Hockey: attacking the circle

RM (starting with the ball), passes to RW who first time (wall) passes it back. The RM then passes the ball to RW who runs in field with the ball. RM then overlaps and this means that the RW has two options: a) pass the ball to overlapping player or b) straighten up and go for the goal him/her self. RM passes the ball to forehand of RW who then adds to the pass and plays 1 v 1 against the defender.

Team 1 has to pass the ball around the back and never miss out more than 1 player. Whenever the ball is received by one of the wide players they have to try and get to the half way line without being tackled by one of the opposition wingers. This tackler can only be released by receiving the ball and leaving it in their coned area. When the player running to the half way line is closed down by one of the tacklers they should try and switch the ball around the back. Team 1 is not allowed to pass the ball through the coned area.

Players 1 and 2 play a 2v1 against the first defender, before then moving on to the second defender. They then run into the circle and try and score. Players 3 and 4 go into the circle to help with rebounds. Rotation, players 1 and 2 become the rebounders.

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.

The aim of this exercise is to get the ball behind the three defenders in the zone. On achieving this, start again. Only one player at a time is allowed to run behind the zone. The ball can either be carried through or passed through the zone.

*** AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON *** Objective : Players to make the correct decision in attacking situations and ensure correct attackers are in correct position to affect the game. Purpose : Increase the chances of threatening the opposition goal and coming away with a positive result. Set-up :  Midfielder plays ball across the pitch from left to right. Receiving midfielder will start to carry the ball forward and should threaten to play the ball directly into the D. Attacker runner on the D will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline. A defender will decide whether to follow the attacking runner or block the ball from the receiving midfielder going into the D. The pass that receiving midfielder makes, should be influenced by the defenders movement as to where the space is. 2 attackers in the D should initially look for a deflection if the ball is flung directly into the D. If the ball is played to the attacker running the D, they should reposition themselves to receive a pass or be at the far post for a deflection.

2 teams both with a ball. The object is for one of the wingers to get to the back line without being tackled. For a tackler to be released by the other team, the tackler has to receive and leave the ball in the coned area. When one of the wingers is threatened the team should try and change the point of attack by passing the ball via every player to the other side. To release the other tackler, the ball has to be passed via sweeper.

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. 

Set up with two teams, each team having their own area in which they keep possession by passing the ball around. The other team can send one player across to try and win the ball for their side. If they manage to win possession the roles reverse and the other team passes the ball inside their own area. The winning team is the first team to put 10 passes together without losing the ball.

The LD takes a hit in from the side line. Their compulsory pass is to the the SW. As soon as the ball is played the 3 players with the ball have to get the ball out of the 23m area. (Tip is that one ot the 3 players with the ball always takes a position between the two defenders).

In this practice the defensive players are in position of the field and have to try and keep possession of the ball and put through one of the players into the midfield in possession of the ball. the 3 attacking player have to try and win the ball and can break each time they win possession.

In this practice the defensive players are in position of the field and have to try and keep possession of the ball and put through one of the players into the midfield in possession of the ball. The 3 attacking player have to try and win the bal and can break each time they win possession.

In this you set out 2 colours of cones. Player 1 after having passed the ball will run to the red cones and player 2 will run from blue to blue. You can set out any pattern you want to teach your players.

Start by putting your players in their position on  half a pitch. (whateve the formation you want to play.) Give one of the players a ball and ask the team to pass the ball around the team as fast as they can. This should start to get players used to the players around them.

Player 1 and 2 have to pass the ball between themselves in order to try and create an oppening through which to pass the ball through either goal to player 3. When the pass has been made to player 3 the player who didn't play the pass must run to support player 3 and the drill continues.

Player 1 passes into the circle and receives the ball back. The attackers all start running to get free (find some space).Player 1 passes to player 2. The attackers all start to make lead runs again to get free. Player 2 passes the ball in. The receiving attacker developes a shot or passes.

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

- Set up a rectangular box - One forward and one defender - Ball is bounced in, and the forward has to try and use elimination skills to get past the defender - The defender has try and gain possession of the ball

The team has to pass the ball around the team using two touches. However, when ever players run out of position, a player misses the ball or runs with the ball, the coach throws in a new ball and the team has to react to the new ball (keeping the shape of the team at all times).