Improve passing and catching on the run using both hands, with an emphasis on over-the-shoulder catching and quick hand switches. Similar to the Star Drill. Use 2-3 balls with advanced players. Run in both directions to work both hands. Focus on cross-handed catching (over the shoulder), quick hand switches, and fast passes. Start with ground balls, then progress to passes. Variation: Add more balls for constant involvement. Adjust the distance between lines to change pass length and drill speed.
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Partner Passing
Players line up 10 yards apart and work with a partner, moving through a series of passing progressions to develop stick skills. The progression includes: - One-handed passes, right hand - One-handed passes, left hand - Two-handed passes, right hand - Two-handed passes, left hand - Cross-armed passes, right hand - Cross-armed passes, left hand - Catch right, throw left - Catch left, throw right Continue to add or remove progressions as necessary based on skill level.
Partner Passing on the Run
Split into pairs. Players will partner pass to the cone and then back. Focusing on passing and catching while moving.
Triangle Passing
Setup: Set up 4 cones in a square (10–12 yards apart). Groups of 3 players per square, one ball per group. One cone stays open. How it Works: The player with the ball passes to the teammate cutting out from her cone. The player who didn’t pass or catch cuts into the middle, then out to the open cone. The next pass leads her to that open cone. Keep the ball and players moving in rhythm. After several rounds, switch hands and repeat in the opposite direction. Focus: - Lead passes to moving targets - Clean stickwork and timing of cuts - Communication between passers and cutters - Quick feet and balanced movement
Line Drills
Two lines face each other, the player at the head of one line has the ball. The first two players in each line run towards each other and the player with the ball passes to the other. When the ball is received, the next player in the first line comes out and the ball is passed again. After each player's turn is finished, they run to the end of the line to which they threw. Variations: Add defense. After a player passes the ball, he immediately plays defense against the person he threw to. - Underhand throws. - Ground balls - Left-handed - Make more than one set of lines doing the drill with 6 players to a set.
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.
Crease Scramble 3v2
Three offensive players and two defenders start at the top of the box. On the coach’s whistle, all five players sprint toward the crease and touch it, simulating a transition or fast-break scenario. Immediately after, the coach rolls a ball into play, creating a 3v2 ground ball situation. Offense must gain possession and attack, emphasizing proper spacing, timing, and finishing under pressure. Defenders focus on communication and rotations.
Musical GBs
Ground ball drill inspired by musical chairs. Set up a number of ground balls in a circle or scattered across the field, with one fewer ball than players. Players move or jog around the balls while the coach blows the whistle or plays music. When the whistle sounds, each player races to secure a ground ball. The player who does not secure a ball is either rotated out for the next round or performs a small conditioning task. Variations can include limiting players to certain stick hands, adding a pass once possession is gained, or forcing players to scoop and exit a marked area.
3v2 to 2v1
Goalie starts with a ball in the crease and passes to three offensive players (Player 1–3) at half field. Offense attacks a 3v2 against two defenders (Player 4–5). The last offensive player to touch the ball rotates back to defend in a 2v1 vs. the defenders, while the other two rotate out to the D line. Goalie or recovered ground balls start the 2v1. After the 2v1, release three new offensive players to repeat.