4v4 GB to a 5v4 or 5v5
- A line of attack/defense at the 30 - Start with a 4v4 ground ball from the GLE - If attack gets it, they clear to the 30 and one attacker adds to the drill from the attacking line creating at 5v4. - If defense gets it, they clear to the 30 and drop the ball, then one attack and one defense adds to drill creating a 5v5
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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
Crease Scramble 3v2
Three offensive players and two defenders start at the top of the box. On the coach’s whistle, all five players sprint toward the crease and touch it, simulating a transition or fast-break scenario. Immediately after, the coach rolls a ball into play, creating a 3v2 ground ball situation. Offense must gain possession and attack, emphasizing proper spacing, timing, and finishing under pressure. Defenders focus on communication and rotations.
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.
Diamond Sprints
Practice defensive footwork — drop steps, turns, and recovery movements. Set up 4 cones in a diamond, 5-10 yards apart. Start sideways at cone 1. Sprint at an angle to cone 2, drop step to cone 3, switch drop step direction to cone 4, then drive forward back to cone 1. Variation: Add a ground ball pickup on the final sprint.
Pick and Roll
Teach pick-and-roll mechanics in the offensive zone. Set up 4 cones — two up top, two on GLE about 10 yards out. Balls start low with X1, who drives up the lane toward a pick from X2. X2 stays still until X1 passes, then rolls to the goal looking for the feed. X1 keeps moving to create space for the pass. Both sides run simultaneously. Rotate players through each side. Variation: Change pick locations. Add limited defense to work on timing without disrupting flow.
2v2 Drill
Set up two offensive players and two defenders in the attack zone. Coach starts with a pass to offense. Offense works quick passes and dodging to create shooting lanes. Defenders communicate, slide as needed, and force low-percentage shots. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Emphasize positioning, timing, and reading the defense.
Perimeter Sprints
Set a team conditioning standard and challenge players to beat it. All players start at one corner of the field. On the whistle, run the full perimeter at a comfortable pace. Record the time. Short break, then challenge the team to beat it. Repeat as conditioning time allows. Variation: Have players cradle balls or run through obstacles around the field.