Teach defenders to scoop ground balls in the crease area and transition the ball upfield. 2 defensive lines behind the goal, 5 yards from GLE. 2 goalies in the cage. Coach at 15 yards with a bucket of balls. Coach shoots low, soft shots that deflect into the rebound zone. Defenders rush up, scoop the ground ball, break out to the wing, then turn and throw back to the goalie. The player breaks upfield and receives a clearing pass. Repeat. Variation: Add offensive pressure near the crease.
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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
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
3-2-1 Ground Balls
3 players line up on the line. The coach rolls out a ground ball from behind the 3 players. They fight for a 1v1v1 ground ball. The player who picks it up passes to the coach and is out. The remaining 2 players come back to the line and the coach rolls out a 1v1 ground ball. The player who picks it up passes to the coach and is out. Finally, the coach rolls out a solo GB to the last player to finish.
3-Man Ground Ball Drill
Set three players: Player 1, Player 2, and Player 3. Player 1 rolls a ball to Player 2, who scoops it cleanly. Player 2 immediately passes to Player 3, who looks to quickly move the ball back to Player 1 for a shot on goal. Emphasize proper ground ball technique and creating space. Rotate players to keep everyone active.
T-Drill
- setup 4 cones in a T shape - to start, sprint out to the cone in the middle and break down you feet like you are approaching an attacker - slide shuffle to one cone, left or right - sprint to the opposite cone and then sprint back for a ground ball
Grip it and Rip it
Develop goalie reactions to shots from multiple locations and distances. Goalie in the crease. A coach receives a pass from anywhere in the attack area and immediately shoots. Both passer and shooter move continuously. Farther shots should be harder; closer shots should emphasize placement. Work all save areas. Variation: Bounce shots. Rapid fire sequences. Goalie makes outlet passes after saves. Multiple passes between coaches before the shot. Up close, use fakes and non-traditional releases.
Gronk Dodging
Set up 2–3 cones 5–10 yards apart to simulate defenders. Catch the ball, square your shoulders to the defender, and engage them with your body. Use a Gronkowski-style dodge: lean into the defender, step off your drive foot to create space, then shoot on the run. Focus on body positioning, balance, and timing to maintain control and generate an open shot. Progress to multiple “defender” cones for live-action practice.
Skip Stopper
3-person drill: two offensive players positioned 10-15 yards apart on perimeter with limited movement space (3-4 yards each). One defender in middle attempts to disrupt skip passes between them. Offensive players can carry, look away, throw across body. Defender must pivot, maintain athletic stance, create ball-you-man triangle, get stick in lane. Continue 6-10 passes or until 3 interceptions/deflections, then rotate positions.