Improve clearing and pushing the ball upfield quickly. 2 goalies (or 1 goalie and 1 coach) in the cage. Two lines on each side, about 3 yards behind GLE. On "Clear," the near player breaks to the wing on a banana cut while the wide player breaks upfield. Goalie clears to the wing; that player pushes the ball ahead to the player breaking downfield. Players return to opposite lines. Run both sides. Variation: Add a ride to pressure the clears.
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Clearing Relay
Players line up in all four corners of the box with goalies at both sides in between the lines . At the same time, players to the left of each goalie sprint upfield and receive an outlet pass from the goalie over the shoulder and sprint through the other side and get in line. Drill moves continuously with goalies throwing back and forth. Emphasize catching on the run, crisp outlet passes, quick ball movement, and catching over the shoulder..
Overs with Rollaway
Over passes with a partner. Each partner will catch the over pass then roll away from pressure, change hands (optional, but encouraged) and throw an over pass.
Weave
There are three lines of players (A, B and C) at the fifty yard-line facing the goal. The middle line (line B) is supplied with all of the balls. The first players in each line start down the field, the middle line cradling the ball. Player B passes the ball to his left to player C, and runs behind him to take his place at the left wing position. When player C receives the ball, he crosses the field to pass to player A, then runs behind him to take the right wing position. When player A receives the ball, he crosses the field and passes to player B, then runs behind him to take his position, and player B crosses again to pass to player C.
Keep Away 3v2
Improve clearing under pressure in tight spaces behind the goal. Goalie on the end line with 2 defensemen. 2 attackmen start 5 yards above the end line. Goalie and defense play keep-away by moving the ball quickly. Attack tries to gain possession or force the ball out of bounds. Players cannot cross GLE. Variation: Set a time limit for possession. Add a third rider or remove a clearing player. If attack gains possession, play 2v2 to goal.
Cross Crease Shooting
Improve shooting technique and accuracy on cross-crease feeds. 2 lines facing each other, 6-8 yards above GLE. Line 1 passes to Line 2. The receiver steps into the middle and shoots. Then Line 2 passes back to Line 1 for their shot. Cycle until all balls are gone. Shoot with the outside hand. Players rotate to the line they passed to. Variation: Add a shadow defender. Allow all positions to shoot.
1v1v1 Four Square
- Break up the draw circle into 4 sections - One will be Ace, one will be King, Queen, and Jack - Have 3 players start in each section, subs will start at Jack. Ace is the top section - Coach will throw balls up and on the whistle go in a circle throwing each 1v1v1 a ball (imitating a draw circle) - Whoever wins, goes up a spot, and gets to pick someone to trade spots with. - Whoever wins in the Jack spot, moves up to Queen and picks someone to switch with, and then 2 new players sub on for the 2 that lost. - If you win in the Ace position, you just stay there!
One-Handed Swat the Fly
Start with a wide base and engage your core. Throw the ball into the net as hard as possible using only one hand, generating power from your legs, hips, and shoulders, not your wrist. Follow through toward your target, keeping the stick head open and using your back leg for balance. Activate forearms and wrists to guide the shot, not to add power. Repeat 10 throws per hand, then progress to one and two handed SWAT-the-Fly drills to transition to game like shooting
Double Team Drill
Drill Description Defenders run in a continuous circle around the cage while attackers run in the opposite direction on the outside. On the whistle, the coach rolls a ground ball into space. The closest attacker breaks to pick up the ball while the two closest defenders immediately double. The offense must move the ball quickly to find the open player and create a scoring opportunity. The defense focuses on applying an aggressive double team, forcing a turnover, or recovering quickly to a settled defensive position if the double is broken. Player numbers can be adjusted to 7v7, 6v6, or 5v5 depending on focus and available numbers. Coaching Focus Points: -Urgent ground ball pickup under pressure -Smart spacing and quick ball movement -Communication to identify the open attacker -Proper double team angles and timing -Defensive recovery to a settled formation -Composure and decision-making in chaos