Field Hockey Drills And Practice Plans
Field Hockey Drillsand Practice PlansMaking you a better coach one practice at a time! 2006 All Rights Reserved
Table of ContentsHow to use this Guide3Ball Control Drills5Passing, Shooting and Attacking15Offense and Defense Drill and Tactics25Practice Plans35-2–Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
How to Use this GuideIntroduction – How to Use this book!Field Hockey coaches are constantly on thelookout for drills and skills that are going to maketheir players better. Further, being able to putthose drills together with a practice plan toreinforce those skills makes it all the moreeffective. That’s going to be the goal of thisguide.Practice makes perfectWe have all heard that saying, and it really istrue. Repetition of skills is the best way to getyour players to perform better. Knowing what todo when the opportunity presents itself is one ofthe hallmarks of a good player. The morepractice, the more inclined your players are to dothe right thing at the right time. Skilldevelopment in essential to having a good field hockey team.Practicing the drills included in this book are going to help your players continueto develop their playing habits and improve their overall skill level. We havedivided this book into three different skill areas that you can focus on: Ball Control DrillsPassing, Shooting and AttackingOffensive and Defensive drills and tacticsThe drills included in this book will range in skill / age level based on theirdifficulty. Some of the more advanced drills you certainly aren’t going to use forthe younger ages. Likewise, the more basic skills, like the basics of passing andshooting the ball, you aren’t going to be teaching those to your older, moreexperienced players.Each drill’s skill level will be denoted by the following symbols:Beginner:Intermediate:-3–Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
Advanced:Planning practicesAfter you have a few more drills under your belt, it is important to structure thosedrills into an effective practice. We will also include 25 different practice plans touse throughout a season. Each of these practice plans will be geared towards aspecific skill or set of skills and each will continue to build off one another.You don’t have to use all of the practice plans! We have included severaldifferent ones so you can choose the ones that work best for you and your team.As a coach, you will probably only choose the ones where your team needs themost attention. With our practice plans, you can simply print the ones you wantoff your computer and you will be ready to go!Ready to go!The first section of this book will be the various drills, divided into three separatesections. Then you will notice those drills included in the practice plans we haveprovided for you in the second half of the book.Once you have gone through this book, you will be armed with a number of greatdrills and an idea of how to implement them for your team! Then, you watch astheir skills get better and you become more confident as a coach!Best of luck!-4–Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
Ball Control DrillsThe Control ZoneThis is the first step to teaching younger players the proper stance whencontrolling the ball.What you need – Each player should have a stick and a ball to do this exercise.How this drill works – In order to learn to proper distance the ball should beaway from the player for optimum control, the ball will be dropped from theperson’s hand.The players take a regular stance, with their feet just over shoulder width apart,and hold out their left hand directly in front of them. With a slight lean forward theplayer should then drop the ball in front of them. At this point, the player shouldgrab the stick in the proper form, and address the ball. This should be the properpoint that a player must learn to handle the ball, pass the ball and shoot the ball.This is called the control zone.Result – A player is going to understand their control area.Stealing the BaconRacing to the ball and then keeping control of it are an important element of fieldhockey.What you need – In groups of six, divide them into teams of three. One teamwill line up on the 25 yard line, and the other team on the 50 yard line and theyare facing each other. The coach puts the ball in the absolute middle betweenthe two teams and then blows the whistle. Two pylons are placed about 10 yardsapart on both the 25 and 50-yard lines.Members of the two sides sprint towards the ball (using the proper footwork toapproach the ball), and the first side to get it goes on offense and the other sideon defense. The team on offense tries to control the ball long enough to dribble itbetween the other side’s pylons.Result – This is a good game for control and position when handling the ball.-5–Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
Controlled, Loose and IndianThis drill teaches a player the three main kinds of dribbling.What you need – Set up a pylon course where players can learn each of thedifferent dribbling styles. You can set this drill up with three different stations,and at each station the players work on each type of dribbling.How this drill works – At each station, the players will work on controlling theball with the three main types of dribbling: controlled, loose (speed dribble), andIndian dribble.The controlled dribble is used to keep the ball in tight to the body, so the playercan maneuver in tight spaces.The loose, or speed dribble, is used when a player is in the open, and they needto breakout quickly. Players should try to do this dribble with only one hand onthe stick and the other used to pump the arms for running.The Indian dribble is a diagonal dribble that helps you pull and push the ball fromfront right to close left (or the opposite, depending on the dribble).Result – Dribbling around the pylons is going to help the players learn to controlthe ball no matter how they have to dribble.Dodge DrillDodges are quick fakes that help a player in control of the ball, elude thedefense.What you need – Pair up players of similar skill, and give them one ball betweenthe two of them.How this drill works – The first player will start and control the ball using thevarious types of dribbles learned in the above drill. Along with that, thecontrolling player will use dodges – juke techniques to avoid defenders. The goalwith each ‘dodge’ or fake is to get the defender to commit to the direction yourplayer fakes, in order to dribble the ball around them.Result – Matching ball control with the ability to dodge is going to make yourplayers more effective on offense. It will also give defenders the chance to learndodge defense.-6–Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
Change speed, change directionThis is another drill to help players with basic ball control and dodgesWhat you need – Line up three pylons in a straight line, about 5 to 7 yards apart(see diagram below). Set up more than one station. Groups line up at eachpylon station.How this drill works – The player will start this drill dribbling the ball ahead ofthem, and upon reach the first pylon they will dodge, change speed and then gothe other way. Then go to the next cone.As players gain confidence and experience, they can start developing their ownchange of pace to elude defenders.Once player get a little more experienced, replace the pylons with passivedefenders.Result – More work on ball control and eluding defenders.Pull Back DrillThe pull back helps a player slow down the play and regain close control of theball.What you need – Create three lines of players and place three cones 10 yards infront of them. Each line has a ball.How this drill works – When the coach blows the whistle the players from eachline will sprint towards the cone with the speed dribble. About 3 yards away fromthe cone (can be marked off), the player must break down and reach out for theball and pull it back toward them.After more experience is gained, change the pylons to real defenders.Result – Pull back skill will be practiced and perfected.-7–Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
Combo Dribble Dodge DrillHelps put players into a ‘game-like’ situation with different consecutivemovements.What you need – See diagram belowHow this drill works – Instead of the basic drill where players are just workingon single dribbling maneuvers, this one combines the different dribbles into onedrill.When the player starts out, they speed dribble, dodge, then control dribble,dodge, then Indian dribble, pull back, then speed dribble past the final cone.Result – This drill will help players with all facets of ball control, and executingmaneuvers in succession.Dodge and slideGetting the body in the way after a dodge is key in keeping control of the ballWhat you need – See diagram belowHow this drill works – This is another ball control variation of previous drills.However, in this one, after each dodge, the player shuffles (slides) in front of thepylon. This simulates getting the body back in front of the defender to preventthem from reaching for the ball.As players get more experience, change from pylons to defenders.Result – One more basic skill is added to your players’ ball control.-8–Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
Cone WeaveThis drill will help players control the ball in tighter situationsWhat you need – See diagram below. Run this with two or more stations.How this drill works – As you can see from the diagram, this is a straight aheadball control drill as the player negotiates their way through the course. They mustalternate the sides they go to on their way down.When they turn, the player must control the ball around the final pylon, and thenstart on their way back. This drill can be run as a relay with four or five players ateach station.Result – Increased ball control skills.King (or Queen) of the circleThis is a great competitive ball control drill for players.What you need – Create a circle with pylons that is about 15 yards across. Putall of the players in the circle, each with a ball they must control and protect.How this drill works – The players have two challenges during this drill – theymust protect their ball, but then they must try to put the ball of others players outof play.When the coach blows his or her whistle, all of the players must move around thecircle dribbling the ball. Along with maintaining good control of their own ball,players must try to knock others’ ball from the circle. As a player’s ball isknocked from the circle, they are eliminated. The last one standing is the king orqueen of the circle.Result – Great offensive and defensive ball control drill.-9–Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
Heads Up DribbleThis drill will teach players to control the ball, while keeping their headup.What you need – You can start this drill with 5 lines of players all starting at the25-yard line. The coach will stand on the Center line in the middle.How this drill works – The players will be in the ‘triple threat’ or ready positionand the coach will then blow the whistle for the first players to begin.The players will work from the 25-yard line to the center line, with their heads up,and watching which way the coach is pointing his or her arm. When the coachpoints left or right, the players must change their direction at a 45-degree angle.To add an extra element to this drill, each time a player is supposed to changedirection, they must make a dodge move before switching direction.Result – Better control with the head up; this will allow players to make passesand see open areas where they can dribble to.Shifting GearsTo be able to go from full sprint to a pull back for control is an effective ballcontrol skillWhat you need – You can line players up on the 25-yard line similar to theabove drill. The coach will stand on the center line.How this drill works – When the coach blows the whistle, the players will loosedribble the ball while sprinting. The coach will blows the whistle again and theplayer must pull back the ball, gain control and then speed dribble again.The coach will continue to blow the whistle each time he or she wants the playersto pull back from a speed dribble. The players must keep control of the ball, orthey will be eliminated from the drill.Results – the players will learn to change speeds while controlling the ball duringthe game.- 10 –Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
One on onesThis will help players develop their one on one skills.What you need – Pair up players of equal skill and ability.How this drill works – in this drill, the player should be using all of the dribblesthey have learned up to this point. At first, the defender will not try to take theball away from the offensive player. The focus at this time will be on theoffensive player’s ability to keep the ball away from the defender using thevarious dribbling techniques.During this drill player should be using the speed dribble, but controlled dribbleand the Indian dribble. Along with those skills they should also be using theirdodging maneuvers to avoid the defenders.As players become more skilled at dribbling the ball you can add two defenders.Result – one on ones are very important part of field hockey. At any point duringthe game a one on one situation can occur.Spin around the conesA spin move can be very effective in eluding defendersWhat you need – see diagram below for details. You can run several stationsfor this drill.How this drill works – the player will dribble the ball approaching the first cone.They will make a quick jab step, and, while maintaining control of the ball spinaround and go to the other side of the pylon.The player will alternate this side of the spin at each cone.Results – this is an advanced ball control skill for players to learn.- 11 –Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
Scoop drillThis is another ball control tool that players can use.What you need – Put players together in groups of two or three. Each group willhave a ball.How this drill works – players can work one on one together, learning the scoopmethod. As the player approaches, he or she will slow the ball down and as itreaches his or her stick, they will drop their right shoulder and lower the left handso the stick is angled back with the face of this stick toward the sky.Once the ball reaches the player, the toe of the stick is just below the lower halfof the ball. The ball is lifted up over the defender’s stick just high enough to avoidthe pressure, but not too high to lose control.Results – Once again, another tool in a player’s ball control arsenal. This onecan be particularly effective against players who are trying a horizontal tackle.One on fiveThis ball control drill is like a glorified game of keep away.What you need – Create a square with pylons, with each pylon about 10 yardsapart. Five defenders will be in the square. One player will be on offense.How this drill works – The defenders will be prepared for the offensive player tocome into the square. At first, the defenders will offer little resistance as theoffensive player uses several different methods of evading tackles and otherdefensive maneuvers.The offensive player will only meet one player at a time, however, they will besimultaneous – once he or she is past the first one, the next defender will go afterthe player.As all players gain a little more confidence, the drill can get more intense. As oneof the defenders take the ball away from the offensive player, he or she will thenget to be the offensive player.Result – This is a pressure ball control drill that players will have to help thembuild their offense versus defense skills.- 12 –Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
One hand speed dribbleThe best speed dribble is one done with one arm, as the other is used forpumping during the sprint.What you need – See diagram below. You will need a pylon with a flag put up init about 20 yards away from the player. You can run several stations of this drill.How this drill works – This drill is done from start to finish with one hand, exceptwhen the non-stick hand is used to grab the flag from the pylon.The player will sprint as hard as they can, controlling the ball in front of them witha one-handed speed dribble. They must move the ball down the field with onehand, and then once the reach the pylon, they must continue to control the ballwith one hand only and then grab the flag with their non-stick hand and thenspeed dribble back.Result – Players will become more comfortable with using only one hand on theirstick for a speed dribble.Spin and speedA quick spin to beat defenders, and then quickly move into a speed dribble up thesideline.What you need – See diagram below.How this drill works – The player will approach the first pylon, spin, and then goimmediately into a speed dribble up the sideline (with one hand). The playermust touch the flag with their non-stick hand.Result – Putting different moves together is essential for controlling the ball andkeeping it from defenders.- 13 –Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
Star DrillThis is a quick drill that will continue to work on different ball control skills.What you need – See the diagram below.How this drill works – As you can see from the diagram, the player will start atthe first pylon, and then go to the top right one, then to the top left one, and soon. They must maintain good control of the ball during this drill.Result – Your players will develop excellent control skills by negotiating thiscourse.Four corner drillWorks on ball control going in four directions.What you need – Set up a square with pylons, and the players will start at onepylon.How this drill works – Speed dribble to the first cone, breakdown and gaincontrol, then the player will backpedal to the next cone (in control), breakdown atthe third pylon, and then shuffle to the third cone, breakdown, and then Indiandribble to the fourth cone.Result – Continued work on a variety of ball control skills. Using all of these ballcontrol skills in one drill will condition a player to use them during a game.- 14 –Field Hockey Drills and Practice Plans 2006 All Rights Reserved
Passing, Shooting and AttackingPassing DistanceLearning how much strength to put on a pass is important for players to learn.What you need – Simply match players up to perform this drill.How this drill works – This is a fundamental drill for a beginner that helps themlearn the proper strength based on the distance a person is away from thepasser.The players will start off 5 yards apart when they first pass. Coaches will watchfor proper passing technique – ball in front, player stepping to the side of the ball,aiming the body at the target and then passing.Once each player has passed once from the distance, they will each take onegiant step backward. Then they pass again. They continue this until they are 25yards apart.Result – Players will gain confidence with the amount of power each pass needs.Push, reverse and hitThese are the three basic passing styles – push pass, reverse push and hit. Thebest players can do all three.What you need – Pair players up to work on these different passes.How this drill works – There is nothing intricate about this drill, as it is afundamentals drill for younger players. Coaches should be watching for andcoaching proper technique for each type of pass.Players can pass the ball back and forth during this drill, and increasing theirdistance along the way. Each pass is used in different situations and distancesand younger players will learn the basics with this drill.Result – Good players know how and when to pass the ball. This drill covers the‘how’ to pass properly, and in
drills into an effective practice. We will also include 25 different practice plans to use throughout a season. Each of these practice plans will be geared towards a specific skill or set of skills and each will continue to build off one another. You don’t have to use all of the practice plans! We have included several
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