has to dribble around the cone and then try to score a goal on the half way line. At the same time one player from the defending pair also runs around the cone. Once the player with the ball has run around the cone the drill is live. The defending team are trying to dispossess the player with the ball and score against the keeper and the last defender. The drill continues until one of the team has had a shot at one of the goals.

General

Continual Side Line Attacks Se...

2 equal teams in the circle and lots of balls on both side lines. The coach calls out a team. 1 of the players has to run to one of the sidelines and take the freehit. All the other players have to run to the 23 metre line before they can get involved. After each break down or shot at goal, coach calls out the next team.

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

1 vs 1 practice Eliminating a ...

Split the players up into two groups for a relay type exercise which starts with one player from group 1 running with a ball to the goal on the half way line, trying to score a goal. As soon as player 1 has had a shot at goal a player from group 2 runs with a ball to the other goal to try to score a goal. The player that had the first shot (player 1) has to try and defend against the player from group 2. When this player scores or loses the ball to the defender the next player starts from group 1 and the player that has just taken the shot becomes the new defender. The player that had the first shot and then defended (player 1) goes to the back of theirre queue.

General

unit DRILL CATEGORIES
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Game related Drills
Movement off the ball Drills
Overload situations Drills
Possession Drills
Scoring on the break Drills
Game related Drills
Movement off the ball Drills
Overload situations Drills
Possession Drills
Scoring on the break Drills
unit SESSIONS
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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

Defensive Principles; Shadowing and Channelling

Review the basics of defending with this session working on shadowing, channelling and timing tackles

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.

Skill Development - Passing and Moving with the ball

Continue your growth into the new season by rediscovering the basics to create a foundation to build upon. It?s all about getting your touch, zipping the ball to your teammates and finding your level again to go into the first game at your best!

Your first hockey training of the new season

No standing around in queues - instead this plan gives everyone the maximum number of touches as they work on their reverse and open stick play

Forward Running - Positive Play

Carry the ball with confidence and run at goal! Teach your players to switch the ball and feed the lines to get the ball up the pitch!

Vision in the 1v1 - Focus on the Defender's Stick

Make the defender commit to moving their stick, read the signs and time your move to attack the space in this 1v1 attacking session

Attacking the central channel - Narrow Possession

Why let them have the ball!? Just keep it for yourself instead! Create goal scoring chances from just keeping the ball.

Commit the Defender before you Pass

Take the defender out of the equation by bringing them closer to you. Get them to commit then move the ball on to set up an attack.

Push pass with disguise: Send them the wrong way

Passes too easy to read? If so this plan will help your players Push Pass with disguise, to keep the defender guessing

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!

Improving forward vision (Pre and Post scanning)

Help your players make better decisions by scanning the field before and after they've received the ball!

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

Passing the ball across the back

Toy with your oppositions press and start zipping the ball around the back to really make the most of the width.

Attacking Possession - Moving into Space

Good attacking play requires vision and heads up hockey - get your players picking out the best pass!

Junior: Pull the Ball Back to Change Direction

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

Passing Web: Pass Technique (D...

Continue the passing web by developing the right technique to make connections by delivering an accurate, firm pass. Learn how to disguise the pass to send the defender one way before making the connection.

The Final Pass & Shooting/Mark...

Vary the leads in the final 23 to keep not allow the defensive team to set and to offer more passing options in the final 23.
unit ANSWERS
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Hi. I need to coach the following in a session%3A Attacking?

Hi. I need to coach the following in a session%3A Attacking unit play using right hand side of the pitch. Emphasis on ‘Posting up.’ Use of lead runs and receiving the ball on the move. Any ideas?

Danielle Mugridge Coach, England

2323 formation can it work?

2323 formation can it work?

Archived User Coach

What are the key skills in individual defending?

What are the key skills in individual defending and what are the best ways to practise them?

Jayson Hood Coach, England

I would like to get the PDF file for the formation 5-3-2

when looking at the formation 5-3-2 I would like to get the responsibilities PDF file

Brenda Strohmer Coach, United States of America

How do you keep your team motivated - drill ideas?

we started the season 5-1 and now mid-way it seems we are fading? we have lost our last 3 games - what are some good drills to get them focused again and pumped for the rest of the season and to get them over the hump -to the next level. thanks

Brenda Strohmer Coach, United States of America

Level 2 Practical Assessment - Help needed!

Hi all,I've got my level 2 assessment coming up on Sunday and I just wanted to quickly check whether there's a 'recommended' structure to the session plan.Btw, this is a level 2 practical assessment and is with juniors (U14s).One coach has suggested a 3 part approach:1) techniques and skills required2) unopposed 3) opposedThe theme I'm choosing, which is a bit of a generic one, is defending in a channel (as I'm a defender and it's pretty straight forward).I'm not really looking for info on what exactly to include (i.e. theme specific) but rather general structure or whether E.H. have an approved structure to sessions?My session's on Sunday, so a quick reply would be awesome.Thanks,Gary

Gary Thompson Coach, England

1st ever training Session Structure?

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

URGENT!!! Hockey coaching plan needed for A level PE

I am doing A level PE and I need to find a coaching plan that includes a number of drills that get progressively harder. The plan has to be game based, I was thinking of doing one on possession but I cannot find drills that link together and get harder. Please help, Thanks

Erin Parry Coach, Wales

How to improve personal defense ability?

How to improve personal defense ability?

Archived User Coach

Rolling player substitution plan

Need help with planning a rolling subs with 11 players and 5 subs.Keeper,4 backs, 4 midfied, 2 strikers.Any ideas please

Barry Prestney Coach, New Zealand

How to play hulf press

how to play half press and full press

Ritu Khanom Coach, Bangladesh

left mid job in defending a high press

what is the positioning and tips to no left them through the centre by heading to the lineand them cutting in

Rachel Sweetnam Coach, Northern Ireland

What are the key skills in ind...

What are the key skills in individual defending and what are the best ways to practise them?

Jayson Hood Coach, England

Rolling player substitution pl...

Need help with planning a rolling subs with 11 players and 5 subs.Keeper,4 backs, 4 midfied, 2 strikers.Any ideas please

Barry Prestney Coach, New Zealand

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

Hi. I need to coach the follow...

Hi. I need to coach the following in a session%3A Attacking unit play using right hand side of the pitch. Emphasis on ‘Posting up.’ Use of lead runs and receiving the ball on the move. Any ideas?

Danielle Mugridge Coach, England

How do you keep your team moti...

we started the season 5-1 and now mid-way it seems we are fading? we have lost our last 3 games - what are some good drills to get them focused again and pumped for the rest of the season and to get them over the hump -to the next level. thanks

Brenda Strohmer Coach, United States of America

URGENT!!! Hockey coaching plan...

I am doing A level PE and I need to find a coaching plan that includes a number of drills that get progressively harder. The plan has to be game based, I was thinking of doing one on possession but I cannot find drills that link together and get harder. Please help, Thanks

Erin Parry Coach, Wales

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