Improve ball movement and stick skills while avoiding contact with other players. 5 lines in a star shape, 30 yards apart diagonally. Start with one ground ball, then progress to multiple balls and passing. Pass to the player two lines away (#1 to #3, #3 to #5, #5 to #2, etc.). Players should be in constant motion with lots of communication — know who's giving you the ball and who you're throwing to before you receive it. 4 balls is the max for simultaneous motion. 2-4 players per line. Variation: Time how long your players can go without a drop.
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Partner Passing
Players line up 10 yards apart and work with a partner, moving through a series of passing progressions to develop stick skills. The progression includes: - One-handed passes, right hand - One-handed passes, left hand - Two-handed passes, right hand - Two-handed passes, left hand - Cross-armed passes, right hand - Cross-armed passes, left hand - Catch right, throw left - Catch left, throw right Continue to add or remove progressions as necessary based on skill level.
Partner Passing on the Run
Split into pairs. Players will partner pass to the cone and then back. Focusing on passing and catching while moving.
Triangle Passing
Setup: Set up 4 cones in a square (10–12 yards apart). Groups of 3 players per square, one ball per group. One cone stays open. How it Works: The player with the ball passes to the teammate cutting out from her cone. The player who didn’t pass or catch cuts into the middle, then out to the open cone. The next pass leads her to that open cone. Keep the ball and players moving in rhythm. After several rounds, switch hands and repeat in the opposite direction. Focus: - Lead passes to moving targets - Clean stickwork and timing of cuts - Communication between passers and cutters - Quick feet and balanced movement
Line Drills
Two lines face each other, the player at the head of one line has the ball. The first two players in each line run towards each other and the player with the ball passes to the other. When the ball is received, the next player in the first line comes out and the ball is passed again. After each player's turn is finished, they run to the end of the line to which they threw. Variations: Add defense. After a player passes the ball, he immediately plays defense against the person he threw to. - Underhand throws. - Ground balls - Left-handed - Make more than one set of lines doing the drill with 6 players to a set.
Hawk High
Work on defensive positioning and approach in the attack zone. Defenders line up on the bottom-left cone. At the coach's signal, sprint to the top cone and address the coach as if he were a dodger. Recover to the crease cone. Variation: Include attackmen and midfielders. Increase speed as players improve. Approach from both sides.
Muddle Drill
Drill Description This is a competitive 5v5 drill focused on winning ground balls inside the 8 meter and transitioning quickly to offense or defense. Five attackers and five defenders start inside the 8 meter. The coach moves around the outside of the 12 meter and behind the goal with a ball, and players may not look at the coach. The coach rolls a ground ball into the 8 meter to start play. If the offense gains possession, they immediately attack the cage and try to score. If the defense gains possession, they must clear the ball with control to the 50 yard line. Scoring: -Attack scores a goal = 1 point -Attack forces a turnover on the ride = 2 points -Defense clears successfully to the 50 = 1 point -Defense completes two passes during the clear = 2 points
5v5 off a draw half field
1 draw taker each team, 4 lined up on half circle and 4 down low for attack/defense
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.