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Field Hockey: attacking play

attacking play DRILLS
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1v1 delay defender

One player starts 5 metres away from the line, passes the ball to the player on the opposite line. Passing player has to touch behind the line before he/she is allowed to start defending. The player receiving the ball has to try and run the ball, under control, across the back line.

Eliminating a Player

2 vs 1

The player with the ball passes the ball square to the other attacking player. Upon receiving the ball player 2 runs laterally across the defender, staying just out of reach. In the meantime player 1 has to run diagonally into the space behind the defender. Player 2 has two options they can pass the ball into the space behind the defender for player 1 to run onto or player 2 can keep the ball and continue to run past the defender. Player 2 can pass at any time and must run to be available for the return pass from player 1.

Movement off the ball

Channelling onto the forehand

This exercise is designed to encourage defenders to force attacking players to move onto the defenders forehand The player with the ball tries to run through between the 2 cones, indicating the maximum 10 points. This should encourage the defender to try and force the player onto their open stick side, away from this high scoring gate!

Defending Skills

Follow and Intercept - on the line

The attacking player tries to get the ball from one line to the other. The defending player should watch patiently and steal the ball when it becomes free and then begins to attack the opposite line. The attacking player then becomes the defender.

Practices For Juniors

Get beyond the 23m line

2 players stand on the 23m line with a defender. The defender is only allowed to defend outside the 23m area. One player on the half way line starts with the ball. One of the attacking players on the 23m line runs to the back line and the other runs diagonally away from the defender and towards the player with the ball. If the defender runs with the player without the ball, the player with the ball can try to pass the ball through the created space to the player on the back line. However, if the defender stays in the space the player with the ball can pass the ball to the player running diagonally for that player to pass the ball to the back line (dog leg). Once the player receives the ball on the back line, the game switches around and the defender can now only defend inside the 23m area.Important to make the area at least 10 - 15m wide otherwise the defender can cover both options too easily.

Movement off the ball

Moving a defender into the midfield

In this practice the defensive players are in position of the field and have to try and keep possession of the ball and put through one of the players into the midfield in possession of the ball. the 3 attacking player have to try and win the ball and can break each time they win possession.

Game related

Moving Defence into Midfield

In this practice the defensive players are in position of the field and have to try and keep possession of the ball and put through one of the players into the midfield in possession of the ball. The 3 attacking player have to try and win the bal and can break each time they win possession.

Game related

Practice to learn the principle of the 1/2 court press

The defending team forms a line on the half way line of the pitch (in this case the 23m line).Any player from the opposition that runs beyond the line of defence, should be very tightly marked while inside the 1/2 court. Every time the attacking player runs back out. The defender should stop on the defensive line. Every time the team playing 1/2 court gains possession of the ball they should have a fast break situation. It is important that only 2 out of the 5 players should take the opportunity of this break, and not the whole team, because on losing the ball you still want to be able to continue playing the 1/2 court.

Conditioned Games

Quick break

3 v 2 set up.A defender inside the circle passes to one of the attacking players outside the 23m line. On doing so the three attackers try and break quickly to score past the defence.

Scoring on the break

Through Pass

A line of attacking players stand outside the 23 metre line with a ball each, with one other attacking on the goal side of the grid. Inside the grid there is one defender. The first attacking player has to try and play the ball to the player in the circle through the area with the defender. On playing a successful pass the player then follows their pass through the area, into the circle and the next player can try and pass the next ball through the area.

Movement off the ball

Attacking the circle Shooting ...

Player 1 runs down the wing to then pass the ball backwards of square to player . He in turn gives the ball to player 3, who has run into the circle and then come out to receive the ball. Player 3 then plays a 1v1 with the defender.<br /><br />Rotation 1 to 2, 2-3, 3-1.<br /><br />Same down the right wing.

General

Right Side Attack Movement off...

The ball is passed across the pitch, then passed to the player running. Either the near player or the far player, then play an attack.

General

Attacking down the wing Game r...

RM (starting with the ball), passes to RW who first time (wall) passes it back. The RM then passes the ball to RW who runs in field with the ball. RM then overlaps and this means that the RW has two options: a) pass the ball to overlapping player or b) straighten up and go for the goal him/her self. RM passes the ball to forehand of RW who then adds to the pass and plays 1 v 1 against the defender.

General

Attacking from a hit in Game r...

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.

General

Attacking Tight Peel Passing &...

Objective: To get the attacking player to receive and roll strong, away from the tackling defender. Purpose: Rolling/peeling away from the defender is a relatively low risk strategy to consolidate possession and eliminate.  Structure: Pairs or Groups of 3 (potential to add in passive/active defender)  

General

Attacking from deep left Shoot...

Player 2 (left wing) receives ball from the Player 1 (left midfield) and takes the ball into the zone where the defender can try and win the ball. Just before player 2 loses the ball he/she turns away from the RD and passes the ball to palyer 1. It is important that this player stays outside the 23m area and straight behind player 2. When player 1 receives the ball he/she plays the ball to player 3 who runs into the circle and has a shot at goal.<br />Every player then follows their own pass. and takes up their new position. Next player then starts.

General

The Game Indoor Hockey - Hocke...

Play a full game. Defensive structure: Front 2 players block middle and left boards. Back 3 players mark man to man. Attacking structure: 2 backs, 3 forwards and 1 forward standing in the circle.

General

Moving Defence into Midfield G...

In this practice the defensive players are in position of the field and have to try and keep possession of the ball and put through one of the players into the midfield in possession of the ball. The 3 attacking player have to try and win the bal and can break each time they win possession.

General

attacking pattern Indoor Hocke...

Player 1 runs through the slalom passes the ball to player 2 player 2 runs infield with and passes the ball off the board to player 3 who runs from the topof the circle to the side and recieves the ball and passe the ball to player 4 who has run from the half way line to score the goal on the far post

General

Attacking down the left (mini ...

Pass the ball from right to left ( slightly backwards. 2nd player takes the ball with the open stick to then pass the ball down the line to the left wing who takes the ball in and scores a goal. Every player rotates to the next place.

General

Attacking structure Indoor Hoc...

Emphasis on the Attacking structure being that of 2 backs, 3 forwards and 1 forward stand in the circle The back two players should be slightly infield to open up the boards.

General

Attacking Shoulder of D Shooti...

Objective: Players to make the correct decision in attacking situations and ensure correct attackers are in correct position to affect the game.Purpose: Increase the chances of threatening the opposition goal and coming away with a positive result.Set-up: <li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Midfielder plays ball across the pitch from left to right.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Receiving midfielder will start to carry the ball forward and should threaten to play the ball directly into the D.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Attacker runner on the D will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>A defender will decide whether to follow the attacking runner or block the ball from the receiving midfielder going into the D.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The pass that receiving midfielder makes, should be influenced by the defenders movement as to where the space is.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>2 attackers in the D should initially look for a deflection if the ball is flung directly into the D. If the ball is played to the attacker running the D, they should reposition themselves to receive a pass or be at the far post for a deflection.

General

switch attacking pattern Passi...

Player 1 plays the ball across to 2, who in turn plays it up inside the cones to 3 who shoots at goal. Player 2 then moves to where 3 was and 3 joins the back of their queue. As soon as player 3 has shot then 4 passes the ball across to 1, who plays it up the line to 6 who then shots. Player 1 then moves to where 6 was and 6 joins the back of their queue. Play then continues in this fashion.

General

Rotations Indoor Hockey - Hock...

Work on the rotation. This is the standard pattern - Left-Right (L-R) rotation, and will be made reference to in the next few drills. Players make the leads in an anti-clockwise direction.<br><BR>Game Rules3 on 3 attacking in half the pitch2 defenders used as feeders.forwards roll the simple rotation pattern.Forwards can use the feeders to keep possession.<BR>When the defence win back the ball they play out a 3 v 2 against the feeders.

General

Attack from midfield Overload ...

The compulsOry pass is a free hit from the RM to the RD. As soon as the pass is given the 3 attackers can try and score a goal. (Tip when the RM passes the ball he/she should try and run diagonally in front of the RD. RD should in turn run into the space created by the RM running out).

General

Fast break 3v2 Scoring on the ...

Team 1 attacks team 2. Player on the 23m line starts with the ball and attacks the two defenders from team 2 (while this attack goes on team 3 gets in position to defend against team 2). When team 1 scores or team 2 wins the ball the wide player on the 23m line starts the attack. The other two players from team 2 have to run and support. Best ploy is for the player on the 23m line to hold the ball or run infield along the 23m line to allow the 2 supporting players to join in the attack.

General

Follow and Intercept - on the ...

The attacking player tries to get the ball from one line to the other. The defending player should watch patiently and steal the ball when it becomes free and then begins to attack the opposite line. The attacking player then becomes the defender.

General

2 vs 1 Scoring on the break - ...

The player with the ball passes the ball square to the other attacking player. Upon receiving the ball player 2 runs laterally across the defender, staying just out of reach. In the meantime player 1 has to run diagonally into the space behind the defender. Player 2 has two options they can pass the ball into the space behind the defender for player 1 to run onto or player 2 can keep the ball and continue to run past the defender. Player 2 can pass at any time and must run to be available for the return pass from player 1.

General

1 v 1 Defence C Indoor Hockey ...

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.

General

attacking play DRILL CATEGORIES
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Overload situations Drills
Scoring on the break Drills
Overload situations Drills
Scoring on the break Drills
attacking play SESSIONS
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Vision in the 1v1 - Focus on the Defender's Stick

Make the defender commit to moving their stick, read the signs and time your move to attack the space in this 1v1 attacking session

3 vs 1 Break Hockey - Create Scoring Opportunities

Don't dilly-dally. Teach your players to win the turnover and drive quickly CHARGE up the field to make the most of the fast break!

Exploiting the Overload - Play and Practice

Teach your players how to read overload situations and make the right decision to continue the attack

Attacking Possession - Moving into Space

Good attacking play requires vision and heads up hockey - get your players picking out the best pass!

Senior: Making the Most of the Overload

Make overloads count! Instil the killer instinct in your team for when they're next on the attack

Passing out of Defence to Forward runners

Teach the importance of passing out of defence. Improve your defenders' ability to pick out the best pass to start the attack

Senior Session - Reverse turn to keep possession

Caught in a trap? Well contrary to what Elvis says you can back out. Teach your players to turn back to look for support and to continue the attack!

Advanced Attacking Play: Beating the man-to-man Defence

Work on lead running down the wings to draw the opposition out of position and create space when up against a team of man-markers!
attacking play ANSWERS
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In full press mode is it the attacking centre forward or the right forward that should get across to cover infield defensive passes if the defense splits the attacking press and transfers play from defensive right to defensive left. Or midfield step up?

In full press mode is it the attacking centre forward or the right forward that should get across to cover infield defensive passes if the defense splits the attacking press and transfers play from defensive right to defensive left. Or midfield step up?

Orla Bell Coach, Ireland

The new rules - what will UK coaches be focussing on?

The new rules - what will UK coaches be focussing on most? (Living in NZ, we're playing them now!)

sue shelswell Coach, New Zealand

Please explain the rule about the free hit outside?

Please explain the rule about the free hit outside the sirkle.

Archived User Coach

playmaker?

What is playmaker role? and what position does playmaker play?

Archived User Coach

Hi. I need to coach the following in a session%3A Attacking?

Hi. I need to coach the following in a session%3A Attacking unit play using right hand side of the pitch. Emphasis on ‘Posting up.’ Use of lead runs and receiving the ball on the move. Any ideas?

Danielle Mugridge Coach, England

How to run fair club trials with my U13s (using point system etc)?

I have a u/13 hockey team. Is there another way to have fair traiils with e.g. drills and a point system ather than just playing a game?

Archived User Coach

How should my team react when opposition uses a full press at 16yd hit?

How should a women team,that cannot use the scoup or an overhead,do when the oposit uses a full press at a 16yd hit??Thank you...

Archived User Coach

Junior offensive drills for centre forward wingers and inners?

new to Coaching an Under 12 team and want to know some options for setting up an attacking play and the role and position of the centre forward wingers and inners.

jason Coach, Australia

How do you keep your team motivated - drill ideas?

we started the season 5-1 and now mid-way it seems we are fading? we have lost our last 3 games - what are some good drills to get them focused again and pumped for the rest of the season and to get them over the hump -to the next level. thanks

Brenda Strohmer Coach, United States of America

Indoor hockey defending

Dear colleagues, what are the best ways to defend an attacking team that is playing with a field player with goalkeeping privileges? Te question concerns indoor hockey only.

Marco Koudijs Coach, Netherlands

5-yard rule in hockey?

could someone comment on the 5 yard rule when entering the scoring area? There always seams to be a lot of wrong information regarding this rule.

Gaby Coach, United States of America

Attacking principles of self pass

Hi all, I have to do a 30 minute presentation about the attacking principles of the self pass. Will appreciate any help.Thank you

Divan Geyser Coach, South Africa

Receiving the ball forward facing

Anybody any ideas on a conditioned game to encourage receiving the ball in a forward facing position?

Mark Stuart-Thompson Coach, England

teaching presses on free hits and 16s

Hi allI am looking for advice on how to implement processes in my girls school hockey team. processes of setting up presses, defensive structures and counter attacking thinking. I have 14 players in the team from 15 years old to 18. we train twice a week. only a few play club hockey as well. We either play a 3-1-4-2 or a 3-1-3-3.I find it difficult for example, when you want to teach a press on the opposition 16, to simulate gameplay with only 14 players (if they are all at training). I can have my halves setup for taking the 16 and then get my strikers and links to setup, but then I still want defenders to see things from the back but they are taking the 16? Also when taking the 16 they then don't have any support in the drill because everyone else is setting up a press?I know we need to work on our basics in order for the other tactics and skills and game plans to work. However I find it frustrating with this team that on counter attacks for a few reasons which I am struggling to mend;- they only head forward. No one holds up the ball to wait for support.- they run straight and don't use angles- they pass too late and get tackled - they don't have the vision to see an early pass or pass into space- players without the ball do not run into useful positions and angles and get caught out by the person with the ball who then makes a pass to no one and it runs out of play.So suggestions please for;- open, creative but simple counter attacking- teaching processes for presses on free hits and 16s- coaching how to take 16s and work your way out- coaching vision and expecting your players to be in support. RegardsMatt

Matthew Lydall Coach, South Africa

Defensive and Attacking Set Plays

Does anyone any set plays for getting out of the defensive half and sideline hits?

Glenn Hutchinson Coach, Australia

7 sides hockey

What is the best formation and game play for 7 sides tournament in defending and attacking?

Ameer Shazwan Coach, Malaysia

teaching presses on free hits ...

Hi allI am looking for advice on how to implement processes in my girls school hockey team. processes of setting up presses, defensive structures and counter attacking thinking. I have 14 players in the team from 15 years old to 18. we train twice a week. only a few play club hockey as well. We either play a 3-1-4-2 or a 3-1-3-3.I find it difficult for example, when you want to teach a press on the opposition 16, to simulate gameplay with only 14 players (if they are all at training). I can have my halves setup for taking the 16 and then get my strikers and links to setup, but then I still want defenders to see things from the back but they are taking the 16? Also when taking the 16 they then don't have any support in the drill because everyone else is setting up a press?I know we need to work on our basics in order for the other tactics and skills and game plans to work. However I find it frustrating with this team that on counter attacks for a few reasons which I am struggling to mend;- they only head forward. No one holds up the ball to wait for support.- they run straight and don't use angles- they pass too late and get tackled - they don't have the vision to see an early pass or pass into space- players without the ball do not run into useful positions and angles and get caught out by the person with the ball who then makes a pass to no one and it runs out of play.So suggestions please for;- open, creative but simple counter attacking- teaching processes for presses on free hits and 16s- coaching how to take 16s and work your way out- coaching vision and expecting your players to be in support. RegardsMatt

Matthew Lydall Coach, South Africa

Attacking Mindset | Sportplan

Hi,I coach a university team that has a group of mixed abilities, ranging good players with some previous hockey experience to some who are starting from the basics. We've managed to polish on basics and now the team is able to play together. They move the ball well around the pitch using the wider areas, good defence and tackles, but the big problem is creating scoring opportunities. Without goals we can't win matches... The best is draws which we get most times. I was wondering if anyone could share a small sided game or drill that could help create the attack mindset so my team can have that hunger for goas and go for it.

Ian Smith Coach, Kenya

How can I help my U12 girls to...

How can I help my u/12 girls to attack? At the moment they are running beside the opponent but not attacking the players.

carien Coach, South Africa

What position should I play my...

Hi Im new to coaching hockey want to know what position do I play some of my weaker players without them losing interest and there confidence.

Archived User Coach

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