1.) Pulse raiser- jogging around the whole pitch
2.) Mobility- arm circling for shoulders, skipping for ankles and knees, lateral flexion and rotation for the core and pelvis swivels for the hips
3.) Stretching- high knees to stretch hamstrings, heel flicks to stretch quadriceps, side-steps to stretch groins, walking lunges with a twist to stretch hip flexors, upper and middle back and activate core rotation and inchworm to stretch upper back
4.) Dynamic movements- shuttle runs from the baseline to the 25m line
5.) Skill rehearsal - foot jab
5. Players stand opposite each other and they are gently trying to jab each others foot whilst protecting their own feet from being jabbed. Time 30 seconds and get them to count how many they are able to do. Do a rematch to then see if they can beat their partner second time around. Any dangerous jab tackles, then players will have to sit out. Make sure ALL players have shin pads in.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
Summer is the window that decides how your team starts in September. Here is how to build a hockey-specific fitness base with the ball, not just endless running, so players arrive sharp rather than shattered.
Summer is the one time all year players can obsess over their individual skills without a fixture looming. Here is how to turn the off-season into a genuine 1v1 and close-control upgrade.
Video analysis is no longer a luxury reserved for international squads. With a phone, a tripod and a free editing tool, any club coach can build a weekly review habit that transforms how their team learns.