4v4 Split Drill
- Divide the field in half so there are two separate playing areas on one half of the field. Place a goal at each half field so each side has its own goal. - Create two teams, for example white and dark. On one side of the field place: - 4 white attackers - 4 dark defenders On the other side place: - 4 dark attackers - 4 white defenders - Players must remain on their assigned side for the entire drill. - Start the ball with the white attacking group. They play live 4v4 against the dark defenders and try to score. - If the offense scores or the defense creates a turnover, the defending team immediately works to clear the ball to their attacking teammates on the opposite side of the field. Once the clear reaches the opposite side, that group begins their own 4v4 possession. - Play continues back and forth between the two sides each time a goal is scored or a turnover occurs. Focus Points - Clearing and switching fields if you get stopped - Quick ball movement
Use this drill in your practice plan
Add "4v4 Split Drill" to a drag-and-drop practice plan, customize timing, and export as PDF — free.
Start Planning — It's FreeRelated Drills
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
Back to Back Goals
Description This is a high-tempo 3v3 live play drill focused on communication, conditioning, and game-like decision-making. Teams must clear to the opposite restraining before attacking the cage Setup -3 field players per team -Two goals set up back to back between restraining lines -Drill starts with a ground ball in the middle. -The team that gains possession chooses their scoring goal by clearing toward a restraining line. -Every offensive player must touch the restraining line with a foot before becoming involved in forward play -The ball does not need to touch the sideline and may move freely -Play live with substitutions on the fly
3v2 to a 4v3
- Split into 2 teams, 1 team has three lines low to start, the other team has 2 lines high to start (switch half way) - Ball starts with the 3 girls low and 2 girls are coming in from the top to play defense - Once the ball is scored or turned over, the 2 girls that were playing defense become offense, and 2 more girls are adding in to join on offense from the top - The 3 girls that started low on attack are now on defense to play a 4v3 - Reset with new girls starting the 3v2 low (or you can have the 2 girls that came in from top for the 4v3, start low)
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
Inside Pass and Pick Away
Practice pass-and-pick-away concepts inside the attack zone. Three lines — one at the point, two low and wide (resembling a 1-4-1). Point has the ball and feeds to a wing player, then drives in to set an inside pick for the off-ball player. That player times the pick and cuts off it for a feed from the opposite wing. Next group goes the opposite direction. Variation: Add defenders for added pressure and live reps.
Funnel
Practice defensive positioning and holds when playing a ball carrier from up top, directing them down the alley. Defensive middies and dummy offensive middies line up outside the restraining line. On the whistle, the ball carrier drives toward the goal. The defender turns his hips, points feet to the sideline, and takes away the middle. Establish contact with a top-hand hold — top hand on the ball carrier's lead shoulder, bottom hand on lead hip, gloves only (no stick contact). If the dodger rolls back, maintain contact and stay topside, driving them down the alley into the slide.
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.
Hogan Saint's
Develop feeding, cutting, and ball movement in the midfield. Players set up in a box (20-40 yards apart) with 2 designated feeders between the lines on each side. Balls start at a top corner. That player passes to the cutter from the adjacent line, who catches and does a give-and-go with the nearest feeder, then throws to the opposite corner. That corner starts it back the other way. Rapid fire — continuous motion. Variation: Adjust spacing for longer or shorter passes.