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.
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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!
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.
4 Corner Motion Drill
- Set up lines in each corner of the 8-meter. Start with the ball in a top corner. - The top player dodges tries to dodge, then passes to the low girl on her side. - The low girl catches with her outside hand and quickly passes across to the opposite low girl. - That player hits the same side high girl cutting to cage for a shot. - Emphasize quick ball movement, accurate passing, and timing the cut so the pass meets the cutter in stride. Rotate after each rep so everyone gets reps at each spot.
Zig Zag Dodge Drill
Set up two cones: one downhill, one near goal line extended. Players perform a split dodge at the first cone, then a zigzag dodge at the second, simulating live game action. After the second dodge, make a pass to the backside and cut for a shot. Focus on footwork, timing, and maintaining game-like intensity. Reps should emphasize smooth transitions, realistic angles, and quick decision-making under pressure.
5v5
Work 5v5 situations in the half field. 5 offensive players vs 5 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Defense clears all saves or takeaways out of the box. Add passing requirements or other skill constraints.
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.