Set up diagonal lines of cones - single colours per diagram would be helpful - c. 10 metres in front of each other - with the second colour of cones c. 1 metre away and back c. 50cms from the first colour cones.
Lines of children with the balls to set off one at a time.
Dribble to the left of the blue cone (aka a defender) & pull the ball back in one movement with a reverse stick beyond the yellow cone before dribbling to the left of the next blue cone & repeat.
Children wait at the red cone until all players are behind the red cones & start again, dribblint to the yellow cones, V dragging back & around the blue cones.
If evenly matched "teams" - then build to a race to get all players to the other end.
For the more able, move the yellow cones further away and do a double V drag "drag, tap, drag" - either facing the same way, or with 2x 180 degree turns.
Teaching points = "an elimination skill", how to get around a defender, open right hand to turn stick, left hand is the working hand, SPEED!, to take the opposition by surprise, CONTROL... do not lose the ball.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
A few weeks into the league season, poor first touches are costing teams the ball. Coach body shape, scanning and receiving on the move to keep possession.
Pre-season fitness fades fast once the league starts. Build conditioning into ball work and use rolling subs well to keep your squad sharp all season.
The first weeks of the season decide whether a junior or new player sticks with adult hockey. Here is how to keep them safe, give them a clear job and build their confidence from the very first bully.