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.
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2v1 Drill
Play 2v1 in the attack zone. Coach starts with a ground ball or pass. Offense works quick ball movement and stick handling to create scoring opportunities, while the defender practices positioning and slides. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Focus on decision-making under pressure.
Holman Drill
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) behind the goal with balls and two defensive players (Player 4–5) up top. On the whistle, Player 1–3 attack the 3v2. On a goal, save, or stoppage, the next two defenders (Player 6–7) enter with a ball to create a 4v3, while the first two defenders stay. Offense rotates out and three new players enter to start a new 3v2. Continue rotations, switching players from bottom to top every 4–5 minutes.
3v2 to 4v3
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) behind the goal with balls and two defensive players (Player 4–5) up top. On the whistle, Player 1–3 attack the 3v2. On a goal, save, or stoppage, the next two defenders (Player 6–7) enter with a ball to create a 4v3, while the first two defenders stay. Offense rotates out and three new players enter to start a new 3v2. Continue rotations, switching players from bottom to top every 4–5 minutes.
Give-and-Go
There are three lines at the 50 yard-line: two at center, and one a wing position. One of the lines in the center is for defensemen, the other center line starts with the ball. The first player in the defense line comes out to about 10 yards in front of the first player in the ball line. The players start down the field toward the goal, and the defender attempts to check the center's stick and to slow him down by body checking. Once the defender has been drawn closely to the player with the ball, and the center senses he's in trouble, he will pass it to the wing. The defense sprints to defend the wing, and when he has been drawn away, the wing will pass it back to center who has sprinted ahead for the goal.
Off-Ball QB
Two defenders start live. Two additional players simulate offense at 50 percent speed. Player A begins with the ball up top. Player B sets an on ball pick on Player C’s defender. The off ball defender, Player D, is responsible for all communication. They must loudly call: “Pick right” or “Pick left” | “Switch” or “Through” The on ball defender reacts based on that call. After the pick action, the offense rolls away from pressure and moves the ball to the opposite side. The drill immediately repeats with the same communication rules. Once the rep ends: - Offense rotates to defense - Two new offensive players step in from the line Coaching Points - Communication must be early, loud, and decisive - The call always comes from the off ball defender
Slow Break Trailer Shooting
Develop slow-break offense with an emphasis on finding trailing players cutting to the point for open shots. Balls start at 2 low cones. Those players dodge at GLE, looking to throw back or roll back. Two lines up top drift into the box, cut down on the slow break, catch the feed, and finish. Rotate to a different line each rep. Variation: Change dodge and slow-break locations. Add defenders to work on cutting and getting free.
Multiple Cutters
Using half the 8, mark 3 zones with cones (one near the second hash, one below the elbow). Place 3 defenders, one per zone, and 4–5 attackers cutting in and out. On the opposite side, posts pass and look for feeds (not live, no defense). Attackers must exit a different zone than they entered, forcing defenders to pass off cutters. When the ball is fed inside, defenders must crash.
Post Up 1v1
Work on attacking with your back to the cage in a 1v1 setup. Start with the ball entering the 8-meter; the player posts up using elbows, body, and footwork to shield the defender and create space. Incorporate jab steps, body fakes, and shoulder fakes to initiate contact and open shot opportunities. As skills progress, add the four perimeter players for full 5v5 simulation, emphasizing vision, timing, and decision-making under a shot clock.