Zig Zag Approach Drill
Set up three large triangles and two small triangles with cones on the field. Players line up at the start of each triangle. Drill moves in a zigzag pattern: approach an offensive player in athletic stance with stick extended, take away one side, then backpedal short as if the attacker dodges, and break to the next cone at full speed. Long approaches use extended steps, short approaches use quick, choppy steps. Focus on balance, positioning, and reacting to the offensive player.
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Simon Sez
3-person groups: one slide defender, two off-ball communicators. Slide defender positions relative to imaginary alley/corner dodge. Off-ball defenders call out specific terminology (pop, fill, sneak, crease) based on predetermined situations. Slide defender must react immediately to commands without verbal confirmation - reaction is the only proof he heard. Rotate positions every few reps. Focus: terminology, tone, volume, confidence.
Offense/Defense Split Template
Players divide into offensive and defensive groups on opposite sides of the field. Offense: INSERT DRILL HERE Defense: INSERT DRILL HERE ADD DESCRIPTION TO PLAN EXPORT to handle multiple drills in the same block.
Diamond 1v1s
Set up cones in a diamond around half the field. Set up 1 cone and another cone 5-7 yards inside. Offensive and defensive players line up at each cone with balls. The defensive player starts on the outside, offensive player on the outside. On the whistle, players exchange, coach throws a ball to offensive player and offensive player dodges to the goal against defensive player. Focus on good approaches for defense and hard dodges & separation for offense.
1 v 1 in Box
Create a 10 x 10 box. One player with the ball in on offense, and tries to get past the other player to the other side of the box. This can be done with the defender with a stick or without.
Side Ladder Clear
Develop a ladder clear, pushing the ball upfield through quick, connected passes. 2 goalies (or 1 goalie and 1 coach). Three lines on each side behind GLE. On "Clear," the first player breaks to the wing on a banana cut. Second player breaks up and cuts to the sideline near the top of the box. Third player sprints to midfield and cuts for a pass up the sideline. Ball moves goalie → wing → box → midfield. Players return to opposite lines. Variation: Adjust spacing between lines to change passing distances.
Meat Loaf Drill GB and Passes
Improve passing and catching on the run using both hands, with an emphasis on over-the-shoulder catching and quick hand switches. Similar to the Star Drill. Use 2-3 balls with advanced players. Run in both directions to work both hands. Focus on cross-handed catching (over the shoulder), quick hand switches, and fast passes. Start with ground balls, then progress to passes. Variation: Add more balls for constant involvement. Adjust the distance between lines to change pass length and drill speed.
Holman Drill
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) behind the goal with balls and two defensive players (Player 4–5) up top. On the whistle, Player 1–3 attack the 3v2. On a goal, save, or stoppage, the next two defenders (Player 6–7) enter with a ball to create a 4v3, while the first two defenders stay. Offense rotates out and three new players enter to start a new 3v2. Continue rotations, switching players from bottom to top every 4–5 minutes.
Roast the Approach
Set two lines of offensive players: righties on one side, lefties on the other. First player starts with the ball on the inside facing an approaching defender. Pass out, read the defender’s angle, then attack down the alley or toward the middle for a quick, controlled shot. Next player rotates to become the defender. Drill flows continuously, emphasizing strong body positioning, stick protection, quick decision-making, and fast shot release under pressure.