Muddle Drill
Drill Description This is a competitive 5v5 drill focused on winning ground balls inside the 8 meter and transitioning quickly to offense or defense. Five attackers and five defenders start inside the 8 meter. The coach moves around the outside of the 12 meter and behind the goal with a ball, and players may not look at the coach. The coach rolls a ground ball into the 8 meter to start play. If the offense gains possession, they immediately attack the cage and try to score. If the defense gains possession, they must clear the ball with control to the 50 yard line. Scoring: -Attack scores a goal = 1 point -Attack forces a turnover on the ride = 2 points -Defense clears successfully to the 50 = 1 point -Defense completes two passes during the clear = 2 points
Use this drill in your practice plan
Add "Muddle Drill" to a drag-and-drop practice plan, customize timing, and export as PDF — free.
Start Planning — It's FreeRelated Drills
4v4 GB to a 5v4 or 5v5
- A line of attack/defense at the 30 - Start with a 4v4 ground ball from the GLE - If attack gets it, they clear to the 30 and one attacker adds to the drill from the attacking line creating at 5v4. - If defense gets it, they clear to the 30 and drop the ball, then one attack and one defense adds to drill creating a 5v5
2v1 Ground Balls
Set three lines 2 yards apart: two teammates on the outside lines, one defender in the middle line. Coach rolls a ball toward the middle. First teammate scoops the ball; second teammate positions between ball and defender, using body and stick to shield. Communicate and work together to win possession. Can vary angles or progress to a “go to goal” scenario.
3-2-1 Ground Balls
3 players line up on the line. The coach rolls out a ground ball from behind the 3 players. They fight for a 1v1v1 ground ball. The player who picks it up passes to the coach and is out. The remaining 2 players come back to the line and the coach rolls out a 1v1 ground ball. The player who picks it up passes to the coach and is out. Finally, the coach rolls out a solo GB to the last player to finish.
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
Pass and Pick Away
Teach pass-and-pick-away to create space and scoring opportunities. Three lines at the top of the box — middle line has balls, outside lines do not. A soft defender or coach stands in front of each outside line. Middle player feeds to one side and runs to set a pick on the opposite side. That player uses the pick and drives to the feeder for a catch and shot. Next ball goes the opposite direction. Variation: Move starting locations. Add defenders for pressure.
Funnel
Practice defensive positioning and holds when playing a ball carrier from up top, directing them down the alley. Defensive middies and dummy offensive middies line up outside the restraining line. On the whistle, the ball carrier drives toward the goal. The defender turns his hips, points feet to the sideline, and takes away the middle. Establish contact with a top-hand hold — top hand on the ball carrier's lead shoulder, bottom hand on lead hip, gloves only (no stick contact). If the dodger rolls back, maintain contact and stay topside, driving them down the alley into the slide.
5 ball inside shooting
working on players stepping down and shooting from all angles
Defensive Transition Retreat
Teach defensive players to retreat into the zone ahead of the ball and prevent fast breaks. Set up 4 cones above the attack zone (2 offense, 2 defense) and 2 cones off to the side (1 each). X1 and X2 attack from the top with the ball. D1 and D4 rush to slow the ball. D2 and D3 protect the middle, sliding to the ball or pass as needed. Defense focuses on retreating, slowing the break, and forcing an even-numbers situation. Play it out to a shot, goal, or clear. Variation: Change where the ball enters from — point or sides.