Hockey: Ball into Space

- 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 - Cannot dribble with the ball - If a defender intercepts the ball, they should swap with the forward who made the pass

*** AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON *** Objetcive:  To understand the requirments of the player when dribbling with the ball down the left side of the field.  Purpose: The position of the ball and technique when dribbling will alter where the next pass or tackle is going to come from. Carry in the correct position to give as many options for the pass and to send a clear message to the rest of the team, Eg. wingers/forwards leads.  Structure:  Pairs   

*** AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON *** Objective:  To understand the requirments of the player when dribbling with the ball down the right hand side of the field.  Purpose: The ball position and technique when you are dribbling the ball down the right side will alter where the next pass or tackle is going to come from and gives a clear message to the rest of the team, eg. wingers/forwards leads.  Structure: Pairs   

Set up two teams of 3, with a ball per team in two interlocking triangles. One of the teams starts passing the ball. The second team then pass their ball around to try and overtake the ball from team 1.

- Utilising the clip hit - Hands together approximately half way down the grip - Player should stroke through the ball - Feet cross behind each other while performing the skipping movement - Used when the ball is moving at pace

- Utilising the clip hit - Hands together approximately half way down the grip - Player should stroke through the ball - Feet touch each other while performing the skipping movement - Used when the ball is moving at pace

Player 1 passes the ball past player 2 who has to turn, collect the ball and pass it back. Important for the player collecting to bend knees and sit low.

If players struggle to understand the patterns that you want them to run and try using 2/3 different coloured cones (depending on number of players). Each player after having passed the ball has to run to their next coloured cone etc. You could try this on all the previous exercises and for patterns of play for 2 or 3 players on the pitch.

In pairs passing the ball to each other the receiver starts running away for the player with the ball to follow and pass the ball in stride to the receiver on the reverse stick side. When the player receives the ball the roles reverse and they change direction.

Setup the practice as shown. The players line up with a set of cones 10m away. The players have to push the ball in front of them and are only allowed to control the ball in the box.

Each player has a ball and has to push the ball through a gate. He/she then runs after the ball to push the ball through the next gate until a mistake is made. Try 10 gates in a row.

Running back and across to receive a diagonal pass to turn and run to the goal and score.

Players run with the ball and then pull the ball back and cross the ball with the forehand. Players follow their own pass.

Set up 4 cones with the distance of the crossing area being realistic to the game at least 15 meters. Player run with the ball (10M) to then cross the ball to the other side. They follow the ball to be in a position to receive the next ball.

Crossing the ball from a wide position to the opposite inside forward channel

Before the cross roll the ball ahead and slightly to the left. Players should follow their pass.

- Two lines of players - Use a disguised push pass to manoeuvre around the cones - Pass should be played at 90 degrees

1 Player feeds and 1 player has to receive the ball and pass alternating left and right concentrating on the first touch being in the direction of the intended pass.

1 Player passes the ball to the player through the cones then follows it to put pressure on the receiver. The receiver has to try and pass the ball to the player left or right, and then follows the ball to take that players position. The second player receiving the ball runs back to the start.

Setup the practice as shown. Split the group into two. Player 1 dribbles up to the cone before passing the ball across to player 2. Players have to make sure that they give a pass in each box.