Dribbling - Open to Tight Space

EXPLANATION: This drill should simulate a player carrying the ball in open play, and then coming to an area of “traffic”, which forces the player to slow down, keep tighter control of the ball. Players start at two lines on opposite sides of playing area. First player in each line carries the ball at speed into space in front of them, towards the grouping of cones. Carrying the ball in space, the player can be more upright, carrying the stick in a comfortable position and running as fast as possible with the ball in playing distance (ball doesn’t have to be right next to stick). On approaching the cones, player should slow down, lower centre of gravity and keep ball tight to stick, dribbling through the cones under control. Ball should not touch cones on the way through - each touch earns the player 2 push-ups (either while waiting in line, or at the end of the drill). Exiting the group of cones, player should accelerate again to speed, open up body and make a forehand pass to the Right, to the first player in the next line. You should be able to see a significant change in SPEED and also the LEVEL OF THE PLAYER’S CENTER OF GRAVITY (watch body height), between the open space running and tight space ball control. Watch to see if the player exiting the cones can get his feet comfortably around the ball to pass to the Right Side. Passing Left to Right on the move. (If more comfortable, player can use a reverse stick pass).