Set up cones to define each team’s half of the field. Place three offensive players (Player 1–3) vs. two defenders (Player 4–5). On the whistle, offense moves the ball within boundaries, looking for high-percentage shots; defenders communicate, stay tight, and force turnovers. Can start with ground balls, adjust players, or shift boundaries for progression.
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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!
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.
1v1 Build-Up
- Start with a 1v1 to cage. - Add 1 attacker (2v1) - Add 1 defender (2v2) - Add 1 attacker (3v2) - Add 1 defender (3v3)
5v4 Fast Break with Trailing Middie
- Can have 7v6 as well with trail. - Setup with 3 middies on attack and 2 middies on defense coming in from the 50 with 2 attack and 2 defenders low (or 4 attack and 4 defenders low) - Add the 3rd defensive middie once the ball passes the 30. - Defense needs to slow down the ball and then get organized until they can get into a settled offense. - Offense needs to push the fast break before defense can get settled. - Switch out the low girls every 3-4 reps.
Gauntlet
Develop dodging skills, footwork, and ball protection through a gauntlet of moves. Players line up with balls. 5 cones in a straight line, 5 yards apart. At each cone, execute a dodge (coach-assigned or player's choice). After 2-3 reps, add a soft defender at each cone. Progress to allowing defenders to check. Variation: Move cone positions. Add a shot on goal after the final cone.
Crazy 8's
Build sport-specific cardiovascular fitness through pyramid sprints with built-in recovery. Sprint 10 yds (midfield to wing line) / Rest 10 sec Sprint 20 yds (wing to wing) / Rest 20 sec Sprint 30 yds (wing to restraining box) / Rest 30 sec Sprint 40 yds (box to box) / Rest 40 sec Sprint 60 yds (box to goal line) / Rest 60 sec Sprint 80 yds (goal line to goal line) / Rest 80 sec Sprint 95 yds (goal line to end line) / Rest 95 sec Sprint 110 yds (end line to end line) / Done Variation: Add a ground ball to each sprint or start from a push-up position.
Double Team Drill
Drill Description Defenders run in a continuous circle around the cage while attackers run in the opposite direction on the outside. On the whistle, the coach rolls a ground ball into space. The closest attacker breaks to pick up the ball while the two closest defenders immediately double. The offense must move the ball quickly to find the open player and create a scoring opportunity. The defense focuses on applying an aggressive double team, forcing a turnover, or recovering quickly to a settled defensive position if the double is broken. Player numbers can be adjusted to 7v7, 6v6, or 5v5 depending on focus and available numbers. Coaching Focus Points: -Urgent ground ball pickup under pressure -Smart spacing and quick ball movement -Communication to identify the open attacker -Proper double team angles and timing -Defensive recovery to a settled formation -Composure and decision-making in chaos
King of the Hill
Two players start butt-to-butt with a ball placed between them. On the whistle, both players compete to gain possession of the ball. The player who secures it can either maintain possession or try to exit a marked area, while the other resets for the next round. Variations include setting a time limit to secure the ball and making it a tournament competition.