Hockey Drills

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.

Aerial pass or flick is useful when passing over distance or to try and get the ball over an opponent who is blocking your passing route. Left hand should be pointed at target, knees bent, head over the ball and feet wide apart. Drop the right shoulder and transfer your weight forward, bringing through head of the stick under and behind the ball. Left hand comes through first and then the right hand to lift and guide pass. After lifting the ball body and arms should continue to move forward and end up pointing at passing target.

Defence force play over to the forehand, while the attack try and score. When the defender wins the ball, play out a 2 v 1 counter attack.

Players 1 and 2 play a 2v1 against the first defender, before then moving on to the second defender. They then run into the circle and try and score. Players 3 and 4 go into the circle to help with rebounds. Rotation, players 1 and 2 become the rebounders.

Make a channel down the board by placing cones 7 - 10 metres away from the board Forward passes the ball to the waiting forward on the half way line. The two forwards then try to complete the 2 vs 1

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.

Two players with one ball position them selves either side of a line. Ball carrier on the left and the other player on the right hand side of the line. Player with the ball then starts to run and tries to cross the line.The player with the ball can only do this by stopping or accelerating, he/she is not allowed to run back on him/herself.

4 vs 2 from a sideline ball Play wall pass with LM and look for forward options. LB plays ball to LW, LW should keep the line free then the player can receive the ball, turn in field or attack down the line.

Place a cone in the middle of the halfway line. Two players start with the ball on the halfway line with a 3rd player standing and waiting just behind them. After the attacking player passes the ball to the two defenders in front of them the two players on the half way line move to try and win the ball back. The two defenders with the ball have to try and get the ball to the player who is still stood on the halfway line. However, if the two front players closing down the ball win the ball the 3rd player (on the halfway line) can then help them to score a goal, creating a 3 vs 2 situation.

- Set up a small area, with 2 forwards and 2 defenders - The forward players should dribble towards the weaker side (the left foot) of the defender - The defender should perform a low, reverse stick challenge

Team 1 has to pass the ball around the back and never miss out more than 1 player. Whenever the ball is received by one of the wide players they have to try and get to the half way line without being tackled by one of the opposition wingers. This tackler can only be released by receiving the ball and leaving it in their coned area. When the player running to the half way line is closed down by one of the tacklers they should try and switch the ball around the back. Team 1 is not allowed to pass the ball through the coned area.

Practice the drag flicks. Dribble into the 'D' and shoot with a drag flick.

Player 1 runs with the ball through the little slalom and passes the ball to player 2 Player 2 hook dribbles and has to make a decision to pass before the cone or after Player 3 has to move accordingly to receive the ball and shoot at goal.

Pressure a weak right back, shift play. Player 2 should threaten the back post to distract the goalkeeper.

Work on the ability to score using deflections. The player movement should get the player in the correct body position to make the deflection.