6v5
Work 6v5 situations in the half field. 6 offensive players vs 5 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 5 offensive players vs 6 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.
Use this drill in your practice plan
Add "6v5" 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.
Scrappin'
Scrappin is a high-energy starter drill that builds toughness, stick skills, and communication in tight spaces. Three offensive players face two defenders inside a cone box (~15 yards from goal). Coach rolls out three balls per rep. Players battle for ground balls, then offense looks to space out in a triangle and move the ball quickly for a finish. Defense works 2v3 with sticks in lanes, disrupting passes, and clearing outside the cones. Points: offense scores on goals, defense scores on clear
3-2 Read and Feed Offensive Drill
6-person drill simulating slide recovery window exploitation. Dodger attacks, forces slide from two defenders who exit drill. Creates 3v2: feeder receives pass, reads two remaining defenders. Three options based on defensive reaction: feed backside dive if defender guards ball, feed pop behind ball if defender takes backside, or wrap corner if defender gets caught between. Emphasizes quick decisions during defensive recovery gaps.
Out of Dodge
Improve defensive communication and sliding in a live 6v6 setting. 6 offensive players in a 1-4-1, 6 defenders plus a goalie. Offense passes the ball around. Coach calls out a defender's jersey number — that player sprints to the sideline and back. While he's gone, the ball carrier attacks the goal, forcing the remaining defense to slide and rotate. After a goal or turnover, repeat with a different player called out. Variation: Use different slide packages (crease, adjacent) against different sets (1-4-1, 1-3-2, 2-2-2).
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.
Half field 3v3 continuous
- break into 2 teams - there will be 3 lines of each team lined up at the 30 - the light team starts on attack and the dark team starts on defense in a 3v3 - if the light team scores or turns the ball over, the dark team clears to the 3 lines of dark on the 30, 3 light players re-defend. - Once cleared, the 3 dark defense goes out, the 3 new dark players are on offense and the light players that were just on offense are now on defense.
40 -40's
Build conditioning and sprint endurance using the 40-yard width of the attack zone. All players on one sideline of the attack zone. On the whistle, sprint 40 yards across. Rest 10-15 seconds between sprints. Repeat 10 times, then water and 2-minute rest. Complete 4 sets of 10. Variation: Add a ground ball at the start or a dodge move at the end of each sprint.