Set up a mini hockey-style 3x3 net and play live with a tennis ball, 3v3 in a tight space. Offense focuses on quick ball movement, spacing, and finishing through traffic, while defenders emphasize communication, sticks in lanes, and protecting the middle. The small net and condensed area force fast decisions, creativity, and constant engagement from all players.
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Split field 2 v 2
Work together in a pair mirroring each other. Field is cut in half down the middle. 2v2 until someone scores. Mirror ball carrier. Set picks and roll. Play together.
Hockey GBs
Each player has a ball on the ground and works to keep it moving within a small space, roughly two feet, while keeping their head up, maintaining control, and avoiding collisions with other players. The focus is on tight stick skills, spatial awareness, and ball protection under pressure. When the coach blows the whistle, all players explode out of the box, transitioning into a sprint.
Numbers
Players line up with the offense at the top of the field and the defense on the sides. The coach calls out a set of numbers, such as “43,” where the first number is offensive players and the second number is defensive players. That many players sprint in to compete for the ball and play a live possession, e.g., 43 - 4v3, 55 - 5v5, 32 - 3v2. Variations can adjust the number combinations to create even or uneven matchups.
Zig Zag Approach Drill
Set up three large triangles and two small triangles with cones on the field. Players line up at the start of each triangle. Drill moves in a zigzag pattern: approach an offensive player in athletic stance with stick extended, take away one side, then backpedal short as if the attacker dodges, and break to the next cone at full speed. Long approaches use extended steps, short approaches use quick, choppy steps. Focus on balance, positioning, and reacting to the offensive player.
Funnel
Practice defensive positioning and holds when playing a ball carrier from up top, directing them down the alley. Defensive middies and dummy offensive middies line up outside the restraining line. On the whistle, the ball carrier drives toward the goal. The defender turns his hips, points feet to the sideline, and takes away the middle. Establish contact with a top-hand hold — top hand on the ball carrier's lead shoulder, bottom hand on lead hip, gloves only (no stick contact). If the dodger rolls back, maintain contact and stay topside, driving them down the alley into the slide.
Gone in 60 Seconds
GONE IN 60 SECONDS DRILL: Full field 3 Attackman on each side 3 Defenseman on each side Everyone is moving fast Ball will start as a GB in the middle of the field EVERY SUB IS MADE THROUGH THE SUB BOX 2 Middies closest to the box sub after their offensive possession Far side middies never sub We are up and down fast Objective is to clear fast and catch the opponent in an unsettled situation
Medley Shooting Drill
Set up a shooter with a coach feeding from multiple angles. Start with a time-and-room shot, then drive down the alley for a run shot. Next, perform a split dodge across the middle and shoot to your strong side. Finish with a cut, receiving a feed from the coach. Emphasize catching with soft hands, keeping your base set, minimal cradle, proper follow-through, and using both hands. Repeat to build consistent shooting under game-like conditions.
Goals back to back
Set two goals back to back and run the drill with players attacking and defending on both sides simultaneously. The ball is moved quickly between reps, forcing defenders and goalies to reset, communicate, and adjust their positioning as play flips from one cage to the other. Emphasize awareness, quick transitions, and staying organized while tired.