Drill Description This drill simulates free position shooting from the 8 meter by running quick, consecutive reps. Attackers line up on the center hash and the two outside hashes, while defenders line up on the two inside hashes, and the 2 hanging hashes. One attacker goes at a time, taking an 8 meter shot while the 2 defenders on each side step crash to ball. Reps move continuously to keep the pace high and mimic game-like free position situations. Coaching Focus Points: -Explosive first step on the whistle - Keeping your stick between your shoulders -Defensive crashing to where they are going, not where they were.
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Ground Ball to Shoot
Player A1 starts with the ball and rolls it out to A4 for a ground ball scoop. A4 scoops the ball and immediately passes it back to A1. After passing, A4 cuts back-door toward the goal to receive a return pass from A1 and finishes with a catch-and-shoot. Focus on clean scoops, accurate passes, and timing the back-door cut to create a good shooting angle. Encourage awareness of defenders, proper stick placement, and quick decision-making. For a challenge, add a defender randomly from either line. With the defender, players can cross in front of the goal and flip or fake-flip the ball instead of making the second pass to simulate in-game adjustments.
Crease Fire Shooting
Setup - Place two feeders (A1, A2) near the top of the box, spaced about 10–15 yards apart. - Crease man (X) starts just behind or slightly to the side of the goal crease, stick in the “box area” near shoulder and head. - Use one goal with a goalie optional for warm-up; adjust spacing if needed for player skill level. Execution The two feeders (A1 and A2) must NOT be stationary. Stress game-like dodge and feeds. The crease man (X) should cut down on a tangent to goal to obtain the best angle at shooting on goal. He must not merely sweep across the front of the cage. Crease stick must be in the “box area” (near shoulder and head). Crease man should not catch and cradle the pass, but catch and shoot in a single motion. Coaching Points - Feeders must move and read the crease man, mimicking live dodge situations. - Crease man’s stick should stay high and tight to the shoulder for proper shot mechanics. - The pass should arrive just as the cutter hit
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.
Two Line Shooting
Improve shooting technique and accuracy from both sides. 2 lines at the top of the box with plenty of balls. Players make a dummy dodge and shoot overhand with the inside hand. Switch lines after each shot to alternate sides. Variation: Vary dodge types. Add a shadow defender. Switch to outside hands. Allow all positions.
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
Cover the Crease
Teach off-ball defensive positioning and recovery based on ball location. X1 starts with the ball and passes around the perimeter (X2, X3, X4). As the ball moves, the on-ball defender extends to cover the receiver while off-ball defenders recover inside to help guard X5 on the crease. Maintain man-you-ball triangle positioning at all times. Variation: Initially don't allow passes to X5 until recovery technique is mastered. Then open it up as a live 5v4 — offense scores if they move the ball fast enough to find X5.
Gone in 60 Seconds
GONE IN 60 SECONDS DRILL: Full field 3 Attackman on each side 3 Defenseman on each side Everyone is moving fast Ball will start as a GB in the middle of the field EVERY SUB IS MADE THROUGH THE SUB BOX 2 Middies closest to the box sub after their offensive possession Far side middies never sub We are up and down fast Objective is to clear fast and catch the opponent in an unsettled situation
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.