Stop the Go-Forward

DESCRIPTION

Procedure:

3 defenders + 1-2 keepers try to stop attackers from scoring. Attackers each have a ball and attack in threes.

Rules: 1) Defenders aren't allowed in the 6m circle. 2) If the ball hits a defender's foot, s/he must move out of the attacker's way.

Round 1: Defenders have no sticks. No body checks or pushing allowed.

Question/Feedback:

• Can you stop attackers going forward without your stick? What can you do? (stand in their way, right up close; shadow; channel). 
• How do the attackers get past you? (by passing the ball between your legs) 

Round 2: Defenders have no sticks. 10 sec countdown (coach count out loud). Defenders get 1pt for stopping each attacker reaching goal within 10 secs.

Variation: defenders win if they stop any attacker reaching goal

Question: Can you work together to slow down the attackers? (Tip: pick on 1-2 attackers only). 

Round 3: Defenders have sticks. [20] sec countdown. Defenders get 1 pt for stopping each attacker reaching goal.

Question/feedback: 

• How to stop attackers passing under your legs? (hold stick low, in front of feet).
• With a stick, you can get closer to your attackers (longer reach). What can you do, and why? (jabbing, put stick in front of ball; to put pressure on attackers, and force them into a mistake) 

Variations:

• GK: if there is no keeper, put obstacles in goal as a substitute.
• Change number of attackers/defenders.

COACHING POINTS

Focus:

1) How to stop attackers going (carrying) forward with the ball.

2) How to use/hold your stick when defending.

This practice is aimed at U10s. 

Inexperienced defenders forget to use their sticks when defending, i.e. by carrying it high instead of 1) protecting their feet, 2) blocking the way forward, or 3) pressuring the attacker (such as by jabbing).

This activity makes them aware of:

• what they can do to defend without using their stick, and
• what extra things they can do with it. 

Feedback:

• Is it easier to defend with your stick or without it?
• What can you do without your stick? (deny space, channel, shadow). 
• What can you do with it? (pressure the attacker, disrupt, stop the ball going forward, win the ball)