Hockey: Running fast with the stick

- Receiving the ball on the reverse side, upright - The ball should be rolled into the player at a fairly slow pace to begin with

- 3 Forward players - Ball is initially played wide, and is then hit towards the leading player - Player traps the ball, and takes a shot towards goal

set out a lot of cones at random in a an area of 5 by 5 m. Then set out as many cones on the outside (5 meters away) for 2 players and a ball to start from. One of the players in each pair runs with the ball into the centre area  and goes round several cones before reteurning and giving the ball to the next player.

To run with the stick when you are trying to recover to defend. or to run into space over a long distance before receiving the ball the stick should be carried in the right hand only

Setup as shown. Split the group into 2 - One group with balls the other without. The blue team have a ball each and on the coach's command run around the blue cones. At the same time the red team run (without the ball) around the red cones.

Setup the practice as shown. Each player has to run across to the other side in a straight line with the ball glued to the stick all the way.

Setup as shown. Get the group to split into pairs with one partner each side of the line. Players dribble across the grid in a relay.

Right hand only When the player needs to run fast and is not in a position to receive the ball the player can run with the stick in one hand (right) When the player is about to receive and moving around the player should hold the stick with both hands

- Play a half pitch game, with various numbers of equal teams - Two teams, with each time lined up at the side of the pitch - Each player is given a number - The coach shouts at a variety of numbers - Players who these number refer to run in and begin playing Drills end on a goal or after 60 seconds of play

Set up two cones about 2 meters apart. Players must dribble the ball from left to right while facing forwards at all times. To do this they must use shuffle feet.

Set out a slalom course with hoola hoops and divide the players into groups of 3

Put out lots of short streets around the pitch including some cross-roads some dead-end streets. Ask the players to run with the ball through various streets.

Put out 2 cones (on a line if possible) about 2 - 5 meter apart player with a ball each stand one side of the line and the ball on the other side. The practice is for the players to start with the stick head pointing down, flat side in contact with the ball and holding the stick with the left hand only. They have to walk the ball to the other cone on reaching the cone the player turns the stick swaps hands and walks the ball back.

Keep your right arm against the side of your body and turn the stick with your left hand.

One ball per player. Player practice turning hand, with both hands.

Two players hold hands and have to try and tag the other players. when they tag someone they also link hands with the pair. on catching the 4 player they should form 2 pairs and continue to catch. untill no one is left to tag

set out 4 5 by 5 metre squares with cones with a 5 m space between the squares. Players in pairs with 1 ball between them. players all start by passing the ball 2 touch across the square. (1 stop 2 pass)

- Practicing moving the ball from the right to the left foot and back again - This a dramatisation to emphasise how the weight of the player should move with the ball - Excellent for beginners

- 3 active forwards and one passive defender - Goal is to attack down the baseline - Avoid entering the D on a shallow angle - First player commits the defender and passes to baseline - Second player acts as a wall pass - First player receives the ball back, hits towards back post - Spare forward in the D deflects towards goal - Either attack in 3s, or move into the next position  

- 3 active players - Goal is to attack down the baseline - Avoid entering the D on a shallow angle - First player drives forward, then passs the ball wide - Second player picks the ball, runs baseline and plays the 90 ball back - The ball is then hit towards the back post for the spare player to deflect towards goal - Can either run in 3s, or have players move into the next position