Work 4v3 situations in the half field. 4 offensive players vs 3 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 3 offensive players vs 4 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.
Use this drill in your practice plan
Add "4v3" to a drag-and-drop practice plan, customize timing, and export as PDF — free.
Start Planning — It's FreeRelated Drills
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!
2v1 Ground Balls
Set three lines 2 yards apart: two teammates on the outside lines, one defender in the middle line. Coach rolls a ball toward the middle. First teammate scoops the ball; second teammate positions between ball and defender, using body and stick to shield. Communicate and work together to win possession. Can vary angles or progress to a “go to goal” scenario.
JHU
5 Lines of players are lined up along GLE (Lines in Order: Offense, Defense, Offense, Goal, Defense, Offense). A cone is placed 5 yards on the outside of the first and last offense lines, a cone is placed at the top of the box in front of the inner offense line (distance can vary on age and speed of drill). When whistle is blown, the outer offense and defense must run around the outside cones and drop into the whole of the field, the inner offense must run around the top cone and receive a ball to play to a goal or dead ball.
3v2 Sideways
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.
Box Passing
- Make a rectangle with 4 lines of players - Players will pass 1-2 balls around, working on catching with their outside hand. - Focus on leading passes.
1v1 Draws Drill
1v1 Draws Drill Setup: – Two lines of players line up on the draw circle, just like in a real game draw. – Coach stands in the center with the balls and will blow the whistle and toss the ball up at the start of each rep. How it Works: – On the coach’s toss, both players react and battle to gain possession. – Focus on clean stick control, quick reaction, and body positioning. – After several reps, move into elimination format The player who wins the draw stays in and goes to the back of the line, while the player who loses is out. – Continue until one player remains as the overall winner. Focus: – Fast hands and anticipation – Strong stance and body positioning – Competing for 50/50 balls – Quick transition to control after gaining possession
5 Yard Scoop
Teach the fundamentals of ground ball pickups through repetitive scoops. Players line up on the end line, each with a ball. First whistle: roll the ball 5 yards out. Second whistle: sprint to the ball and get into scoop position over it — freeze. Third whistle: scoop through and sprint to the next line. Repeat down the field or back and forth between cones. Variation: After freezing over the ball, kick it out or pull it back with the foot to practice creativity under pressure. Work along the sideline to practice scooping with your back to pressure.
Cadet drill
CADET DRILL WHITE TEAM WILL BE ON OFFENSE Blue and White middies will be in a line on the opposite restraining line. Starts with 3 Attack and 3 D poles off of a GB Play to a Shot, Save or Goal Goalies will clear the ball Ball will get to offensive middie at midfield O Middie will start a 4v3, 5v4 break Trailing defender (D mid) is released off the first pass This will repeat until we are 6v6 Then the drill will reset