Develop clearing passes from the goalie through all levels of the field. Goalie starts with a ball. Outlet pass to the defenseman breaking up the left side. Defender passes to M1 breaking back to the ball. M1 turns and finds M2 breaking on the opposite side. M2 catches, turns, and feeds the attackman in the corner. Attackman turns into the middle for a 10-yard shot. Drill restarts after a save or reset. Variation: Set up multiple goals and run several groups. Allow the defender to play the ball after making the initial outlet.
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Clearing Relay
Players line up in all four corners of the box with goalies at both sides in between the lines . At the same time, players to the left of each goalie sprint upfield and receive an outlet pass from the goalie over the shoulder and sprint through the other side and get in line. Drill moves continuously with goalies throwing back and forth. Emphasize catching on the run, crisp outlet passes, quick ball movement, and catching over the shoulder..
Save To Clear Warm Up
Warm up the goalie's save-to-clear transition. Goalie in the cage. Coach shoots from about 10 yards. 2 players or coaches roam between midfield and the attack zone. Goalie makes the save, then immediately clears long to one of the targets. Alternate clearing targets each rep. Move targets around to vary clearing distances. Variation: Change shot locations. Add targets like trash cans in the midfield for the goalie to hit.
Goalie Warm up
Have goalie receive shots on goal and clears
Keep Away 3v2
Improve clearing under pressure in tight spaces behind the goal. Goalie on the end line with 2 defensemen. 2 attackmen start 5 yards above the end line. Goalie and defense play keep-away by moving the ball quickly. Attack tries to gain possession or force the ball out of bounds. Players cannot cross GLE. Variation: Set a time limit for possession. Add a third rider or remove a clearing player. If attack gains possession, play 2v2 to goal.
Zig Zag Approach Drill
Set up three large triangles and two small triangles with cones on the field. Players line up at the start of each triangle. Drill moves in a zigzag pattern: approach an offensive player in athletic stance with stick extended, take away one side, then backpedal short as if the attacker dodges, and break to the next cone at full speed. Long approaches use extended steps, short approaches use quick, choppy steps. Focus on balance, positioning, and reacting to the offensive player.
Man-Ball
Teach team ground ball fundamentals and man-ball communication. Set up 3 defensive lines and 2 offensive lines on the sideline, all facing midfield. Coach rolls a ball into the midfield area. On the whistle, players sprint to the ball. Within 3 yards, players call "man" (check the opponent away) or "ball" (go for the pickup). After one team gains possession, complete 1 pass before returning the ball to the coach. Variation: Have players start on their stomachs or facing away from the ball to force them to locate it on the turn.
Three Wide Offensive Drill
3-line setup along restraining line. Player 1 throws ball toward endline, sprints to scoop ground ball, makes big turn. Player 2 vacates crease as outlet, receives pass. Player 3 makes jab step then jump cut to vacated crease space. Player 2 feeds cutting player for shot. Sequence: ground ball → outlet pass → jump cut → feed → finish. Emphasizes ball movement, spacing, anticipation, finishing without goalie.
Umbrella Approaches
5-person drill: 4 offensive players on perimeter (varying distances), 1 off-ball defender in middle. Ball starts with D4, passes randomly to perimeter players. Defender makes approach, opponent executes double move at 75% speed, returns ball to D4. Defender recovers, creates ball-you-man triangle, prepares for next approach. Three different approach angles/distances. Ends with ground ball recovery and clear. Emphasizes off-ball positioning and recovery.