Warm up the goalie's save-to-clear transition. Goalie in the cage. Coach shoots from about 10 yards. 2 players or coaches roam between midfield and the attack zone. Goalie makes the save, then immediately clears long to one of the targets. Alternate clearing targets each rep. Move targets around to vary clearing distances. Variation: Change shot locations. Add targets like trash cans in the midfield for the goalie to hit.
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Related Drills
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..
Goalie Clear Passes
Develop clearing passes from the goalie through all levels of the field. Goalie starts with a ball. Outlet pass to the defenseman breaking up the left side. Defender passes to M1 breaking back to the ball. M1 turns and finds M2 breaking on the opposite side. M2 catches, turns, and feeds the attackman in the corner. Attackman turns into the middle for a 10-yard shot. Drill restarts after a save or reset. Variation: Set up multiple goals and run several groups. Allow the defender to play the ball after making the initial outlet.
Goalie Warm up
Have goalie receive shots on goal and clears
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.
4v3
Work 4v3 situations in the half field. 4 offensive players vs 3 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 3 offensive players vs 4 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.
Scrappin'
Scrappin is a high-energy starter drill that builds toughness, stick skills, and communication in tight spaces. Three offensive players face two defenders inside a cone box (~15 yards from goal). Coach rolls out three balls per rep. Players battle for ground balls, then offense looks to space out in a triangle and move the ball quickly for a finish. Defense works 2v3 with sticks in lanes, disrupting passes, and clearing outside the cones. Points: offense scores on goals, defense scores on clear
6v5
Work 6v5 situations in the half field. 6 offensive players vs 5 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 5 offensive players vs 6 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.
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.