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chances DRILLS
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1/2 Court Press

The 1/2 court press is again a team effort and relies on all players joining in and being disciplined. The 1/2 court press is a bit like space invaders - players must move as one unit, from side to side in front of the ball. It is very important that once the ball has gone into the zone, past the highest defenders, the team goes in to full court press mode. But when the ball is played back out of the 1/2 court zone the 1/2 court disciplines have to be adhered to once again. The advantage of the 1/2 court press is that it is easier than taking the initiative, also less agreements need to be made compared to the full press. When to use: The Half court Press is very good for the underdog team that is not able to create chances from their own possession. So using this system you choose to let the opposition have most of the possession and wait for them to make a mistake. Your team will create lots of break opportunities because with every loss of possession the opposition will leave a large amount of space behind them which your side can exploit for the break.

Roles and Responsibilities

Attacking Shoulder of D

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: Midfielder plays ball across the pitch from left to right. Receiving midfielder will start to carry the ball forward and should threaten to play the ball directly into the D. 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. A defender will decide whether to follow the attacking runner or block the ball from the receiving midfielder going into the D. The pass that receiving midfielder makes, should be influenced by the defenders movement as to where the space is. 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.

Game related

Creating scoring chances - 3 v 1

Player CF feeds the ball to RW through the area. On receiving the ball the RW takes the ball to the back line, (as soon as the ball has passed through the area the defender can leave the area and try and stop the three attackers scoring). On reaching the back line the RW can pass the ball back to the CF or across the goal to the LW. When CF receives the ball from the RW he/she can return the ball to RW or pass the ball to LW depending on the defender.Pass and follow sequence CF-RW-LW-CF.

Shooting & Goalscoring

Creating scoring chances - 3 v 2

Player CF feeds the ball to RW through the area. On receiving the ball the RW takes the ball to the back line, (as soon as the ball has passed through the area both defenders can leave the area and try and stop the three attackers scoring). On reaching the back line the RW can pass the ball back to the CF or across the goal to the LW or to RM. Pass and follow sequence CF-RW-LW or RM, whichever player shoots at go-CF.

Shooting & Goalscoring

Creating scoring chances - GK

A good fun exercise for scoring goals, and for keepers to have a good work out. Split the group into teams of four and put 2 or 3 keepers in the circle. The 4 attackers go into the circle with a ball and try to score, they can take as long as they like providing the ball remains in the circle.

Shooting & Goalscoring

Creating scoring chances

Player CF feeds the ball to RW who takes the ball to the back line. On reaching the back line he/she passes the ball back to the CF who has now come directlry behind the RW. When CF receives the ball he/she takes the ball into circle and shoots.CF is now new RW and RW comes back to the start. Next CF starts.

Shooting & Goalscoring

Far Post Deflection

Objective: Players to be in the correct position when deflecting a ball at the back post. Purpose: Increase the chances of connecting with the ball and therefore scoring a goal. Set-up: A midfield passer will start with the ball and wait for an attacker to make a run on the edge of the D. Attacker will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline. At this point, the passer will play the ball into the attackers path and the far post attacker will start their run towards the far post. Attacker with the ball will hit a cross in the direction of the far post. The far post attacker should be in a set position and attempt to deflect the cross into the goal.

Movement off the ball

Lift To The Defender's Reverse Side

Coaches Objective: To teach the attacker to use their body positioning and movement to commit the defender to their open stick side before eliminating with a lift on the reverse stick side. Purpose: By using your body to sell the defender one way opens up their other side to eliminate them to get through into the D for a goal shot or to them move the ball on. 

Eliminating a Player

Lifting The Ball Elimination

Coaches Objective: To teach the attacker to eliminate the defender at pace by lifting the ball and changing the direction of it when it's in the air. Purpose: When the ball is lifted, the defender will stand more upright, reducing their reach and mobility. It also reduces their chances of making a clean tackle, therefore putting them in a vulnerable position.

Eliminating a Player

Reverse Stick Receive and Shot

Objective: Direct the received pass in the direction of the baseline to open up the optimal shooting angle. Purpose: Increase the chances of hitting the target and therefore scoring a goal. Set-up: A midfield passer will start with the ball and wait for an attacker to make a run on the edge of the D. Attacker will initially run towards the passer to show for the ball, then peel off, aiming their run towards the baseline. At this point, the passer will play the ball into the attackers path. The attacker should take a receiving touch, followed by a shot at goal off their left foot.

Passing & Receiving

Creating scoring chances - 3 v...

Player CF feeds the ball to RW through the area. On receiving the ball the RW takes the ball to the back line, (as soon as the ball has passed through the area both defenders can leave the area and try and stop the three attackers scoring). On reaching the back line the RW can pass the ball back to the CF or across the goal to the LW or to RM. Pass and follow sequence CF-RW-LW or RM, whichever player shoots at go-CF.

General

Hockey: Lifting The Ball Elimi...

Coaches Objective: To teach the attacker to eliminate the defender at pace by lifting the ball and changing the direction of it when it's in the air. Purpose: When the ball is lifted, the defender will stand more upright, reducing their reach and mobility. It also reduces their chances of making a clean tackle, therefore putting them in a vulnerable position.

General

Reverse stick shot Shooting & ...

- Performing the reverse stick shot or 'tomohawk'<br />- The Grip: Move the stick 90 degrees from the standard strongside hitting position. This moves from hitting with the flat face to the blade of the stick.<br />- Players will naturally be more comfortable of a particular foot. Either foot is fine

General

Follow pass Shooting & Goalsco...

Play alternates from going up the left, to going up the right. The player waiting in the queue passes out to the wing, where the ball is passed up the wing, before being shot at goal. The player who took the shot then joins the back of the queue. All the other players involved, then move to where they passed to.

General

Team escape Overload situation...

Set out a pitch 3/4 length, with two lines of cones to make the pitch slightly narrower. The white team in the middle has to try and score a goal at either end against either set of defenders to get out. Every time the defence gets the ball they must give it back to the attackers who then have to attack the other side. Defenders are only allowed to defend inside the 23 m area, the defenders at the other end are not allowed to defend past the 1/2 way line.

General

Hit at Goal off Right Foot Sho...

- Striking the ball off of the right foot<br />- Allows the ball to be hit earlier<br />- Opens up additional hitting channels<br />- Useful when moving at pace<br />- Ball should be outside the right foot<br />- Transfer all weight onto the right foot, with head down and over the ball

General

Scoring from the top Shooting ...

Player runs into the square. Player at right angle passes the ball into the square for the runner to receive, the receiver then runs into the circle and shoots. Passer becomes the next runner etc.

General

Hockey: Hitting the ball - Imp...

Objective: To establish the grip when hitting and role of the wrists and arms to be able to be able to generate power without reducing accuracy. Purpose: Hitting the ball is an important skill when either transferring the ball, delivering longer passes into the circle or shooting. Being able to hit a flat, accurate and powerful pass can split defences, switch the play quickly, offering huge benefits to the team. Structure: Pairs.  

General

Using player ahead of the ball...

Player 1 passes the ball into the circle to player 2 or 3, avoiding the defending player, on the edge of the circle, who can only try and intercept the pass. The receiving players in the circle try and score a goal past the keeper. once the ball has gone in the circle the defender is allowed to try to stop the players from scoring.

General

Semi-Pressured Shooting Shooti...

- Top D Pressurised Shooting<br />- Passive defender<br />- Forward takes the ball across the body<br />- Defender must run from inside the D, around a flag and put pressure on the forward<br />- The forward must move the ball around the opposite flag to that of the defender

General

Pass and follow exercise Shoot...

This exercise is to teach players to run on to a ball passed into space. The ball, when played down the right wing, has to be received by the players with the reverse stick side. Players should follow their own pass each time. Pass and follow sequence 1-2-3-4-5-1.<BR>The exercise would work the same on the left wing, only players would receive the ball on the forehand side.

General

Working in the D Shooting & Go...

Ball fed in to any attacker. The defenders defend against all 3 attackers. The attacker who receives the ball either shoots or passes to a free attacker. Player that shoots, comes out to the top of the circle. The player that passed the ball into the circle, takes their place.

General

Hitting the ball: Body Positio...

Objective: Build a sound technical model for hitting the ball, focussing on the body position. Purpose: Adopting the right body position for a technically sound model of the hit will ensure a firm, flat and accurate pass or shot. Structure: Pairs   

General

Working in the D - 3 v 2 Shoot...

Ball fed in to any attacker. The defenders defend against all 3 attackers. The attacker who receives the ball either shoots or passes to a free attacker.<br />Player that shoots, comes out to the top of the circle. The player that passed the ball into the circle, takes their place.

General

Cros top and cross deep Shooti...

Player 1 passes the ball to the player at the top of the circle, who receives the ball and shoots at goal.<br /><br />Then player 2 passes the ball to player on the edge of the circle, who receives the ball and shoots.<br /><br />Each time players should change position.

General

Receiving ball from the side a...

Player 1 runs around the outside of the cones, accelerating at the turn and receiving the ball from the wide player. Then the player runs into the circle and takes a shot at goal.<br />Alternate sides. Players should return through the middle.

General

pass to score pattern Shooting...

4 players position themselves in the circle, one in each zone. A player from the top of the circle passes the ball to any of the players in the circle, and follows the ball to take the the place in that zone. <br />The player receiving the ball can shoot or pass the ball. He/she then follows the pass or comes to the back of the queue at the top of the circle.

General

Practice for scoring goals Sho...

Two teams and one keeper. The attacking team brings the ball into the circle. The defending team must gain possession and successfully get the ball out of the circle, before they can become the attacking team. The team which has brought the ball into the circle remains the attacking team, while the ball is in the circle.

General

Exploring the back line from l...

Player 1 runs into the circle and if the defender does not approach, player 1 can shoot at goal. Alternatively if the defender approaches, player 1 can play a one two with player 2 and then shoot at goal.<br />Player 2 needs to run out to make him/her self available for the pass from player 1.<br />Same practice on the other side of the circle (see h500188an).

General

Shooting challenge Shooting & ...

This challenge requires two teams; team 1 has to try and score with two touches (1st into the circle 2nd to shoot). Team 2's players have to try and stop team 1 having a shot (they can start defending when player 1 has made the first touch). Scoring: Team 1 score a point for a shot at goal, and score 2 for a goal. Team 1 starts with 3 lives. They lose one each time they are stopped or miss the goal. When all lives are lost teams swap round.

General

The Reverse Stick Hit Shooting...

Objective: To introduce a more advance style of hitting, often called the tomahawk, to get the player to hit the ball accurately and firmly, developing a sound technique.  Purpose: Being able to accurately hit a back hand shot or pass creates numerous different opportunities to get a shot away or to deliver a pass. Structure: Pairs   

General

roll out to shoot Shooting & G...

Player at the top of the circle receives the ball with his/her back to the goal. Then turns with one touch, either left or right and shoots at goal. Shooting with either the flat reverse stick or the forehand.<br /><br />Each time the passer runs to the circle to become the next receiver and shooter.

General

Pass and Follow Pattern Passin...

It is possible to set up any pattern of play and practice it with the pass and follow exercise. This one is just one example of a switch from left to right to create a goal chance.

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

chances SESSIONS
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Using the Reverse Stick Turn in Game Situations

Rolling out on your backhand side can be a risky play, exposing the ball more to the defender. However being able to effectively utilise it in games will develop you attacks, keeping them unpredictable and open up areas of the pitch you may not have discovered before.

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!

Passing to create deep space

Run deep into space and look for that fast, attacking pass, deep in opposition territory!

Attack and Finish - Shooting Circle Drills

Teach players making the forward run, looking over their shoulder and receiving the ball on the run in this attacking session

Low Speed Elimination PLUS Closing Down to Tackle

Eliminate at low speed by recognising the space and utilizing it to beat the defender. The two-way session also works on your defenders movement to close the space to reduce the chance of elimination.

8. Possession Passing Skills |...

In this session we develop your players possession passing skills - using the pass as a tool to keep the ball!
chances ANSWERS
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New rules, the attacking 5 yard hit outside the D -?

New rules, the attacking 5 yard hit outside the D - has anyone got any great ideas for set plays?

sue shelswell Coach, New Zealand

Coaching beginners

This is my first year coaching field hockey and I am coaching beginners, a U8 team. Any drills geared towards beginners?

Archived User Coach

Tactical drills for attack and defence to stop ball-watching?

They are very crowed and play a lot in the middle they are ball watching> They are playing in each others positions

carla Coach, South Africa

overloading in the circle?

how do you stop your team over crowding in the circle? what drills or game situations could i use at training?

Archived User Coach

How to improve the ball transfer from midfield to forwards?

Dear colleagues, I am coaching a 1st women team (Argentina) and the system that is working for us very well is 3-1-3-3. Given the quality players we've got in the midfield and attack we try to emphasize our offensive game all the time. The problem I am struggling to resolve is that the forwards do not get involved in chances to score inside the circle very often. The few chances the forwards have they are able to score but it is our midfielders who most of the time get to the circle in possession with the ball. I would like to see a quick transfer of the ball from the midfielders to the forwards who need to be in touch with the ball more often during the game and have the midfielders supporting the attack rather than being the leaders of the attack.Is there any drill or way to improve this aspect of the game? Thanks for your time. Martin

Martin Vila-Aiub Coach, Argentina

drills for backpassing

Have a team of older group of ladies who need to learn to pass the ball back, any good drills for this?

trudy adamson Coach, New Zealand

Coaching plan (season outline) for coming season?

Hi all, after "volunteering" at the last minute to coach last season, I'm looking forward to coaching again this season but would like to be a bit more organised starting the season. Last season I used drills from here (thank you contributors) and put together a practice plan each week addressing what I thought were our weakness from the game just played. This got us through the season, we were promoted after grading and finished the season in the top 4 playoffs for our grade.I wonder if there is some kind of guide to putting a more coherent training plan together for the season.I'm coaching a boys secondary school team, aged 12-18. What kind of skills should they have mastered?What should they be attempting, working towards mastering (individually and as a team)?I last played as a collage boy on grass fields, the change to turf pitches has obviously obsoleted (along with age) much of what I knew as a player.Any pointers appreciated.David

David Smith Coach, New Zealand

Player accountability

How can I get my players to be accountable for their skills? During drills, they mistrap balls next to the sideline, bounces over, poor passing etc, and it doesn't seem to bother them. I instigate the team accountability, where the team calls them on it, but no one seems to do it.Any suggestions would be great.Cheers,Brent

Archived User Coach

Full court, half court and 3/4 Press- HELP

Hi all, thank you for taking the time to read my question. I was hoping for some clarity around 'presses'Pressing oppositions 16- Full press3/4 pressHalf courtWhat are the pro's and cons offensively of each and in what situation would you suggest using each?

Joel Forrester Coach, England

How to play hulf press

how to play half press and full press

Ritu Khanom Coach, Bangladesh

Respect and finishing issue

I am currently the skipper of a 1xi.I am a year younger and am struggling with getting respect.But that's not the real problem.My team has no trouble getting to the d,and can run baseline like pros,but no matter how hard we practice we still can't seem to get that final finish.It's puzzling for me as I'm a cb.Please answer on what drills can help with finishing.

Leone Lanuti Coach, South Africa

direct shots on corners

how can I help my goalkeeper to stop a direct shot froma corner hit

karen judge Coach, United States of America

How to improve the ball transf...

Dear colleagues, I am coaching a 1st women team (Argentina) and the system that is working for us very well is 3-1-3-3. Given the quality players we've got in the midfield and attack we try to emphasize our offensive game all the time. The problem I am struggling to resolve is that the forwards do not get involved in chances to score inside the circle very often. The few chances the forwards have they are able to score but it is our midfielders who most of the time get to the circle in possession with the ball. I would like to see a quick transfer of the ball from the midfielders to the forwards who need to be in touch with the ball more often during the game and have the midfielders supporting the attack rather than being the leaders of the attack.Is there any drill or way to improve this aspect of the game? Thanks for your time. Martin

Martin Vila-Aiub Coach, Argentina

Full court, half court and 3/4...

Hi all, thank you for taking the time to read my question. I was hoping for some clarity around 'presses'Pressing oppositions 16- Full press3/4 pressHalf courtWhat are the pro's and cons offensively of each and in what situation would you suggest using each?

Joel Forrester Coach, England

Does anyone have a good field ...

Does anyone have a good field hockey drill for transitioning out of the defensive end after a goalie clear or a steal?

Archived User Coach

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