Hockey: Close Circles: Scoring under pressure

Set up two lines of players as show in the image. The players with the ball start from the middle of the pitch on the 23m line and run out towards the side of the pitch. The first player (blue) runs with the ball at pace and then stops the ball inside the box in front of the other player. The blue player continues their run around the cone in front of them and then runs back inside the area. The receiver (red) runs onto the ball left by the first runner and then runs into the D and tries to finish through one of the wide goals. The blue player should have continued their run and now tries to put pressure on the receiver's shot.

Player 2 (left wing) receives ball from the Player 1 (left midfield) and takes the ball into the zone where the defender can try and win the ball. Just before player 2 loses the ball he/she turns away from the RD and passes the ball to palyer 1. It is important that this player stays outside the 23m area and straight behind player 2. When player 1 receives the ball he/she plays the ball to player 3 who runs into the circle and has a shot at goal. Every player then follows their own pass. and takes up their new position. Next player then starts.

Player 1 runs down the wing to then pass the ball backwards of square to player . He in turn gives the ball to player 3, who has run into the circle and then come out to receive the ball. Player 3 then plays a 1v1 with the defender. Rotation 1 to 2, 2-3, 3-1. Same down the right wing.

*** AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON *** Objective : Players to make the correct decision in attacking situations and ensure correct attackers are in correct position to affect the game. Purpose : Increase the chances of threatening the opposition goal and coming away with a positive result. Set-up :  Midfielder plays ball across the pitch from left to right. Receiving midfielder will start to carry the ball forward and should threaten to play the ball directly into the D. Attacker runner on the D will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline. A defender will decide whether to follow the attacking runner or block the ball from the receiving midfielder going into the D. The pass that receiving midfielder makes, should be influenced by the defenders movement as to where the space is. 2 attackers in the D should initially look for a deflection if the ball is flung directly into the D. If the ball is played to the attacker running the D, they should reposition themselves to receive a pass or be at the far post for a deflection.

Practice moving the ball with the first touch to escape an imaginary defender and then shoot with the ball in line with the back foot, giving the keeper little time to see the ball, particularly in a crowded circle

Run to the ball and shoot on the turn.  Also known as utilising the 'backspace' A useful skill for strikers working on getting away from a defender, especially from free hits outside the circle.

Players with the ball run down the backline and play the ball to the player at the top of the circle this player receives and shoots players rotate.

Player 1 passes the ball to player 2. At the same time, player 3 makes a run infield to create space for player 2 to pass the ball ahead of player 4, who runs on to the ball. This player then runs with the ball and passes the ball to player 3, now in the circle. The next group start from player 3, pass to 2 and player 1 makes the space for the ball to be passed to player 5 in the space. Player 2 is the only player staying in position, the rest can constantly swap places.

Player 1 starts with the ball and runs down the wing. The defender puts on some pressure . Just before player 1 loses the ball he/she turns away from the defender and passes the ball to player 2 or through a zone with defender 2 in it.(This defender can only try and intercept the pass). When player 2 or 3 receives the ball he/she plays the ball to player 4 who runs into the circle and has a shot at goal. The players follows his/her pass. Pass and follow sequence 1-(2 or 3)-4 (defender 1 and 2 should be switched every so often).

- 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

- 5 vs 5 - Played in small area with marked D's - High intensity drill - Players can only score by pushing/flicking the ball

Player 1 passes the ball back to the supporting player. Player 1 then runs in the opposite direction to which he/she wants to receive the ball. The supporting player plays the ball back, first time, into the space created. Player 1 should time the run so that after receiving the return ball, he/she can play a fast 2v1 with the attacker.

Player CF feeds the ball to RW through the area. On receiving the ball the RW takes the ball to the back line, (as soon as the ball has passed through the area the defender can leave the area and try and stop the three attackers scoring). On reaching the back line the RW can pass the ball back to the CF or across the goal to the LW. When CF receives the ball from the RW he/she can return the ball to RW or pass the ball to LW depending on the defender. Pass and follow sequence CF-RW-LW-CF.

Player CF feeds the ball to RW through the area. On receiving the ball the RW takes the ball to the back line, (as soon as the ball has passed through the area both defenders can leave the area and try and stop the three attackers scoring). On reaching the back line the RW can pass the ball back to the CF or across the goal to the LW or to RM. Pass and follow sequence CF-RW-LW or RM, whichever player shoots at go-CF.

A good fun exercise for scoring goals, and for keepers to have a good work out. Split the group into teams of four and put 2 or 3 keepers in the circle. The 4 attackers go into the circle with a ball and try to score, they can take as long as they like providing the ball remains in the circle.

Player CF feeds the ball to RW who takes the ball to the back line. On reaching the back line he/she passes the ball back to the CF who has now come directlry behind the RW. When CF receives the ball he/she takes the ball into circle and shoots. CF is now new RW and RW comes back to the start. Next CF starts.

Player 1 passes the ball to the player at the top of the circle, who receives the ball and shoots at goal. Then player 2 passes the ball to player on the edge of the circle, who receives the ball and shoots. Each time players should change position.

Players start alternate with the ball from two cones on the 23 meter line. They pass the ball diagionaly across for the opposite player to receiv eth ball on the move and to continue running with the ball and have a shot from the top of the circle.

Players in the middle pass the ball out to their respective wingers. The winger receives the ball, and moves down the wing to then cross the ball back to the original passer, who has run into to the circle.