
Suitable for competent hockey players. Age groups U16+ Carrying the Ball (High) Defending (High) Goal Scoring (Moderate) Moving the Ball (High) Warm Up (Moderate) Two goals are placed at the end of a 1/2 pitch sized pitch. two gates are also placed wide on the halfway line. Three teams are needed. One set up in one of the goals and the others between the gates on the halfway line. The Exercise - The ball starts with one of the wide groups.They (Red) attack the goal (Wavy Line) which is being defended by the third team (Blue, Left). Once the ball is dead or a goal is scored then the red team track back to the other end of the field to be the defensive team. The blue team (who defended against the reds attacking) pass the ball out to the team in the grey. Once the ball is played to the grey the blues then move to one of the gates ready to be the next attacking team.
Communication in attack and defence Quick decision making to get back and defend from a attacking scenario Hight, Speed and Width in Attack Shaddowing and Slowing Down attacking play when defending.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
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.
Move beyond drills and let your players discover solutions through play. The constraints-led approach is transforming how hockey is coached at every level.
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.