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.
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2v2 Circle Ground Ball to Outlet
Setup: -Split players into two teams -Each team forms 2 lines (alternating) outside the center circle -One coach stands outside the circle The coach rolls a ground ball into the center circle Two players from each team (one from each line) are released and enter the circle to play a 2v2. The team that picks up the gb is offense; the other team is defense. Offense must: Complete one pass to their teammate, then complete a pass to the coach to score a point. The ball becomes dead if it goes out of bounds. Rotate new players in after each rep Play to a set number of points or for a set time
Hidey Hoe
Hidey hoe drill 2 lines up the numbers on each side of the net 2v2 GB to goal or whistle Losing team gets a pass from coach adds a player goes 3v2 play to whistle or goal Opposite team gets a pass to a new player makes it a 3v3 to whistle or goal Coach chooses a team to have the ball aplay 4v4 to whistle or goal Repeat
Circle GBs
Players form a circle around the draw circle or any marked circle. On the whistle, the coach rolls a ground ball into the center. Two players run in, compete for the ball, and play a live 1v1. The focus is on reaction, winning possession, and ball protection. Variations: - Running through the ground ball and escaping the circle - Securing the ball and making a pass to a player on the outside. - Coaches can change spacing, number of players, or the escape option.
Scoop and Clear
Work ground balls in game-like situations with communication, possession, and transition to offense. Coach at the top of the box with balls. 2 lines of light jerseys behind the cage, 2 lines of dark jerseys. Coach rolls a ball out — first players from each line compete for the ground ball using man/ball communication. Team that wins goes on offense, other goes on defense. Play ends on a shot, save, or clear. Variation: Goalie clears all saves/goals to the defensive team for re-break reps. Coach yells "plus 1" to add players and build from 2v2 to 3v3.
3v2 Out and Back
Set three offensive players (Player 1, 3, 5) and two defensive players (Player 2, 4) on half field. Offense passes upfield, moving quickly through midline. Defense sprints to midline, forms a tight stack in the “hole,” communicates, and contests passes. Offense stays spread, draws defenders, and looks for high-percentage shots. Rotate players through all lines for full engagement.
Diamond Sprints
Practice defensive footwork — drop steps, turns, and recovery movements. Set up 4 cones in a diamond, 5-10 yards apart. Start sideways at cone 1. Sprint at an angle to cone 2, drop step to cone 3, switch drop step direction to cone 4, then drive forward back to cone 1. Variation: Add a ground ball pickup on the final sprint.
Sqaures
There are 4 lines (A,B,C and D), each at a point on a square. Player A starts with the ball and runs toward player B. Player B runs toward line C (perpendicularly to player A's movement) and receives the ball from player A. Player B continues with the ball as player C moves toward line D. Player B passes to player C, who advances toward line D. The ball continues to be passed around the square. Variations: - Add more than one ball - Change directions - Left-handed
Riding Drill 2-1-3 V with Dead ball off Sideline
Improve riding after a dead ball on the sideline. Lock your players onto the clearing team's attack and midfield. Play a 3-man zone with your attack, splitting the goalie and defensemen. Overload the ball side and force long passes or throws into traffic. Variation: Strengthen the clear to practice forcing turnovers in live situations.