Handling Defensive Pressure
Teach players to handle defensive pressure, work for the ball, and create turnovers under time constraints. 6v6 in the attack zone. Offense holds possession for 6 minutes without leaving the box. After 45 seconds, add a 7th defender and work to double-team the ball. Variation: Shrink the zone with cones, remove offensive players, or use the goalie to double behind the cage.
Use this drill in your practice plan
Add "Handling Defensive Pressure" to a drag-and-drop practice plan, customize timing, and export as PDF — free.
Start Planning — It's FreeRelated Drills
Back to Back Goals
Description This is a high-tempo 3v3 live play drill focused on communication, conditioning, and game-like decision-making. Teams must clear to the opposite restraining before attacking the cage Setup -3 field players per team -Two goals set up back to back between restraining lines -Drill starts with a ground ball in the middle. -The team that gains possession chooses their scoring goal by clearing toward a restraining line. -Every offensive player must touch the restraining line with a foot before becoming involved in forward play -The ball does not need to touch the sideline and may move freely -Play live with substitutions on the fly
6v6
This drill sets up six offensive players vs six defenders in a live, game-speed scenario. The goal is to replicate realistic in-game conditions and build both team offense and team defense cohesiveness. Coaches can stop play to highlight teaching points, or let it run for extended possessions to mimic live gameplay. Optional: Keep score for a fun competition to finish practice.
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.
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
1 v 1 in Box
Create a 10 x 10 box. One player with the ball in on offense, and tries to get past the other player to the other side of the box. This can be done with the defender with a stick or without.
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.
Zig Zag Dodge Drill
Set up two cones: one downhill, one near goal line extended. Players perform a split dodge at the first cone, then a zigzag dodge at the second, simulating live game action. After the second dodge, make a pass to the backside and cut for a shot. Focus on footwork, timing, and maintaining game-like intensity. Reps should emphasize smooth transitions, realistic angles, and quick decision-making under pressure.
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.