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.
Lob and Dodge
Develop defensive footwork and approach on a live dodger. Coach throws a lob pass to one of 4 offensive players. As the catch is made, the defender comes out to address the ball and works to prevent the dodge and shot. Variation: Add an outlet pass option for the dodger. Attack from multiple locations.
1v1 Draws Drill
1v1 Draws Drill Setup: – Two lines of players line up on the draw circle, just like in a real game draw. – Coach stands in the center with the balls and will blow the whistle and toss the ball up at the start of each rep. How it Works: – On the coach’s toss, both players react and battle to gain possession. – Focus on clean stick control, quick reaction, and body positioning. – After several reps, move into elimination format The player who wins the draw stays in and goes to the back of the line, while the player who loses is out. – Continue until one player remains as the overall winner. Focus: – Fast hands and anticipation – Strong stance and body positioning – Competing for 50/50 balls – Quick transition to control after gaining possession
Medley Shooting Drill
Set up a shooter with a coach feeding from multiple angles. Start with a time-and-room shot, then drive down the alley for a run shot. Next, perform a split dodge across the middle and shoot to your strong side. Finish with a cut, receiving a feed from the coach. Emphasize catching with soft hands, keeping your base set, minimal cradle, proper follow-through, and using both hands. Repeat to build consistent shooting under game-like conditions.
Post Up 1v1
Work on attacking with your back to the cage in a 1v1 setup. Start with the ball entering the 8-meter; the player posts up using elbows, body, and footwork to shield the defender and create space. Incorporate jab steps, body fakes, and shoulder fakes to initiate contact and open shot opportunities. As skills progress, add the four perimeter players for full 5v5 simulation, emphasizing vision, timing, and decision-making under a shot clock.