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.
3v2
2 defenders run from boards, round cone in center and touch rag line. Coach throws ball into one of 3 offence lines for 3v2. Offence should work on drawing defenders and setting picks from behind to allow ball carrier to run past and shoot.
4 on 4 Pressure
Force pressure as passes are made, then transition to a clear after every shot, goal, or save. 4v4 in the attack zone. Offense works the ball while defense pressures passes. After a shot, goal, or save, the goalie clears out and players break into transition. Variation: Go 4v3 or 3v4 to add or reduce pressure.
Gone in 60 Seconds
GONE IN 60 SECONDS DRILL: Full field 3 Attackman on each side 3 Defenseman on each side Everyone is moving fast Ball will start as a GB in the middle of the field EVERY SUB IS MADE THROUGH THE SUB BOX 2 Middies closest to the box sub after their offensive possession Far side middies never sub We are up and down fast Objective is to clear fast and catch the opponent in an unsettled situation
Swarm Drill
Set up 6 offensive players outside the crease moving clockwise and 6 defenders inside moving counterclockwise. Coach rolls or passes the ball to a random offensive player. Two defenders immediately converge to create a 2v1 on the ball. Offense must secure the ground ball, find outlets, and quickly move the ball. Defenders rotate to cover adjacent threats, emphasizing communication, quick reactions, and aggressive doubling.