Hockey: Running with the Ball

First set out some 2 vs 2 pitches consisting of 2 goals, 15 to 20m apart with each goal being 1 stick length wide. Once the pitches are laid out, number the pitches 1,2,3,4, etc with 4 players and one ball per pitch. The aim of the game is to try and score goals from about 2m out. The length of the game is approximately 2-3 minutes long and starts on the first whistle and stopped by the second whistle.

Pass the ball from right to left ( slightly backwards. 2nd player takes the ball with the open stick to then pass the ball down the line to the left wing who takes the ball in and scores a goal. Every player rotates to the next place.

Set up two cones about 2 meters apart. Players dribble the ball back and forth between the two cones without taking their hands off their stick.

Setup as shown. Both feet pointing forward. Stick in contact with the ball, with the ball in front of the body and to the right.

Push off on your right foot with ball on forehand side. Push off left foot with ball on reverse stick side.

Players should switch from looking at the time on their watch (watch on left hand for right handed players) and then switch to a watch down grip.

Put out a long line of cones, with 30cm between each cone. This is always a good warm up exercise, ideal for when you are waiting for everyone to arrive and get ready. Using both sides of the stick get your players to dribble through the cones as fast as they can with the ball under control.

Watch position When running or indian dribbling with the ball. The top hand should be in such a position that if the player was to wear a watch they can look at the time while performing the skill. It may sometimes help to draw a cross on the hand of the player to remind them that this is the top hand and they should be able to look at the cross at any time.

Every player with a ball and stick. Players can run anywhere they like or restrict the area. On the whistle all the players leave the ball and have to find another ball to continue to run with the ball until the next whistle.

The attacking player tries to get the ball from one line to the other. The defending player should watch patiently and steal the ball when it becomes free and then begins to attack the opposite line. The attacking player then becomes the defender.

Players dribble back and forth between two cones - aiming to keep the ball in contact with their stick at all times. Players dribble left hand only in one direction and then turn and run back with both hands on the stick.

Put down the same number of hoops as you have players. and set out a square with cones for the players to run around. . H1

Players work in pairs with one ball. They have to pass between each set of cones and can only use one touch passing.

Using the plastic hoola hoops place them around the pitch. Players get in groups of 3 and pass a ball around the putside of the hoops.

This game is developed to improve the power of players' passing. Players in this practice are only allowed to slap hit or push the ball because of the distance. For safety reasons no players are allowed inside the grid (red zone). A point is scored when the ball rolls beyond the cones.

- Static push pass

- Practice giving and receiving the push pass - Beginning to lead in and out of the pass

Set out small racing tracks with cones or ropes. Players run between the cones. Waiting players in the middle.

Set out 3 or 4 identical lines of cones between the half way line and the 23 meter line.

Allow the ball to pass the left foot prior to trapping (in the same way as the Indian dribble).