Practice defending crease players against picks, cuts, and feeds. 2 offensive players on the crease vs 2 defenders. Perimeter players move the ball around looking to feed the crease. Defenders constantly adjust, staying between their man and the ball to deny feeds. Communication is key to covering picks and rolls. Variation: Have offense work pick/re-pick, high-low cuts, and pick-and-roll on the crease.
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3v3 Drill
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) against three defenders (Player 4–6) in the attack zone. Coach starts with a ground ball or pass to offense. Offense works quick passes, sharp cuts, and stick skills to find shooting lanes. Defenders communicate, maintain positioning, and contest shots. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Rotate players frequently to keep everyone involved.
2v2 Continuous Ground Ball Drill
Set up two teams of two inside the 8-meter. Coach rolls out a ground ball—players battle 2v2 to gain possession and score or clear. Once the play ends (goal, turnover, or out of bounds), a new ball is immediately rolled in from a different spot to keep players reacting and communicating. Each group plays three balls in a row before rotating out. Emphasize body positioning, running through the ball, and quick transitions from ground ball to offense or defense. Keep pace fast and intensity high.
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.
Handling Defensive Pressure
Teach players to handle defensive pressure, work for the ball, and create turnovers under time constraints. 6v6 in the attack zone. Offense holds possession for 6 minutes without leaving the box. After 45 seconds, add a 7th defender and work to double-team the ball. Variation: Shrink the zone with cones, remove offensive players, or use the goalie to double behind the cage.
Mirror footwork
Set up 2 lanes. Players look directly at each other. One player shuffles laterally, other player mirrors and stays square. Can also be done forward/backward.
X Dodge and Crease Picking
Practice dodges from X and crease player movement based on which side the ball comes from behind the goal. Ball starts with a player at X. The hand the ball carrier begins with tells the crease players he'll be dodging to the opposite hand and coming around the goal. Crease players position opposite and away from where the ball will be coming. Variation: Add pick and re-pick, or pick and roll for the crease. Can also run from the top of the diamond with crease players going low.
Bears drill
X1 receives pass from goalie then passes to X2 who is already ahead. X2 runs to Half boards (HB). X1 sets pick on invisible defender, opens looking for pass. X2 uses pick and cuts top, passes to X1 for a shot. **Run this with 2 lines at both ends** Evolution: have 2 lines out and a third line on the bench. When X2 passes center, X3 exits front doors and runs in, X2 passes to X3 for a shot. ***Second evolution: coach is in corner and passes to X1 for another shot at goal. Goalie is saving from both sides of court. Coach waits until X3 has released their shot. Goalies need to pay attention.
Riding Drill 2-1-3 V with Dead ball off Sideline
Improve riding after a dead ball on the sideline. Lock your players onto the clearing team's attack and midfield. Play a 3-man zone with your attack, splitting the goalie and defensemen. Overload the ball side and force long passes or throws into traffic. Variation: Strengthen the clear to practice forcing turnovers in live situations.