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Field Hockey: create space

create space DRILLS
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Attacking from a hit in

4 vs 2 from a sideline ball Play wall pass with LM and look for forward options. LB plays ball to LW, LW should keep the line free then the player can receive the ball, turn in field or attack down the line.

Game related

Changing the Point of Attack

Player 1 passes the ball to player 2. At the same time, player 3 makes a run infield to create space for player 2 to pass the ball ahead of player 4, who runs on to the ball. This player then runs with the ball and passes the ball to player 3, now in the circle. The next group start from player 3, pass to 2 and player 1 makes the space for the ball to be passed to player 5 in the space. Player 2 is the only player staying in position, the rest can constantly swap places.

Shooting & Goalscoring

Conditioned play

With 3 v 2 with a compulsory pass (hit in from the side line) RW feeds the ball to RM and then all 3 attackers have to try and score a goal.Tip: things will open up for the attack if after the RW passes the ball he/she runs infield to create space down the wing for a pass to the CF who might run out or the RM to run in to this space. After each attack 2 out of the 3 attackers become the next defenders for the next attack.

Overload situations

hit in from the right side of the pitch in the attacking 23 metres

Set Pieces

Keep Possession Wall Pass

8 Players with 1 ball. 4 players on the outside are always on the side of the 2 players in possession of the ball. The 2 other players are trying to gain possession. The players on the outside have to stay there and are only allowed to wall pass the ball each time. First team to make 10 passes wins.

Possession

Open play short corner

Set up as shown in the picture. The ball is pushed out towards the top of the circle, but on this occasion the stopper dummies to stop the ball but leaves it for the player backing up (Blue 7). This player picks up the ball and passes the ball to the right (Blue 4), who in turn takes the ball into the circle to draw the defender before passing to the unmarked attacker (s) on either of the posts.

Set Pieces

Outletting

create forward passes by transferring the ball The 3 blue players are trying to pass the ball through one of the 3 goals in the middle of the area to one of the three players on the opposite side. They can do this by running with the ball, dummy passing or transferring the ball between them to draw to two defenders out of position and create space for the pass. The 2 defenders can only intercept the ball. When they do so they have to try and and pass the ball over the back line behind the 3 blue players who just lost the ball.

Overload situations

Right side understanding

5 vs 3 down the right hand side Effectively trying to get the ball out of the back through the right half when the transfer has been blocked Goal is to get the ball over the half way line

Possession

Roll Strong and Switch

Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 who has run across the pitch. On receiving the ball, player 2 turns around and runs towards the goal and passes the ball into the path of player 3. Player 3 takes the ball and shoots.

Passing & Receiving

switch to avoid congestion

When a team changes direction of the ball and the forwards don't come back nothing changes and the situation remains congested up front.

Game related

Use footwork to create space 2...

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 the left then drags it back to the right 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 and footwork of the attacker with the ball

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

Making and running into space ...

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

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

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

Hockey: Pass and follow exerci...

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

move out to make space Indoor ...

Player 1 runs with the ball through the little slalom and passes the ball to player 3 on the top of the circle. this player then hook dribbles the ball around the cone making space for player 2 to run in to and recieve the ball to score the goal.

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

Playing into space Self Pass -...

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.

General

Hockey: Running off the ball a...

Players need to get into groups of 3 with one ball in each group. Number the players 1, 2 and 3. The area can be either the whole or 1/2 a pitch. When no.1 has the ball no.2 has to run in a straight line until no.1 passes the ball. Once no.2 has received the ball player no.3 has to make a run. Players can run anywhere on the pitch.

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

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

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

Outletting Overload situations...

create forward passes by transferring the ball The 3 blue players are trying to pass the ball through one of the 3 goals in the middle of the area to one of the three players on the opposite side. They can do this by running with the ball, dummy passing or transferring the ball between them to draw to two defenders out of position and create space for the pass. The 2 defenders can only intercept the ball. When they do so they have to try and and pass the ball over the back line behind the 3 blue players who just lost 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

Running into Space Moving with...

Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 who passes the ball to player 3. Player 3 passes the ball to player 1 who is running at the ball, turns on receiving the ball and runs into the circle to shoot.<br /><br />The next player 1 passes the ball to 2, but this time player 2 passes to player 4 etc.<br /><br />Player 2 stays and the rest of the players swap each time.

General

Wall pass Movement off the bal...

Player 1 runs with the ball, player 2 makes a move towards the ball and receives the ball from 1, on the move on the forehand. Player 2 then turns and passes the ball to player 3. Who wall passes the ball into the space for player 2 to run onto the ball, and have a shot.

General

Adding to the pass Passing & R...

Player 1 passes the ball to player 2, who lets the ball run across the body and runs with the ball to the next cone. He or she dummies to hit the pass wide but hits it under the arm into the path of player 3 running infield. Player 3 receives the ball on the move and shoots at goal.<br /><br />Rotation 1-2,2-3,3-1

General

Hockey: Drawing the defender t...

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.<br />Every player then follows their own pass and next ball(player 3 to 4 to 5).

General

Hockey: hit in from the right ...

General

create space DRILL CATEGORIES
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Movement off the ball Drills
Movement off the ball Drills
create space SESSIONS
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Passing Web: Post-scanning to ...

Scanning whilst on the ball is vital to making strong connections. Part of the Passing Web, players will soon be carrying to space, scanning to spot the next pass with this session.

Switch the ball to create Forw...

Like moths to a light players are often drawn to the ball. Sometimes in order to create space players should look to sweep and switch the ball across the pitch to find new space!

Passing to create deep space |...

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

Exploring the space down the r...

Look at exploring the space down the right board when playing a defensive Y formation in attack.

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.

Switch the ball to create forward space

Pass the ball out of pressure and find space to attack with this speedy stickwork and ball switching plan

Introducing Outletting for Juniors

Create clever hockey players ready to read any situation and outlet with class and confidence!

Overcoming on the ball nerves

6 drills and games designed to improve your players' on the ball confidence and improve their passing and dribbling decision making skills

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.

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!

Advanced Attacking Play: Beating the man-to-man Defence

Work on lead running down the wings to draw the opposition out of position and create space when up against a team of man-markers!

3 v 2 in a Game Situation - Support in the Attack

There's safety in numbers! Make sure your players always have outlet options when they're on the offensive!
create space ANSWERS
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How do you play against a team with a Star Player?

Last season we played a couple of teams with a Star player in a key position who ran the game for their side. Any tips on how to stop this sort of team. Especially with many teams these days having a player/coach who is ex-national league this is happening more and more. We played 3 teams last season, 2 with a Star sweeper and another with a Star centre-half. How can we stop them playing and still play our game?

Sportplan Team Coach, United Kingdom

What is the best drill for teach hit outs at 16's?

My team have asked for drills to help them at 16s, can anyone help me

Jax Pheiffer Coach, England

To man mark or zone?

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

Playing 1,2,3,5 formation - connecting?

I am coaching 1,2,3,5 formation in an U16 Girls team but I am having trouble getting my Halfbacks connecting with my Inside Forwards - Any suggestions

Glenn Hutchinson Coach, Australia

Right-Wing Position

My daughter plays U13 hockey in the position of right wing.She gets different advice from her school coach and her club coach.I want to make sure that she is getting the right advice as she is passionate about her hockey. Firstly, exactly what is the full function of a right wing at this level of hockey (she will be going to U15 club hockey and U14 school hockey next season) She has a good understanding of the game and appears to me to read it well (I only played school level many years ago and things change) When her team is in the offensive position in the “D” she mostly waits at goal post to deflect ball into goal.  She appears to not be involved.  Comments from spectators have been made as to why she just stands there. There is a very skilled player in her team who hits the ball EXTREMELY hard.  I believe that at this level of hockey these extremely hard hits/passes do not achieve anything, they just keep going out. However, please can you advise on how to stop and control these very hard passes (that is if one can get to them) in order to move on with the game. Lastly, can you send some drills/exercises to get her eye in as well as positioning her body correctly for goal shooting.  The “hard hitter” and my daughter seem to be the main goal shooters of the team. Many thanks Lynne

Archived User Coach

5-yard rule in hockey?

could someone comment on the 5 yard rule when entering the scoring area? There always seams to be a lot of wrong information regarding this rule.

Gaby Coach, United States of America

How do you teach children aged 7 how to play a hockey match?

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

Posting up in hockey

What does it mean when a forward in hockey post up?

Fiona Cafolla Coach, Scotland

Drills to avoid Obstruction

What are good drills to demonstrate obstruction and more importantly how to avoid obstruction

Ian Wright Coach, United States of America

What is the best structure for school teams?

What would the best structure to teach High School learners? there are too many to choose from

bernice Coach, South Africa

Is there a drill for cutting?

Is there a drill to teach cutting on a free hit? When there is a free hit; how do we get kids to learn how to create space/get open during the hit?

Michelle Coach, United States of America

learn to make leads, busting speed and running of the ball

is there a drill where i can allow the team to learn about leads and running of the ball and that switching is vital for wings as well as bursting speed to receive the ball

Francois 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

Decision making and moving for...

Recently been working hard developing the use of the dish around the back to create space. Working great but would now like to develop this with more drills.We have discussed decision making, leading runs and movement but I'm now looking for ideas of exercises that will develop these thoughts amongst the guys. All ideas for exercises we could use at training gratefully received

Amanda wood Coach, England

What's a good drill for creati...

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

Gary Stacey Coach, England

overloading in the circle? | S...

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

Archived User Coach

Full court, half court and 3/4...

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

I'm looking for suggestions on...

I'm looking for suggestions on set plays for free hits going into the circle. High school rules in the US now state that all players (attack/defense) must be 7 yards from the ball. What plans will work for drawing corners and goal scoring opportunities?

Ali Collins Coach, United States of America

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