Players line up with the offense at the top of the field and the defense on the sides. The coach calls out a set of numbers, such as “43,” where the first number is offensive players and the second number is defensive players. That many players sprint in to compete for the ball and play a live possession, e.g., 43 - 4v3, 55 - 5v5, 32 - 3v2. Variations can adjust the number combinations to create even or uneven matchups.
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West Genny
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) vs. two defenders (Player 4–5) on a short field with a net at each end (sideline-to-sideline OR box-to-box OR similar distance). Play 3v2 until a goal or turnover. The last offensive player to touch the ball rotates out; remaining offense switches to defense and runs back into the hole to defend their net. The goalie clears a new ball to 3 new offensive players pushing down in a 3v2. End practice on a high note and keep score for fun!
Hot Rock
Set up a 20x20 yard box with three offensive players against two defenders. Offense moves and passes within the box, working to keep control of the ball. Defenders work together. One covers the ball, while the other splits the remaining two offensive players to disrupt passing lanes. Play continues as offense tries to maintain possession, and defense tries to create turnovers. Multiple boxes can run simultaneously so all players get turns on offense and defense. Encourage crisp ball movement, smart spacing, and clear communication. Offense should recognize overloads and exploit them, while defense practices teamwork and anticipation. Variations include awarding points for four consecutive passes by offense or interceptions/possession gains by defense to make the drill competitive. Adjust box size or numbers to challenge players further.
Short Field
Move the nets up to create a pretty small, tight field to play up and down. This will be a live 4v4 back and forth. Focus on 2 man games and playing fast and tight. Keep score for a fun competition to boost energy at practice or finish for sprints.
1v1 Build-Up
- Start with a 1v1 to cage. - Add 1 attacker (2v1) - Add 1 defender (2v2) - Add 1 attacker (3v2) - Add 1 defender (3v3)
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.
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
Rock and Roll from X Dodge
Practice dodging around X and transitioning from one side of the crease to the other. Players line up at X with balls. Set a cone on GLE (left side, 3 yards off crease) and another on the opposite side (5 yards above GLE, 3 yards off crease). Attack the first cone, touch it, drive back behind the crease, sprint to the second cone, inside roll, and finish. Go rapid fire. Switch sides halfway through. Variation: Move cone locations. Add defenders at the cones.
5 Yard Scoop
Teach the fundamentals of ground ball pickups through repetitive scoops. Players line up on the end line, each with a ball. First whistle: roll the ball 5 yards out. Second whistle: sprint to the ball and get into scoop position over it — freeze. Third whistle: scoop through and sprint to the next line. Repeat down the field or back and forth between cones. Variation: After freezing over the ball, kick it out or pull it back with the foot to practice creativity under pressure. Work along the sideline to practice scooping with your back to pressure.