Hockey: 1 v 1 - Channelling

Setup as shown. Blue players start dribbling around the larger box (Blue Cones) with the aim of having to try and get into the small box in the middle. The attackers can enter the box when they feel that they can get into the red small box. The Red players are defenders and have to stop the attackers getting into the small red box. If players are tackled they have to enter the "prison".

- Using the reverse stick to intercept a pass

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.

in this video the defender times their run to intercept the pass to the right 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 in line with their opposite number, on the inside of the attacker running from right to left. When the feeder plays the ball up towards the two players they should both set off to try and win the ball.

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.

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.

- Intercepting a ball on the open side (defender back marking)

3 v 1 - 3 players keeping possession of the ball against player in the middle. Players in possession of the ball score a point by passing the ball anti-clockwise (past the left foot of the defender) and the defender scores a point by forcing the players in possession to pass the ball clockwise (over the forehand of the defender) The defender wins possession of the ball by making the ball go all the way round clockwise.

The jab can be used as a form of delay either to dispossess a player with the ball if the ball is away from the stick or to tempt the player to take their eyes off the ball and possibly lose possession. The stick jabs out towards the ball with the left hand and then returns to both hands. After the jab the defender returns to the original balanced position. The grip on the stick will change slightly, the hands turn, usually palms upwards.

Players with ball have to run around the cone and try and score. Players without ball also have to run around the cone, and then try and stop the other player scoring.

- Set up a small area, with 2 forwards and 2 defenders - The forward players should dribble towards the weaker side (the left foot) of the defender - The defender should perform a low, reverse stick challenge

As the attacker makes lead runs left and right the defenders main concern is to be between the attacker and the D.  If there was a huge stick pivoting from the penalty flick spot and attached to the attacker this is the line the defender is looking to patrol.  Depending on the defenders strengths in tackling on their forehand or reverse they may compensate by allowing the attack to creep towards their stronger side.  The focus is for the attacker to always see space away from goal and not towards it. 

Temporary footage Players should not wear baseball caps footage will be re shot soon Place a ball on the pitch one player is the attacker and the other player is the defender The attacker has to run around pretending to receive the ball The defender has to shadow and stay goalside of the attacker at all time.

Two teams. Each player is only allowed to defend against one player from the opposition. This exercise is to instil discipline in defence and stops ball watching.

Two teams play a game against each other with off set goals.

Players set up in pairs, this is a 1 v 1 situation One player starts with the ball and dribbles towards the defender The defender must then tackle the attacker with their open stick, using one hand only.

Players set up in pairs, this is a 1 v 1 situation One player starts with the ball and dribbles towards the defender The defender must then tackle the attacker with the flat face of their reverse stick, using one hand only.

Strong low body position and balanced ready to move. Left foot forward, right foot back, stick on the ground or hovering slightly above the ground. Position of feet and stick make a strong triangle shaped base. Tackle must be positive and strong with feet balanced. Stick face angled towards the ball. The tackle should be timed just as the ball momentarily leaves attacker's stick initiated by a jab to put player off or as player loses control. The defender's stick should not be flat on the ground as this is a safety issue. The defender could be injured by the attacker if their head is down too low and the attacker could take advantage of this over commitment by using a low lift. Flat stick only when attacker stationary or moving very slowly

The wide player passes the ball to the supporting player who then passes the ball wide, missing out the other central player. This practice can be done with 2 balls at the same time.

4 players spread the ball round the back standing in defensive formation by their cone. The players pass and receive the ball, moving it from one side to the other and then back again.