HOME Hockey Answers Hockey COACHING Q&A

How to see the best in your hockey team

I've got a team of year 5 and 6s getting together and i want to know what a good drill to use to see who is going to be defenders and attackers

jack patonCoach, New Zealand

2 answers

ANSWERS

Steven PortplanOther, England

Hi Jack,

I think at that age you can manipulate any skill that is on offer to every position e.g. someone offering a big hit could play at the back to help move the ball forward quickly or play as a forward to smash the ball past the keeper.

I think a handy drill could be a gauntlet exercise (see below). Maybe start this as a 2 vs 1, and then progress to 1 vs 1. Players that can move the ball more naturally around a defender may be more attacking inclined, while players confident in making a challenge and showing strong footwork may be more defensive.

Let me know your thoughts on the above,

Josh

2v1 Gauntlet

DESCRIPTION

- 2 on 1 gauntlet elimination- Mark areas out on the pitch- Place desired numbers of defenders across the gauntlet

2v1 Gauntlet

DESCRIPTION

- 2 on 1 gauntlet elimination- Mark areas out on the pitch- Place desired numbers of defenders across the gauntlet

jack patonCoach, New Zealand

Thanks Josh

That drill/s looks very good i will use that drill in our next practice

Thanks jack

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

search our library of 1000+ hockey drills
create your own professional coaching plans
or access our tried and tested plans

Hockey

STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_hockey

LATEST COACHING TRENDS

Scanning and Spatial Awareness: Teaching Players to See the Game

The best hockey players in the world do not just react faster; they scan more frequently and process information before the ball arrives. This article explores the science behind scanning, how to coach spatial awareness as a habit, and practical drills that force players to lift their heads and read the game.

April 2026

Sportplan Coaching

Attacking Circle Entries: Creating Shooting Opportunities in the D

In hockey, you can only score from inside the circle. Getting the ball into the D with purpose and creating genuine shooting chances is the hardest part of attack. This article examines the different types of circle entry, why entry angle determines shot quality, and how to train your team to penetrate the most congested area on the pitch.

April 2026

Sportplan Coaching