Hockey: Pass past the defender

Don't let poor passing hold back your attack! Use this session to help players pick out that killer pass in the attacking third

Feint and run with the ball up field or pass to a team-mate? That's what we work on in this decision-making session!

Get your players lifting their heads and looking up the field (and not behind them) with this positive play session!

2 v 1 with depth.

Blue player starts with a self pass and runs at the defender with the option of then passing the ball to the deep player or taking the defender on themselves.

The defender is allowed to move to try and win the ball.

When the ball reaches the other side the practice reverses and continues in the other direction.

The player with ball has a free hit.

They should play a self pass before then trying to get the ball to either player.

The defender has to keep their distance from the free hitter and try to move so that they can intercept the pass. Players on the free hit should disguise the direction of their pass.

Spread your team anywhere inside the half of a pitch. Only give your team 3 balls.

You may pass the ball around to anyone inside the half. This will create a lot of talking and activity.

Do this exercise for about 5 minutes. It is important that the players keep talking and moving off the ball, always making themselves available to receive the ball.

For quick decision making do the same exercise inside the circle.

Set out the grid as shown with 2 goals either side of the defender.

1 player starts with the ball and has to run into contact with the defender (draw the defender) on doing so the player with the ball can decide to continue and try to run round the defender or turn away from the defender keeping possession of the ball and pass the ball to the supporting player who is only allowed to come into the grid and help if they have received the ball.

Now the 2 player can play a 2 v 1 and try to score a goal.