A) Warmup (not shown) Split players into 2 groups. Receivers (without a ball) position themselves in space around the circle. Passers (with ball) dribble around, passing to a static receiver and receiving a return pass, then pass to a different receiver. Play for 3 mins then switch roles. Make sure players are communicating (calling/pointing) to each other. B) Game (shown in image) Position players + lots of balls around the circle or playing area. If there is no GK, use a small goal/cones and put a no-go zone in front of it. Stages: Pick 1 attacker (ATT), who must enter the playing area, wall-pass to [3] receivers around the D, then score in the goal. Same as above, but with 2-3 ATT simultaneously passing/attacking, each with a ball. Make sure players are communicating (calling/eye contact/pointing) before they pass. Add in [1] defender (DEF), who must clear balls out of the circle. ATT must keep possession in the playing area for [1] min before they can score. ATT can keep possession by exchanging balls, or wall-passing to receivers outside the circle. 2v2 duel in the circle, one ball in play. Use wall-passes to receivers to keep possession. Whichever side has the ball after [1] min can score. Progressions: Defenders can themselves try to score after stealing. Variations: Vary number of defenders for more/less experienced players, i.e. 2v1, 2v3 etc. ATT must pass to certain receivers, or a certain number of receivers.
These activities practice wall-passes as a tactic for keeping possession. Designed for U10s. For older players, start the game at stage 2-3. Change-it: If defenders are winning the ball too easily > fewer defenders If there aren't enough wall-passes > fewer defenders / no defenders If some helpers aren't engaged: all attackers must wall-pass to them. Feedback: What is a wall pass? How is it useful? (demonstrate using it to eliminate a defender versus wall-passing in front of a defender)
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_hockey
As clubs start their indoor fixtures, outdoor habits get punished fast. Here is how to retrain the skills that actually change indoors.
Two defenders chase the ball, nobody covers the runner, and a soft goal goes in. Here is the five-step treat for the mix-up haunting hockey defences this October.
A few weeks into the league season, poor first touches are costing teams the ball. Coach body shape, scanning and receiving on the move to keep possession.
