Steal the Bacon
A ball is placed at midfield and the players are divided into two teams. Each team spreads out along opposing lines about 25 yards away from the ball (or around the circle). Each player has a number and the numbers on one team coincide with those on the other. The coach calls a number and the two players who have those numbers sprint for the ball in the center. The player who picks up the ball must then cradle and cross his own line when a point is scored. Keep score for a fun end of practice game for youth teams!
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2v2 Circle Ground Ball to Outlet
Setup: -Split players into two teams -Each team forms 2 lines (alternating) outside the center circle -One coach stands outside the circle The coach rolls a ground ball into the center circle Two players from each team (one from each line) are released and enter the circle to play a 2v2. The team that picks up the gb is offense; the other team is defense. Offense must: Complete one pass to their teammate, then complete a pass to the coach to score a point. The ball becomes dead if it goes out of bounds. Rotate new players in after each rep Play to a set number of points or for a set time
Musical GBs
Ground ball drill inspired by musical chairs. Set up a number of ground balls in a circle or scattered across the field, with one fewer ball than players. Players move or jog around the balls while the coach blows the whistle or plays music. When the whistle sounds, each player races to secure a ground ball. The player who does not secure a ball is either rotated out for the next round or performs a small conditioning task. Variations can include limiting players to certain stick hands, adding a pass once possession is gained, or forcing players to scoop and exit a marked area.
King of the Hill
Two players start butt-to-butt with a ball placed between them. On the whistle, both players compete to gain possession of the ball. The player who secures it can either maintain possession or try to exit a marked area, while the other resets for the next round. Variations include setting a time limit to secure the ball and making it a tournament competition.
Scoop and Clear
Work ground balls in game-like situations with communication, possession, and transition to offense. Coach at the top of the box with balls. 2 lines of light jerseys behind the cage, 2 lines of dark jerseys. Coach rolls a ball out — first players from each line compete for the ground ball using man/ball communication. Team that wins goes on offense, other goes on defense. Play ends on a shot, save, or clear. Variation: Goalie clears all saves/goals to the defensive team for re-break reps. Coach yells "plus 1" to add players and build from 2v2 to 3v3.
Perfect passing
This is an upgrade to the traditional shuttle line drill. This is an uptempo, energetic stick work drill. It is a timed drill that has 4-7 sequences. Set Up: Break into two groups of 5 or 6 players. Place 2 cones 10-15 yards apart: 10 yards to focus on short passes, 15 yards for longer passes. 1 player will stand at one cone with 5 balls, this cone is called the Post. The other 4/5 players will stand single file behind the other cone. Sequence #1 - All Right handed passes - Timing: 45 seconds to 1 minute. Post player starts with the ball - this player is working on precision passing and timing of the pass. The group cone has one play hard cut towards the post, catches with her right hand while running and throws back to Post while running. She then pivots, turns and hustles back to the end of the line. This is continuous for 45seconds to 1 min. When time is up, blow your whistle, switch the post player, do a ball retrieval for any missed passes and provide around 30 second
3v2 to 2v1
Goalie starts with a ball in the crease and passes to three offensive players (Player 1–3) at half field. Offense attacks a 3v2 against two defenders (Player 4–5). The last offensive player to touch the ball rotates back to defend in a 2v1 vs. the defenders, while the other two rotate out to the D line. Goalie or recovered ground balls start the 2v1. After the 2v1, release three new offensive players to repeat.
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.
40 -40's
Build conditioning and sprint endurance using the 40-yard width of the attack zone. All players on one sideline of the attack zone. On the whistle, sprint 40 yards across. Rest 10-15 seconds between sprints. Repeat 10 times, then water and 2-minute rest. Complete 4 sets of 10. Variation: Add a ground ball at the start or a dodge move at the end of each sprint.