Field Hockey | Warm-up Games

Players are trying to keep possession of the ball for as long as possible. Players inside the area can use the two players on the outside of the grid to help them keep the ball.

Scatter some cones (divots) across the area, some the right way up, and some upside down. Split the group into two teams - 'Hackers and Greenkeepers' - and spread them out across the area. On the word 'Go' the Hackers run round turning the divots upside down and the Greenkeepers must turn them the right way up.

Every player has a ball. The designated leader (chosen by the coach) sets off in any direction with the ball. All other players must follow in the same direction. On the command of STOP by the leader all the players have to stop and stand with the stick head in front of the ball. Coach should check everyone's position and correct where necessary. The leader then starts to move again but in a different direction.

The blue team position themselves tactically around the area. Players with the ball make a pass to one of the static players, looking to then receive the ball back again and then pass to the next static player.

The foxes (players) put bibs into the back of their shorts. The farmer (coach) runs around the area attempting to pull the bibs out. When a players bib is pulled out, he becomes a farmer too. Play until 1 fox is left. The players must remain within the confines of the area throughout the activity. Any player running outside the area, automatically becomes a farmer.

One team runs clockwise round the inside of the circle with the other team running anti-clockwise around the outside of the circle (blue cones). When the coach shouts 'Jailbreak' the players inside the inner circle try to 'escape' to outside the 10m x 10m square (yellow cones). The inside team scores a point for each 'jailbreaker' - swap over. If you have an odd number of players give the defenders the extra man.

- Players work in pairs - Approximately 5 yard line - One player leads, the other follows - The leader must move the ball up and down the line. The follower must remain in front of the leader

- Players work in pairs - Approximately 5 yard line - One player leads, the other follows - The leader must move the ball up and down the line, while the follower copies these movements

Pass ball to player and then chase pass to put pressure on player. Receiving player either passes first touch or two touch to the next player. First touch should be in direction of intended pass. First clock wise then anti clock wise then both ways Group size can vary 5 would be in a square. etc

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.

1. In the first stage players work in pairs, passing the ball back and forth across the grid. 2. In the second stage after having passed the ball to their partner players must then move across the grid to another position to receive the ball. 3. Finally in the third zone players get into groups of 3 and pass the ball around the corners of the grid - always making sure that each time a player receives the ball they are supported on the corners on both sides.

- Two groups - Dribble the ball onto the other players stick - Move off at pace

- Two groups - Practice push pass off both feet - Dribble with the ball, then pass on the move - Strongside to Strongside passes

Players don't need a stick for this practice which is probably best played with a tennis ball. A few balls between a group of 6 with one or two defenders wearing a bib. The defending players have to try and catch a player in possession with the ball. When they succeed they swap places with the caught player

Set-up a number of gates about 1m wide. Minimum number of gates 1 for every 2 players. Get the players to run through 20 gates.

- Carrying the ball in a small area - Players should move in multiple directions - Practice v-drags, roll outs etc.

Jogging gently in lines of about 4 / 5, one behind the other. The back player moves to the front of the line (not a sprint but quicker than a jog) and slows to a jog. The front person chooses where to run and leads the group.

Setup: Lay out sticks on the ground about 1 metre apart. Six sticks should be laid in a continuous straight line. Five cones in a zig-zag formation. Use ladders or a line of two cones close together (about 30cm between each pair). Place a stick on a pair of cones x6, about 1 metre between each one. The drill: Players run in and out of the sticks Players jump with feet together over the sticks (from left to right followed by right to left) Run round the cones, the players should touch the cone with the inside hand each time Players touch the pitch with one foot between each space Players run through and over as fast as they can. Check that they lift their knees nice and high going over the hurdles.

Set-up a number of gates about 1m wide. Run to 5 gates and do 5 jumps over an imaginary line between the cones. Run to 10 gates and do 2 star jumps at each.

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.