Hockey: Attacking the circle

*** AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON *** Objective:  Build a sound technical model for hitting the ball, focussing on weight transfer. Purpose:  Generating power through weight transfer will help create a technically sounds model for hitting a flat, accurate pass or shot. Structure : Pairs   

Player 1 runs with the ball around the cone then passes the ball to player 2 who runs onto the ball into the circle, then dummies to take the ball right then slips the ball left for player 3 to have a first time shot, player 3 runs wide first before coming in for the shot. Player rotation 1-2-3-1.

- Two active players (one forward, one defender) and a feeder - The feeder passes the ball into the forward, while the defend puts pressure on the forward - The forward should be using the clip hit to get a quick strike off  - The defender becomes the new forward

- Two active players (one forward, one defender) and a feeder - The feeder passes the ball into the forward, while the defend puts pressure on the forward - The forward should push or the flick the ball at goal - The defender becomes the new forward

Blue player 1 runs around the cone and receives the ball from Red player 1 as they reach the cone, before entering the circle and shooting at goal. Blue player 2 then runs around the cone and passes the ball to Red player 2 who receives the ball and runs on to shoot at goal.

This exercise is to teach players to run on to a ball passed into space. The ball, when played down the right wing, has to be received by the players with the reverse stick side. Players should follow their own pass each time. Pass and follow sequence 1-2-3-4-5-1. The exercise would work the same on the left wing, only players would receive the ball on the forehand side.

When player 2 receives the ball, player 3 creates a space behind them, for player 2 to pass the ball in for player 4 to run onto and receive. Player 4 can then cross the ball to the player 5 who has a shot at goal. Every player then rotates to the next position.

Players line up in two groups outside the 23 metre area. Player on the left, passes the ball to a player on the right running towards the goal. On receiving the ball this player runs into the circle and shoots at goal. After passing the ball, the player on the left runs towards the goal and receives the pass from the player on the left etc.

Players run in to the circle along the back line from which they pass the ball to a player at the top of the circle on the opposite side of the goal.

4 players position themselves in the circle, one in each zone. A player from the top of the circle passes the ball to any of the players in the circle, and follows the ball to take the the place in that zone. The player receiving the ball can shoot or pass the ball. He/she then follows the pass or comes to the back of the queue at the top of the circle.

Players with ball run down the byline and pass the ball to a player at the top of the circle who receives and shoots on goal

Set up with three players in position. One with the ball, two metres from top D. One at top D, five metres to the right. One outside the far left post a couple of metres in from the baseline. Player 1 passes to player 2, who in one movement takes the ball in front of them before striking the ball on the floor to the far post Player 3 runs towards goal and deflects the ball with the reverse edge of the stick into the goal Follow your pass to the next destination.

Two teams and one keeper. The attacking team brings the ball into the circle. The defending team must gain possession and successfully get the ball out of the circle, before they can become the attacking team. The team which has brought the ball into the circle remains the attacking team, while the ball is in the circle.

- Basics of flicking the ball - Similar to the push movement - Left hand at the top of the stick, right hand at the bottom of the grip - Feet should start shoulder width apart, with the ball just behind the left foot - The head of the stick should be slightly angled, and make contact with the underside of the ball - Place the stick behind the ball, and step ahead of the ball, transfering weight from the back to the front foot - Move the stick through the ball, lifting the stick towards the end of the movement

The practice starts with the first red player dribbling their ball to the goal line before passing the ball back to the player who is on the penalty spot. The player receiving the ball then shoots at goal and the player who made the pass (red player 1) carries on their run to the penalty spot to replace player 4. The same happens on the left hand side and the practice continues to loop around alternating from the the right and then the left.

Pass and follow to a player positioned just outside the circle or inside if that is relevant to your team. one thing obout staying out side the circle is that the defenders are not 100% concerned about you because your not in a scoring position so they tend to loose mark. to put some pressure on the placement of the first touch you could put some clusters of cones just in side the circle (pretend defenders)

A player starts to run towards the 23 metre line , the running player has to call for one of the other players to pass the ball. On recieving the ball the player runs into the circle and shoots. The next player to run, is the player that passed the ball. Progression : Put a player at the top of the circle with whom the players can play a wall pass or this player can act as a defender.

Player 1 runs around the outside of the cones, accelerating at the turn and receiving the ball from the wide player. Then the player runs into the circle and takes a shot at goal. Alternate sides. Players should return through the middle.

*** AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON *** Objective : Direct the received pass in the direction of the baseline to open up the optimal shooting angle. Purpose : Increase the chances of hitting the target and therefore scoring a goal. Set-up :  A midfield passer will start with the ball and wait for an attacker to make a run on the edge of the D.  Attacker will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline. At this point, the passer will play the ball into the attackers path. The attacker should take a receiving touch, followed by a shot at goal off their left foot.

- Performing the reverse stick shot or 'tomohawk' - The Grip: Move the stick 90 degrees from the standard strongside hitting position. This moves from hitting with the flat face to the blade of the stick. - Players will naturally be more comfortable of a particular foot. Either foot is fine