Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) against three defenders (Player 4–6) in the attack zone. Coach starts with a ground ball or pass to offense. Offense works quick passes, sharp cuts, and stick skills to find shooting lanes. Defenders communicate, maintain positioning, and contest shots. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Rotate players frequently to keep everyone involved.
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Related Drills
2v1 Drill
Play 2v1 in the attack zone. Coach starts with a ground ball or pass. Offense works quick ball movement and stick handling to create scoring opportunities, while the defender practices positioning and slides. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Focus on decision-making under pressure.
Ground Ball to Shoot
Player A1 starts with the ball and rolls it out to A4 for a ground ball scoop. A4 scoops the ball and immediately passes it back to A1. After passing, A4 cuts back-door toward the goal to receive a return pass from A1 and finishes with a catch-and-shoot. Focus on clean scoops, accurate passes, and timing the back-door cut to create a good shooting angle. Encourage awareness of defenders, proper stick placement, and quick decision-making. For a challenge, add a defender randomly from either line. With the defender, players can cross in front of the goal and flip or fake-flip the ball instead of making the second pass to simulate in-game adjustments.
Crease Fire Shooting
Setup - Place two feeders (A1, A2) near the top of the box, spaced about 10–15 yards apart. - Crease man (X) starts just behind or slightly to the side of the goal crease, stick in the “box area” near shoulder and head. - Use one goal with a goalie optional for warm-up; adjust spacing if needed for player skill level. Execution The two feeders (A1 and A2) must NOT be stationary. Stress game-like dodge and feeds. The crease man (X) should cut down on a tangent to goal to obtain the best angle at shooting on goal. He must not merely sweep across the front of the cage. Crease stick must be in the “box area” (near shoulder and head). Crease man should not catch and cradle the pass, but catch and shoot in a single motion. Coaching Points - Feeders must move and read the crease man, mimicking live dodge situations. - Crease man’s stick should stay high and tight to the shoulder for proper shot mechanics. - The pass should arrive just as the cutter hit
2v2 Continuous Ground Ball Drill
Set up two teams of two inside the 8-meter. Coach rolls out a ground ball—players battle 2v2 to gain possession and score or clear. Once the play ends (goal, turnover, or out of bounds), a new ball is immediately rolled in from a different spot to keep players reacting and communicating. Each group plays three balls in a row before rotating out. Emphasize body positioning, running through the ball, and quick transitions from ground ball to offense or defense. Keep pace fast and intensity high.
1 v 1 in Box
Create a 10 x 10 box. One player with the ball in on offense, and tries to get past the other player to the other side of the box. This can be done with the defender with a stick or without.
Muddle Drill
Drill Description This is a competitive 5v5 drill focused on winning ground balls inside the 8 meter and transitioning quickly to offense or defense. Five attackers and five defenders start inside the 8 meter. The coach moves around the outside of the 12 meter and behind the goal with a ball, and players may not look at the coach. The coach rolls a ground ball into the 8 meter to start play. If the offense gains possession, they immediately attack the cage and try to score. If the defense gains possession, they must clear the ball with control to the 50 yard line. Scoring: -Attack scores a goal = 1 point -Attack forces a turnover on the ride = 2 points -Defense clears successfully to the 50 = 1 point -Defense completes two passes during the clear = 2 points
Cone Smashers
Setup: Coach sets up several flat cone patterns mimicking right- and left-handed face dodges. Divide players into groups of 2–3 per cone set. Each player has a stick; balls optional. Execution: - Players start at the first cone and move through the footwork pattern, “smashing” each cone with their stick or foot. - After completing the pattern, the next teammate goes immediately. Run as a relay race to see which group finishes first. - Continue until all players complete the set. Coaching Points: - Emphasize low, balanced movements; proper foot placement; stick protection; and quick transitions. Each cone should be clearly smashed to reinforce correct mechanics. Variations: - Switch top hand on the stick. - Add a ball and finish with a shot. - Change dodge types (split dodge, roll dodge, etc.) to mix footwork patterns.
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.