how do i stop my defenders form panicking when they have possession in there own circle

Tony ColeCoach, England

Hi Encourage players no to play out through route one , either by hitting or running the ball out. Drill into them that on receiving the ball in their own D, players must protect the ball and drive out square. In most cases any efforts for the attacking team to regain possession end in a free hit being conceeded. Obviously this will be much easier on the right side of the D but this should not deter players on the left side from doing the same. Trust me ... 99% of the time players will be fouled if they drive square out of the D.

Bram van Asselt, England

One other way would be to just tell the players that they are not allowed to pass or hit the ball out of the D this would mean that the only option left is to run it out of the D. You will find that a player with only 1 option has not got to think and they will be more confident when they get the ball because of this. Bram

Hockey CoachCoach

Just push the ball out of the D laterally aiming the cross section of 25 yard line with the outline.It is the duty of the winger to collect the ball,the defender should push out at this position irrespective of the presence of winger.The two important things the defender must remember is never lift your stick and avoid unneccesary contacts/touches with ball, try to push out with single contact by changing your posture with respect to the ball.