Hockey: Running ahead of the ball

Players without sticks try and catch a player with a stick. Players with a stick can either run with the stick in the right hand only, or with both hands and stick on the ground.

Players dribble towards the line of cones. When they are parallel to the cones they perform the chip skill and then run around the cones to regain control and the ball and continue running.

Same principle as the straight relays, but players have to run diagonally across avoiding the other team. It is that all players keep their heads up and do not run so fast that it causes them to lose control of the ball.

On the command the player with the ball runs around the blue cones, with the player without a ball running around the red cones. It is a race to see the first one back.

Players have a ball each and work in two small groups. Each group begins in a crowded areas (30 MPH speed limit) and dribble around slowly. When the coach raises their hand players move from one crowded area to the other one. Purpose : To avoid bumping into other players

Set out two lines of cones in a tight zig-zag formation. Players take it in turns to run through the cones. The ball travels down the middle while the player uses quick feet to shuffle in and out of the cones, maintaining a forward body position throughout.

- 5 yard square - 3 forwards and 2 defenders - Forwards must stay on the outside of the square - Defenders cannot leave the square or tackle the player in possession - Forwards around the square can move around - If a defender intercepts the ball, they should swap with the forward who made the pass

- Carrying the ball in different position - Working on footwork - Playing position from red to blue cone - Sharp roll/turn at first red cone - Move feet around the ball at second red cone

*** AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON *** Objective: To establish the principle that matching your opponents speed places the tackler in a position to control an opponent and to not let them beat them to attack on the inside. Purpose: By staying level will the attacker and putting sufficient pressure on the ball carrier will prevent them from being able to beat the defender on the inside. Instead it will force them to continue on the outside, running into trouble and hopefully giving the ball away. Strcuture: Pairs.  Condition: Forward has a ball and moves in a straight line, defender tries to match their speed, putting pressure on with dummy tackles.  

*** AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON *** Closing down Objective : To encourage a defender to close down rapidly, reducing the time the opponent has on the ball but at the same time avoiding a situation where they get too close and are eliminated.  Purpose : By closing down the attacker and running alongside them forces the attacker wide and to continue down the line, rather than coming inside to attack a more dangerous part of the field. Structure : 2 attackers + 1 defender  Channel onto teammate  Objective : To introduce the concept of channelling the ball carrier onto a team mate to complete the tackle.  Purpose: For the defender to dictate where the attacker goes so the cover defender can win the ball with a low hard tackle.  Structure : 2 attackers+ 2 defenders, in a narrow 10 yard channel.  

To improve running with the ball and changing direction players have to run around the cones creating a figure of eight as they go around the centre cone before then running out and around the outer blue cone. Players must dribble forehand around the middle cone and then reverse the stick around the outside cone.

Players have a ball each and start from the 23 metre line. Coaches or helpers are standing with their back to the players whilst counting to ten (at any speed). During the counting the players are trying to get across the half way line with the ball to win the game. However, when the coaches reach ten they can turn around and catch the players. The players should try and get back to the safety zone behind the 23 metre line. Any players caught help the coaches catch the rest of the players. H1

4 Teams, ball in each team. 1st player in each team has to run around the outside of the inside square back to their starting cone. Then give the ball to the next player. Variation on running in the same direction is that 2 teams run clockwise, other 2 anti clockwise.

One player without stick or ball is the catcher. Everyone else has to try and get from one side to the other without getting caught. Players that are caught will help catch.

Set up two lines of staggered cones outside the shooting circle. Players take it in turn to run with the ball straight at the left side of the line of cones. When they are within a couple of steps of the cones players make a sharp change of direction and drag the ball to the right and then run at the second line of cones. Players then perform a second drag before then having a shot on goal!

Player 1 starts running, turns and gets a pass from player 2 and carries on dribbling. Player 1 then watches what direction player 3 is going, and does a short wall pass with the player. Then afterwards plays a short pass to player 4.

Player 1 starts by running with the ball to the right hand cone, keeping the ball in contact with the stick, before passing the ball to the next player (Red Player 1). When the red number 1 receives the ball they mirror the move coming from either direction. After the pass the players join the opposite queue.

Utilise the Indian Dribble to manoeuvre through the cones Alternate open side and reverse side pushes through each gap in the cones

Video highlighting the correct form when carrying the ball and changing direction at pace.

- 180 degree change of direction - Useful when running into a dead space - Allows the resetting of the transfer - Player dribbles the ball towards the right cone - Once there, the player should leave the ball behind them on the stick, and utilise a large dragging movement while pivoting - This drag should take them outside the left cone, allowing them to pass the ball to the next player