Develop offensive ground ball recognition and outlet passing. X1 rolls a ball to X4 for a ground ball scoop, then steps out as a shadow defender. As X4 scoops, X2 steps out and mirrors the side X4 turns to. X4 passes back to X2. Variation: Have the outlet player step to the opposite side of the defender.
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2v2 Circle Ground Ball to Outlet
Setup: -Split players into two teams -Each team forms 2 lines (alternating) outside the center circle -One coach stands outside the circle The coach rolls a ground ball into the center circle Two players from each team (one from each line) are released and enter the circle to play a 2v2. The team that picks up the gb is offense; the other team is defense. Offense must: Complete one pass to their teammate, then complete a pass to the coach to score a point. The ball becomes dead if it goes out of bounds. Rotate new players in after each rep Play to a set number of points or for a set time
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.
Single Line Ground Balls
Develop ground ball skills and outlet passing in a continuous flow. X1 rolls a ball to himself and scoops. X2 chases. X1 curls right or left and passes back to X3, who mirrors X1. X3 then rolls a ball for X2 to pick up. X2 passes to X3. Drill recycles with the next players — X3 starts his own ground ball. Variation: Have the outlet step opposite the defender. Increase defensive pressure as technique improves.
Scoop and Clear
Work ground balls in game-like situations with communication, possession, and transition to offense. Coach at the top of the box with balls. 2 lines of light jerseys behind the cage, 2 lines of dark jerseys. Coach rolls a ball out — first players from each line compete for the ground ball using man/ball communication. Team that wins goes on offense, other goes on defense. Play ends on a shot, save, or clear. Variation: Goalie clears all saves/goals to the defensive team for re-break reps. Coach yells "plus 1" to add players and build from 2v2 to 3v3.
10 Yard Sprints
Build short-sprint speed and change-of-direction quickness. Players line up on the sideline. Cones 10 yards from the boundary. Sprint line to line, 4 times in 12-15 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Variation: Hold a stick and shuffle instead of sprinting. Increase time to 15-18 seconds. Stay low throughout.
Continuous Crease Roll and Top 8M Defense
Drill Description This is a fast-paced defensive drill that gives defenders repeated reps defending crease rolls and 1v1s from the top of the 8M. Balls are placed behind the GLE and at the top of the 12M, with attacker lines at both locations. One defender lines up on the GLE at the hash next to the crease. The attacker behind the GLE goes first and chooses which side to roll. As soon as a shot is taken or the ball becomes dead, the attacker at the top of the 12M is immediately released. The defender must recover quickly, approach with shooting space awareness, slow the attacker, and force her outside. The drill runs continuously at a high tempo.
2v2 Drill
Set up two offensive players and two defenders in the attack zone. Coach starts with a pass to offense. Offense works quick passes and dodging to create shooting lanes. Defenders communicate, slide as needed, and force low-percentage shots. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Emphasize positioning, timing, and reading the defense.
Roast the Approach
Set two lines of offensive players: righties on one side, lefties on the other. First player starts with the ball on the inside facing an approaching defender. Pass out, read the defender’s angle, then attack down the alley or toward the middle for a quick, controlled shot. Next player rotates to become the defender. Drill flows continuously, emphasizing strong body positioning, stick protection, quick decision-making, and fast shot release under pressure.