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.
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Goalie Clear Passes
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.
2 D Breakout
2 defenders break out from the goal to the box/alleys. The goalie throws a pass to one defender and then they complete 2 over passes before passing to a third defender/midfielder near the midfield line at the opposite box.
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..
Overs with Rollaway
Over passes with a partner. Each partner will catch the over pass then roll away from pressure, change hands (optional, but encouraged) and throw an over pass.
Indian (ladder) run
a group exercise where participants jog in a single-file line, and the last person in line sprints to the front, repeating the process continuously.
Cone Smashers
Setup: Coach sets up several flat cone patterns mimicking right- and left-handed face dodges. Divide players into groups of 2–3 per cone set. Each player has a stick; balls optional. Execution: - Players start at the first cone and move through the footwork pattern, “smashing” each cone with their stick or foot. - After completing the pattern, the next teammate goes immediately. Run as a relay race to see which group finishes first. - Continue until all players complete the set. Coaching Points: - Emphasize low, balanced movements; proper foot placement; stick protection; and quick transitions. Each cone should be clearly smashed to reinforce correct mechanics. Variations: - Switch top hand on the stick. - Add a ball and finish with a shot. - Change dodge types (split dodge, roll dodge, etc.) to mix footwork patterns.
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.