2v1 Ground Balls
Set three lines 2 yards apart: two teammates on the outside lines, one defender in the middle line. Coach rolls a ball toward the middle. First teammate scoops the ball; second teammate positions between ball and defender, using body and stick to shield. Communicate and work together to win possession. Can vary angles or progress to a “go to goal” scenario.
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Crease Scramble 3v2
Three offensive players and two defenders start at the top of the box. On the coach’s whistle, all five players sprint toward the crease and touch it, simulating a transition or fast-break scenario. Immediately after, the coach rolls a ball into play, creating a 3v2 ground ball situation. Offense must gain possession and attack, emphasizing proper spacing, timing, and finishing under pressure. Defenders focus on communication and rotations.
Scrappin'
Scrappin is a high-energy starter drill that builds toughness, stick skills, and communication in tight spaces. Three offensive players face two defenders inside a cone box (~15 yards from goal). Coach rolls out three balls per rep. Players battle for ground balls, then offense looks to space out in a triangle and move the ball quickly for a finish. Defense works 2v3 with sticks in lanes, disrupting passes, and clearing outside the cones. Points: offense scores on goals, defense scores on clear
West Genny
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) vs. two defenders (Player 4–5) on a short field with a net at each end (sideline-to-sideline OR box-to-box OR similar distance). Play 3v2 until a goal or turnover. The last offensive player to touch the ball rotates out; remaining offense switches to defense and runs back into the hole to defend their net. The goalie clears a new ball to 3 new offensive players pushing down in a 3v2. End practice on a high note and keep score for fun!
3-2-1 Ground Balls
3 players line up on the line. The coach rolls out a ground ball from behind the 3 players. They fight for a 1v1v1 ground ball. The player who picks it up passes to the coach and is out. The remaining 2 players come back to the line and the coach rolls out a 1v1 ground ball. The player who picks it up passes to the coach and is out. Finally, the coach rolls out a solo GB to the last player to finish.
Rock and Roll from X Dodge
Practice dodging around X and transitioning from one side of the crease to the other. Players line up at X with balls. Set a cone on GLE (left side, 3 yards off crease) and another on the opposite side (5 yards above GLE, 3 yards off crease). Attack the first cone, touch it, drive back behind the crease, sprint to the second cone, inside roll, and finish. Go rapid fire. Switch sides halfway through. Variation: Move cone locations. Add defenders at the cones.
Out of Dodge
Improve defensive communication and sliding in a live 6v6 setting. 6 offensive players in a 1-4-1, 6 defenders plus a goalie. Offense passes the ball around. Coach calls out a defender's jersey number — that player sprints to the sideline and back. While he's gone, the ball carrier attacks the goal, forcing the remaining defense to slide and rotate. After a goal or turnover, repeat with a different player called out. Variation: Use different slide packages (crease, adjacent) against different sets (1-4-1, 1-3-2, 2-2-2).
Chaos Shuttles
set up similar to normal shuttle lines, lines on the outside pass to each other whereas the inside line passes normally. Causes congestion in the middle, players can practice dodging, waiting and communication. Progression: start with quick sticks, normal shuttles, move to chaos- Right, left, Switches, offside, GBs
Air Force Drill
The coach blows the whistle and rolls out a ground ball to each wing. Players race to the balls, and whoever wins each ground ball immediately leads a 4v3 fast break toward their designated end of the field. The defenders sprint back to stop the attack, and play continues until there’s a goal, turnover, or the coach whistles the drill dead. Focus on quick pickups, fast ball movement, and communication. Attackers should exploit numbers advantage, while defenders practice sliding, coverage, and recovering under pressure. Variations let you adjust intensity and complexity: change the fast break setup, add or subtract players, bring in players from other areas, or allow the ground ball loser to chase, turning it into a 4v4. You can even have the chaser come from the opposite wing to keep players reading the play and reacting quickly.