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Field Hockey: zones

zones DRILLS
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4 Zone - 2v1 Game

2 teams play a 6v6 game, with a left and a right central zone marked out with cones. In each of the central zones there should be 1 player from each team. Players who are defending (on both teams) can only stay in their starting zones, whereas players who are attacking can run across zones to support the attack and create the overloads (2v1).

Conditioned Games

4v4 Endzone Game

Set-up the pitch as shown. Place one player from each side in the opposite End Zone. Players have to try and get the ball to the player in the End Zone for them to then score a goal. Only the designated players are allowed in the End Zone.

Conditioned Games

6 Zone: No Pressure

- Pitch split into 6 zones- 6 outfield players- Use of goalkeepers beneficial to drill- Play across half a pitch- Pass at right angles (90 ball) between the boxes- When the final player receives a pass, they should attempt to score a goal- Once shot has been taken, reset the drill from the end where the shot has just been taken from

Conditioned Games

Closed Zones

The aim of this exercise is to encourage the players to attack down the wings. The attacking team is not allowed to pass or attack through the zone. Defenders, on winning the ball, have to try and get the ball out of the 23m area, also wide of the zone.

Conditioned Games

Conditioned Game - 6v4 Attacking Advantage

Divide your players into two teams of 6 and split the pitch into 3 areas with each area being approximately 15 meters in height. The condition for this game is that 2 players from both teams have to stay in the top third of the pitch (the opposition's scoring area) and cannot run back to offer support in the defence. This creates the 5v3 overload situation and should result in a high scoring game.

Conditioned Games

Full Press - Puting Pressure on the Opposition

The basis of the press is that no player commits to the ball but a team screen is set up in the decided territory of the pitch. The aim is not to try and steal the ball from the opposition, but instead to make the opposition give the ball to you. By pushing up you are trying to make the opposition make a mistake in trying to run or pass the ball out of these areas. After intercepting a bad pass your team should be looking to break and score. When to use: The Full Press should take place only if: The opposition has a free hit in one of the 2 zones shown in the diagram. Or a player in possession in the 23m area is given a very bad bobbly pass to their reverse stick side. However, this is slightly harder to read as all players need to react, because of this this tactic is probably not worth exploring to begin with. Your team's press should prevent all lateral (sideways) passes across the pitch. All other passing options are easier to close down if you use the side lines to your advantage.

Roles and Responsibilities

Interception

Setup the practice as shown.2 Players start in end zones opposite each other with the aim of trying to pass the ball to each other without getting intercepted by the player in the middle.

Defending Skills

Passing through a line of defence

Create 2 end zones either side of a line. 2 players are in each end zone and 2 defenders on the line. The players in the end zones can pass the ball to each other laterally but the aim is to try and pass the ball from one end zone to the other, without the ball being intercepted by the defenders who can only defend on the line. See how many passes the teams can score against the defenders. When the defenders have intercepted the ball 3 times the players who played the last pass change over and become the defenders.

Possession

Passing with Decision Making

Setup the practice as shown with cones 5m, 10m and 15m away. Split the group into pairs. Player 1 remains behind the line while player 2 moves backwards and forwards into the different zones. The position of player 2 determines what kind of return pass is made. This exercise develops decision making as well as using three passing techniques in one exercise.

Passing & Receiving

Using the Boards

Set up a line of cones about 5 to 8 metres away from the boards forming a long thin pitch. Make two end zones 2 teams of 4 nominate a player to stand in their side's allocated end zones. The player in the end zone is the support player and can be used to keep possession. The aim of the game is for one of the teams to pass or dribble into their end zone.

Indoor Hockey

Closed Zones Conditioned Games...

The aim of this exercise is to encourage the players to attack down the wings. The attacking team is not allowed to pass or attack through the zone. Defenders, on winning the ball, have to try and get the ball out of the 23m area, also wide of the zone.

General

4 Zone - 2v1 Game Conditioned ...

2 teams play a 6v6 game, with a left and a right central zone marked out with cones. In each of the central zones there should be 1 player from each team. Players who are defending (on both teams) can only stay in their starting zones, whereas players who are attacking can run across zones to support the attack and create the overloads (2v1).

General

9 Zone: No Pressure Conditione...

- Pitch split into 9 zones (3 x 3)<br />- 6 players<br />- Players should post between the different areas to move up the pitch<br />- Can pass through an entire box  i.e. left wing all the way to right wing

General

6 Zone: Passive Defending Cond...

- 6 on 6 drill<br />- Split a half pitch into 6 sections<br />- A forward and a defender should be in each section<br />- Defenders can only intercept the ball (no tackling)<br />- Players must stay in there given section

General

30mph and 50mph Zones Moving w...

Players have a ball each and work in two small groups. Each group begins in a crowded areas (30 MPH speed limit) and dribble around slowly. When the coach raises their hand players move from one crowded area to the other one. Purpose : To avoid bumping into other players

General

9 Zone: Passive Defending Cond...

- Pitch split into 9 zones (3 x 3)<br />- 6 vs 6<br />- Can only ever have one forward and one defender in each area<br />- Forwards (white) cannot dribble ball from one area to another<br />- Defenders (red) cannot make a challenge, only intercept passes<br />- Players should post between the different areas to move up the pitch<br />-If ball is turned over, drill continues, with the red team becoming the forwards and the white team becoming the defenders

General

4v4 Endzone Game Conditioned G...

Set-up the pitch as shown. Place one player from each side in the opposite End Zone. Players have to try and get the ball to the player in the End Zone for them to then score a goal. Only the designated players are allowed in the End Zone.

General

9 Zone: Full Game Conditioned ...

- Pitch split into 9 zones (3 x 3)<br />- 6 vs 6<br />- Multiple players from each team in one area<br />- Forwards (white) can dribble ball from one area to another<br />- Defenders (red) can tackle<br />- Players should post between the different areas to move up the pitch<br />-If ball is turned over, drill continues, with the red team becoming the forwards and the white team becoming the defenders

General

Conditioned Game - 6v4 Attacki...

Divide your players into two teams of 6 and split the pitch into 3 areas with each area being approximately 15 meters in height.The condition for this game is that 2 players from both teams have to stay in the top third of the pitch (the opposition's scoring area) and cannot run back to offer support in the defence.This creates the 5v3 overload situation and should result in a high scoring game.

General

Using the Boards Indoor Hockey...

Set up a line of cones about 5 to 8 metres away from the boards forming a long thin pitch. Make two end zones 2 teams of 4 nominate a player to stand in their side's allocated end zones. The player in the end zone is the support player and can be used to keep possession. The aim of the game is for one of the teams to pass or dribble into their end zone.

General

Front defence zone game Indoor...

Set out a zone by splitting pitch into 3 equal areas. Two players with the ball try to pass the ball through the centre zone to their partner players on the other side. The 3 players in the middle zone can try and intercept the ball when they do so they can try to score a goal against the two player that they won the ball from - creating a 3 vs 2.

General

Dribble through - Defensive zo...

4 players inside the 23 meter area try to pass the ball through the defensive zone (the space between the 23 meter to the half way line) to the players in the other half. When the ball has successfully been played across to the other side the opposite team must try and play the ball back through the defensive zone. The 6 defenders inside the middle zone have to try and intercept the ball and break. When they get the ball they must try and score a goal against the players who lost the ball.

General

Slap Hit Zone Game Passing & R...

- 4 players have to move the ball across the box containing one defender<br />- Players must remain close to the corners of the box<br />- The defender can move along the line from side to side, but cannot encroach on the players hitting<br />- If the ball is intercepted, swap the defender in the middle with the player who hit the ball

General

King Ball Conditioned Games - ...

This is a game where you learn to pass the ball beyond defenders, to players in space. No aerial ball allowed. Two teams positioned either side of the 23m line. One player from each team goes to the end zone behind the opposing team. The team with the ball has to try and pass the ball into the end zone behind the defence. Whoever makes the successful pass can join the player in the end zone. The aim of the game is to be the first team to have all their players in the end zone behind the opposition. The ball can only be won by the opposition intercepting a ball on the way to the end zone or back.

General

Hockey rugby Movement off the ...

2 teams try and score by running the ball into the scoring zone. Rules are: You can only pass the ball back of square. The defensive players are not allowed to go beyond the line of the ball. For the rest of the time, players can run with the ball and tackle.

General

Passing through a line of defe...

Create 2 end zones either side of a line. 2 players are in each end zone and 2 defenders on the line. The players in the end zones can pass the ball to each other laterally but the aim is to try and pass the ball from one end zone to the other, without the ball being intercepted by the defenders who can only defend on the line. See how many passes the teams can score against the defenders. When the defenders have intercepted the ball 3 times the players who played the last pass change over and become the defenders.

General

Hockey: Receive in the ball in...

Play this game with two equal teams of players in the middle area and two Jokers. One jokers stands at each end of the playing area and has to stay in this grid (the scoring zone). Every time the team in possession passes the ball into the scoring zone and receives the ball back from the joker they score a point.

General

Numbers Game Possession - Hock...

Teams of 3 - 4 players. Each team numbers themselves 1-2-3-4 and has one ball. The ball should be passed around the team in numerical order while moving around the set area.

General

Playing against Dice defence I...

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.

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

Interception Self Pass - Hocke...

Two lines of players with 1 ball per grid. Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 who runs to the opposite cone. Player 3 makes their intercepting run as the player makes their pass, trying to intercept the ball before it reaches player its intended recipient. If they successfully intercept the ball they make a pass to player 4. Exercise start again. Player 1 runs straight to receive the ball from player 4 and player 2 has to try and intercept the ball and pass the ball to player 5.

General

Front Defence Game Indoor Hock...

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.

General

Round the Back Conditioned Gam...

Play 5 vs 5 or 6 vs 6 with goals facing to the side line (can also be played with one goal positioned on the top of the circle turned to the back line and the other goal 15 metres inside the half way line facing away from the other goal). Teams try to score a goal, encouraging players to go deep.

General

Interception Defending Skills ...

Setup the practice as shown.2 Players start in end zones opposite each other with the aim of trying to pass the ball to each other without getting intercepted by the player in the middle.

General

Wide Goals Conditioned Games -...

Game with 2 teams. Both teams have two goals to score in. This is to encourage teams to get the ball out of congested areas into the open spaces. Play 5 vs 5 in a 23m area (width of the full pitch and the length of a 23 metre area).

General

zones SESSIONS
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Man to Man Marking Behind the ...

Conceding sloppy goals? Reinforce good habits to improve your players' defensive movement and communication.

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.

Passing Web: Support Play

Complete the Passing Web by getting ahead to re-lead and look for the next pass to sustain attacks and start the process over again.
zones ANSWERS
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Best method to teach junior aside players positions and responsibilities?

What are the best methods to teach Junior 8 aside hockey players their positional roles and responsibilities?

Archived User Coach

Looking for a 6-a good side hockey formation?

I am looking for 6 a side hockey formations. We have been playing 3-1-1-1. Worked very well, however sweeper was so good, goalie never touched the ball. I want to move sweeper to goalie/ sweeper but our mid field player is too good to just play right. What to do? 2-2-1-1 or 1-3-1-1?     

Archived User Coach

How to encourage positional play (spreading out) to U9 players?

How do you encourage positional play and spreading out on hockey field U9 girls level?

Archived User Coach

Best way to teach shape and positional awareness to U12s and U13s?

hi allI'm currently coaching 12 and 13 yr olds and the team has a massive problem with shape and being disciplined positionally.Any tips, ideas, drills etc for helping with / teaching this?many thanks,Gary

Gary Thompson Coach, England

"Outside the box" formation ideas?

To John Royce: Formations Hey John just wondered your thoughts have taken over ane A1 Womens Side was trying to think a bit outside the box thought of trying a 1-1-3-4-2 formation or 1-1-3-3-3. had any success or heartache with either. Have varying degrees of age in this team which make it a little for younger ones to comprehend. Regards Ian Manhire Newtown A1 Womens Coach

Ian Manhire Coach, Australia

Outletting against a half court press?

overlapping outside halves ? or drop Midfield in hole?

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

Communication of the ball

Can anyone recommend a drill to get my players talking more during the game as I trying to teach them how important it is to do things off the ball?

Glenn Hutchinson Coach, Australia

Field positioning- how to get youngsters to play their position

How do I get young hockey players to learn to play in their positions? I often tell them what their position details are but they never seem to stick to their positions and end up bunching Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Storm Wilson Coach, South Africa

Getting Players to Stay in position

We practice weekly about staying in position, widening the field and using outletting to move the ball up field. They execute in practice, but when it comes time to play most players do not stay disciplined and crowd the ball on one side or another.............How do I fix this Players are U19

Geoff Hamilton Coach, Canada

Whats the best drill for ladies to attack at pace?

Whats the best drill for ladies to attack at pace?

David Keogh Coach, Ireland

Blockers and their roles in specific formations?

What are the roles of blockers? Can you use them in a 3-2-3-2 formation? Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Derek Merifield Coach, South Africa

Indoor Hockey

Hi allOver the weekend I coached my U18s and we did well but I wanted to find out, is there any tactics, coaching sessions for indoor hockey to help defend in different structures or heck even stop attackers from getting their angles right0

Damien Life Liversedge Coach, South Africa

Indian dribble and running with the ball

how can I make practises such as the indian dribble and running with the ball using the correct grip more entertaining for junior players?

Jerome Carabott Coach, Malta

To man mark or zone? | Sportpl...

My Girls team I coach get caught a lot between man marking and zonal marking in the 23 yard area and sometimes end up with half the team doing one and the rest the other. Suggestions on the ideal defensive set up inside the 23?

Archived User Coach

How do you teach children aged...

I coach aged 7 children and I don't know how to teach them how to play a proper hockey match without all of them going for the ball and not staying in their positions. Do I put lines where they are not allowed to pass? or what?

Bev Coach, South Africa

Mini games I could use in a sc...

I help out at local skill teaching children from yr 1 to yr 7 the skills of hockey. I am always looking for fun mini games which encases all skill types. This is from non hockey to excellent hockey players.

Rodney Johnson Coach, Australia

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