What are the best drills to get players to release?

Bram van Asselt, England

Play a 5 aside game of 2 or 3-second hockey This means that no player can hold on to the ball longer then 2 or 3 seconds. 2-touch hockey is the alternative but in my experience not as effective as the 2 or 3 second rule.

Hockey CoachCoach

Thanks Bram, that's very helpful.

Hockey CoachCoach

Bram has covered the main two variables time and touches, but there is a third I use and that is space. My fav drill is to mark a channel the length of the pitch about 12 yds wide then split the channel into 10 boxes each 10yds long. Put a player from each of the two teams in each box so you have each box filled with two players all the way up the pitch. 1. Place a player with a ball at either end of the pitch and they must race to carry the ball into their box and pass it on to the next box all the way up the pitch. The receiving player must start at the opposite end of the box, approach the ball carrier, receive the pass turn and go to the next box and so on. 2. Do the same with only one team against the clock but this time they have 2 receivers against an interceptor in each box. They must get free so the passer can make a good pass. The opposition can only intercept NOT TACKLE. Its good fun and teaches early release because its against the clock. The advanced drill also teaches how to get free with a numerical advantage. Hope this is clear enough. If not let me know and I will draw it

Bram van Asselt, England

Iain

It would be great if you drew it with the chalk board (add it to clip board and then to the answer.

Cheers Bram