Fast Break Drill from Face-Off
Combine faceoff work with fast-break offense. Two middies come to the faceoff X, each with a ball. One ball is used for the faceoff, the other placed to the side. Winner attacks with the first ball; loser grabs the second and attacks the opposite end. Both push 4v3 fast breaks. Next pair steps in and repeats. Variation: Add a defender at the box area who runs in after the faceoff to create a 4v4 if the break doesn't convert. Add wing players for full faceoff reps.
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Pinch and Pop to a Fast Break
Practice the pinch-and-pop faceoff move transitioning into a fast break. Set up at the midfield X. Faceoff player goes against a coach or soft defender who will lose the draw. 3 attack players set up in the zone for a fast break. On the whistle, win the pinch-and-pop, gain the ground ball, and push the fast break. Variation: Use different faceoff moves. Add trailing players to develop into a slow break or 6v6.
2v1 to the Cage
The drill starts with the coach throwing the ball in to initiate a 2v1 toward the cage. Cut the field in half and attack from a top corner. Keep it in tight. The two offensive players work to move the ball quickly and attack the net, while the defender focuses on playing the middle, having their stick up, communicating, and forcing a low-angle or outside shot.
Scramble
Develop transition skills in unsettled, man-advantage situations. Defense lines up outside the box at GLE. Offense is diagonal, 15 yards outside the box corner. Coach calls a number (2-6) — offense sends that many players, defense sends one fewer. Roll the ball to the offense to begin. Play to a shot, save, or clear. Variation: Send an extra defender after a set number of passes to transition from unsettled to settled.
Blind Man's Bluff
The coach selects a random mix of offensive and defensive players. Anything from 3v3 to 4v2 or even 3v5 to simulate unsettled play. Players walk around with their eyes closed while the coach moves them, ensuring they’re randomly spread across the field. On the coach’s signal—“STOP!”—players freeze, keeping their eyes closed. The coach rolls out a ball and yells “Ball down!”. Players open their eyes and immediately play out the situation, attacking or defending based on their numbers. The focus is on loud, clear communication, proper spacing, and quick reads. Offense practices moving without the ball and exploiting openings, while defense adjusts formations and anticipates passes on the fly.
One-Handed Shooting
Set players in a line with a feeder near the goal. Player A cuts along a designated lane, receiving a timed pass from the feeder while practicing quick footwork and cradle. They catch, absorb momentum, and execute a one-handed shot with proper rotation. After shooting, they rotate to the end or a recovery spot. Player B begins their cut as Player A finishes, creating continuous flow.
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.
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.
Beat Drill
Start 4v4 in the attack zone. Player 1 dodges from the top corner vs. Player 4 (defender trailing, already beat). Player 5 slides automatically to cover the throwback, while Player 6 (backside helper) supports as a second defender. After the first pass, on-ball defender recovers to the crease; dodger hits throwback, then passes to backside. Backside defender (Player 6) steps out for a quick 1v1. Add Player 7 at X and Player 8 on backside to progress.