Open
Two offensive players are stationed up top and move the ball back and forth to start the rep. As the ball is moved, defenders below the play shift, communicate, and adjust their positioning around the crease with light pressure, focusing on sticks in lanes and maintaining shape. The drill emphasizes off-ball awareness, defensive communication, and reacting to ball movement without live contact.
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Goals back to back
Set two goals back to back and run the drill with players attacking and defending on both sides simultaneously. The ball is moved quickly between reps, forcing defenders and goalies to reset, communicate, and adjust their positioning as play flips from one cage to the other. Emphasize awareness, quick transitions, and staying organized while tired.
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.
Split field 2 v 2
Work together in a pair mirroring each other. Field is cut in half down the middle. 2v2 until someone scores. Mirror ball carrier. Set picks and roll. Play together.
3v3 Drill
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) against three defenders (Player 4–6) in the attack zone. Coach starts with a ground ball or pass to offense. Offense works quick passes, sharp cuts, and stick skills to find shooting lanes. Defenders communicate, maintain positioning, and contest shots. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Rotate players frequently to keep everyone involved.
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.
Split and Roll Dodge
Teach players to chain dodges together — split dodge into a roll dodge, finishing with a shot. Players line up at the top of the box with balls. Set up 3 cones: one in the middle of the box (5 yards in), and one to each side (5 yards down and over). Players drive in, split dodge at the first cone, go right or left, roll inside at the second cone, and drive for a shot. Variation: Move cone locations. Add defenders at the cones for pressure.
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.
Box reverse
Develop clearing skills and field reversal. 3 defenders start in front of the crease, goalie in cage with the ball. On "Clear," players break out — 2 to one side, 1 to the other. Goalie clears high to the first player, who reverses to the low wing then sprints to the opposite low corner. Low wing swings to the goalie, who clears opposite high. That player throws down to the low wing (who came from the opposite high post), reverses to the goalie, who delivers a final pass to the top opposite corner. Variation: Add a ride to pressure the clears.