Gladiator
Bucket goes in the middle of the crease. One player starts with the ball ~10 yards away from the bucket. One player starts on the crease. The player with the ball is trying to put the ball in the bucket while the other player is looking to prevent it. This should be competitive and physical.
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Diamond 1v1s
Set up cones in a diamond around half the field. Set up 1 cone and another cone 5-7 yards inside. Offensive and defensive players line up at each cone with balls. The defensive player starts on the outside, offensive player on the outside. On the whistle, players exchange, coach throws a ball to offensive player and offensive player dodges to the goal against defensive player. Focus on good approaches for defense and hard dodges & separation for offense.
Bump and Run Coverage
Set up the drill like a football pass play with an offensive player lined up across from a defender who does not have a stick. On the whistle, the offense makes one hard move and goes, while the defender bumps, runs, and stays tight in coverage to prevent the offensive player from catching an outlet pass from the coach.
Knock Down Drill
Two players or coaches are passing back and forth. The defensive line cuts through the pass at a 90 degree angle. They sprint to the cone and come back to the middle/crease leading with their stick to knock down the next pass.
Foot Work (Ladder)
2 in 2 out 1 in 1 out Icky shuffle Hop scotch One foot jumps
Crease breakout
Coach rolls Goalie the ball at crease, goalie scoops up and outlets to runner. As soon as pass is made, player comes from “bench” position and receives pass, goes in for a shot. Set players up above house. When player runs past goalie, coach rolls to goalie for scoop and outlet pass. -Coach needed at each net and near rag lines to pass L1/R1 ball if they miss or goalie flubs pass.
4v3
Work 4v3 situations in the half field. 4 offensive players vs 3 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 3 offensive players vs 4 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.
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.