Ground Ball Hog
Musical chairs with lacrosse balls. 16 players, 15 balls scattered on field. Players scramble for balls, those without sit out. Remove 2-3 balls each round to accelerate pace. Last player standing wins. 10-15 minute duration. Hidden conditioning benefit - players don't realize cardio workout. Emphasizes hustle, ground ball skills, competitive spirit. Rules: no slashing/hacking. Ends practice on high energy note with maximum engagement. Drill @ 2:16 in Video.
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A ball is placed at midfield and the players are divided into two teams. Each team spreads out along opposing lines about 25 yards away from the ball (or around the circle). Each player has a number and the numbers on one team coincide with those on the other. The coach calls a number and the two players who have those numbers sprint for the ball in the center. The player who picks up the ball must then cradle and cross his own line when a point is scored. Keep score for a fun end of practice game for youth teams!
2v2 Circle Ground Ball to Outlet
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Musical GBs
Ground ball drill inspired by musical chairs. Set up a number of ground balls in a circle or scattered across the field, with one fewer ball than players. Players move or jog around the balls while the coach blows the whistle or plays music. When the whistle sounds, each player races to secure a ground ball. The player who does not secure a ball is either rotated out for the next round or performs a small conditioning task. Variations can include limiting players to certain stick hands, adding a pass once possession is gained, or forcing players to scoop and exit a marked area.
King of the Hill
Two players start butt-to-butt with a ball placed between them. On the whistle, both players compete to gain possession of the ball. The player who secures it can either maintain possession or try to exit a marked area, while the other resets for the next round. Variations include setting a time limit to secure the ball and making it a tournament competition.
5v4 Fast Break with Trailing Middie
- Can have 7v6 as well with trail. - Setup with 3 middies on attack and 2 middies on defense coming in from the 50 with 2 attack and 2 defenders low (or 4 attack and 4 defenders low) - Add the 3rd defensive middie once the ball passes the 30. - Defense needs to slow down the ball and then get organized until they can get into a settled offense. - Offense needs to push the fast break before defense can get settled. - Switch out the low girls every 3-4 reps.
Keep Away 5v4
Improve ball movement in tight spaces under pressure. Midfielders play keep-away against defensive midfielders in a confined area between cones (10 yards inside the restraining line) and the restraining line. Start 5v4 with the clearing team up. Variation: Set a possession time limit. Add or remove a player after time expires. If the riding team gains possession, play it out to goal as a 4v5.
Pass and Pick Away
Teach pass-and-pick-away to create space and scoring opportunities. Three lines at the top of the box — middle line has balls, outside lines do not. A soft defender or coach stands in front of each outside line. Middle player feeds to one side and runs to set a pick on the opposite side. That player uses the pick and drives to the feeder for a catch and shot. Next ball goes the opposite direction. Variation: Move starting locations. Add defenders for pressure.
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Practice riding long poles to the alley and forcing turnovers or long passes in transition. Defenders ride to the alley, forcing ball carriers into difficult long passes or turnovers. Variation: Send both defenders at once and allow long passes over the attack players. Great for teaching trap or adjusting rides.