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.
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Numbers
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.
Blind Man's Bluff
The coach selects a random mix of offensive and defensive players. Anything from 3v3 to 4v2 or even 3v5 to simulate unsettled play. Players walk around with their eyes closed while the coach moves them, ensuring they’re randomly spread across the field. On the coach’s signal—“STOP!”—players freeze, keeping their eyes closed. The coach rolls out a ball and yells “Ball down!”. Players open their eyes and immediately play out the situation, attacking or defending based on their numbers. The focus is on loud, clear communication, proper spacing, and quick reads. Offense practices moving without the ball and exploiting openings, while defense adjusts formations and anticipates passes on the fly.
Circle GBs
Players form a circle around the draw circle or any marked circle. On the whistle, the coach rolls a ground ball into the center. Two players run in, compete for the ball, and play a live 1v1. The focus is on reaction, winning possession, and ball protection. Variations: - Running through the ground ball and escaping the circle - Securing the ball and making a pass to a player on the outside. - Coaches can change spacing, number of players, or the escape option.
Hidey Hoe
Hidey hoe drill 2 lines up the numbers on each side of the net 2v2 GB to goal or whistle Losing team gets a pass from coach adds a player goes 3v2 play to whistle or goal Opposite team gets a pass to a new player makes it a 3v3 to whistle or goal Coach chooses a team to have the ball aplay 4v4 to whistle or goal Repeat
Crazy 8's
Build sport-specific cardiovascular fitness through pyramid sprints with built-in recovery. Sprint 10 yds (midfield to wing line) / Rest 10 sec Sprint 20 yds (wing to wing) / Rest 20 sec Sprint 30 yds (wing to restraining box) / Rest 30 sec Sprint 40 yds (box to box) / Rest 40 sec Sprint 60 yds (box to goal line) / Rest 60 sec Sprint 80 yds (goal line to goal line) / Rest 80 sec Sprint 95 yds (goal line to end line) / Rest 95 sec Sprint 110 yds (end line to end line) / Done Variation: Add a ground ball to each sprint or start from a push-up position.
Continuous Crease Roll and Top 8M Defense
Drill Description This is a fast-paced defensive drill that gives defenders repeated reps defending crease rolls and 1v1s from the top of the 8M. Balls are placed behind the GLE and at the top of the 12M, with attacker lines at both locations. One defender lines up on the GLE at the hash next to the crease. The attacker behind the GLE goes first and chooses which side to roll. As soon as a shot is taken or the ball becomes dead, the attacker at the top of the 12M is immediately released. The defender must recover quickly, approach with shooting space awareness, slow the attacker, and force her outside. The drill runs continuously at a high tempo.
Man-Ball
Teach team ground ball fundamentals and man-ball communication. Set up 3 defensive lines and 2 offensive lines on the sideline, all facing midfield. Coach rolls a ball into the midfield area. On the whistle, players sprint to the ball. Within 3 yards, players call "man" (check the opponent away) or "ball" (go for the pickup). After one team gains possession, complete 1 pass before returning the ball to the coach. Variation: Have players start on their stomachs or facing away from the ball to force them to locate it on the turn.
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.