2v1 to the Cage
The drill starts with the coach throwing the ball in to initiate a 2v1 toward the cage. Cut the field in half and attack from a top corner. Keep it in tight. The two offensive players work to move the ball quickly and attack the net, while the defender focuses on playing the middle, having their stick up, communicating, and forcing a low-angle or outside shot.
Use this drill in your practice plan
Add "2v1 to the Cage" to a drag-and-drop practice plan, customize timing, and export as PDF — free.
Start Planning — It's FreeRelated Drills
Foot Work (Ladder)
2 in 2 out 1 in 1 out Icky shuffle Hop scotch One foot jumps
Def footwork to GB
four cones set up about 5 yards apart in a square, and GB set a little ahead of the box. Sprint forward, side shuffle, back pedal until where you started, then sprint up to pick up GB. Can implement a dodge or dodge then pass coming out of the GB.
Blind Man's Bluff
The coach selects a random mix of offensive and defensive players. Anything from 3v3 to 4v2 or even 3v5 to simulate unsettled play. Players walk around with their eyes closed while the coach moves them, ensuring they’re randomly spread across the field. On the coach’s signal—“STOP!”—players freeze, keeping their eyes closed. The coach rolls out a ball and yells “Ball down!”. Players open their eyes and immediately play out the situation, attacking or defending based on their numbers. The focus is on loud, clear communication, proper spacing, and quick reads. Offense practices moving without the ball and exploiting openings, while defense adjusts formations and anticipates passes on the fly.
Alley Footwork Drills
Develop defensive footwork fundamentals. Players sprint cone to cone using proper technique, planting and exploding toward each cone. Variation: Carry a stick and throw checks at each cone. Play shadow defense on a ball carrier running the same pattern.
Waterfall
4 lines, 2 on each side of the field (full field drill), at the 20's and 40's, passing across the field all the way down. Start with a clear and end with a shot. Can progress to place defense along field in the middle.
One-Handed Shooting
Set players in a line with a feeder near the goal. Player A cuts along a designated lane, receiving a timed pass from the feeder while practicing quick footwork and cradle. They catch, absorb momentum, and execute a one-handed shot with proper rotation. After shooting, they rotate to the end or a recovery spot. Player B begins their cut as Player A finishes, creating continuous flow.
Hungry Hippo Relay
Relay race format with 8 kids per line. Coach rolls ground ball, youth player scoops and sprints to dunk ball in bucket, returns to line and sits. Team that finishes first wins. Run best-of-three format. Emphasizes ground ball technique while maintaining fun competitive element. Simple setup: lines, buckets, multiple balls. Keeps practice engaging and fun through relay race excitement and friendly competition.
5v4
Work 5v4 situations in the half field. 5 offensive players vs 4 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 4 offensive players vs 5 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.