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Planet Field Hockey

Drill Objective

To improve lateral movement across the goalmouth.
To improve the set balanced position required for kicking and shooting.
To kick decisively with both kickers in either direction.

	Legend
	Cone
	Balls
	Run
	Push
	Kick

Explanation

1.       Start and Initial Movement.

The Keeper sets up facing the cone closest to the Penalty Spot.  He then bursts to the position between the two cones.  This movement should be as quick as possible and once complete the keeper should be set, facing the pusher ready to play the ball.  At this point the keeper must be on his toes with equal balance on both feet.

2.       The Kick

Once the keeper has reached the set position, the ball is pushed towards him.  The keeper must kick the ball into the goal using either kicker.  In the above diagram, if the ball is played at the right kicker, the keeper kicks the ball with the inside of the right kicker and directs it across his body into the goal.  If the ball is at or outside the left kicker, the keeper must turn the ankle to use the inside of the kicker to direct the ball into the goal.  

The push must be directed either at or inside of the right kicker in order for the keeper to direct it at goal.

3.      Follow Through.  

After the kick, the keeper must follow through and face where the ball made contact with the backboard of the goal.  When facing the ball it is important to again assume a balanced stance on the toes.  This is to ensure that the keeper is prepared for any rebound opportunity.   

4.      Repeat.  

The keeper returns to the starting cone, sets with a balanced stance and repeats the drill.  This should be done for sets of 10 balls.  The keeper should then rest one minute before proceeding on to the next combination.  If two keepers are working together, they can alternate completing the drill and get the required rest.

5.      Combinations.  

The drill needs to be repeated from the opposite side of the goal.  The cone is replaced across from the other post and the drill is repeated.  The next combination is to start from the cone near the goalpost.  The keeper shuffles out to the point midway between the two cones, but must kick the ball against his momentum back into the goal.  Again, this needs to be repeated from the opposite side of the goal.  For a complete drill, the keeper must do 10 kicks from each of 4 different combinations.

Keys for Success

1.       Start and Initial Movement.

When starting the movement, the keeper should first focus his eyes on the ball that he will kick.  This will allow him to fix his vision and let the ball to direct his positioning.  The movement to the middle position should be made as quick as possible.  This is so the keeper has the most time to set and balance for the push.  The keeper should be waiting for the shot in a comfortable balanced stance.

2.       The Kick

The important thing to remember here is to wait for the push and not anticipate it.  When you anticipate you lose the balanced stance that allows you to react in both directions equally.  When kicking you should lead with your chest as this will lead to a controlled kick that hits the backboard.  Once the technique improves, you should then burst through the ball in order to develop more power without causing the ball to rise for a potential penalty corner.  

3.      Follow Through.  

The purpose of the follow through is to get you ready for what happens in a game.  After every shot there is the potential for a rebound opportunity.  Here you should imagine the ball is still in play and keep you vision on it. 

4.      Repeat.  

There is no need to rush through this drill.  The objective here is to work on the technical aspects of kicking.  Do not sprint back to the starting cone.  Walk back to the cone, set up properly, and again burst to the kicking position.  The player pushing the ball should not initiate the movement, the keeper must control the pace of the drill.

5.      Combinations.  

As the ability of the keeper improves you can change the number of balls per set to match.  To work on technique, increase to 12-15 balls.  To work on power, drop down to 6 balls.  You can also go through the whole drill routine twice.

 Progression

To advance this drill:

1. Move the kicking point further away from the goal.  The keeper will have to extend further to make the kick

2. Allow the pusher to raise the ball up to knee level.  The keeper will have to use his kickers, or pads to direct the ball into the goal

3. Set up targets in the goal that the keeper must kick at.  He could alternate between kicking at the side board and the back board.

4. Have the player hit the balls from 10 yards away from the goal.

Evaluation

1. The keeper should be kicking all balls onto the backboard

2. As the technique improves the kicking should increase with power. 

3. The keeper should be equally effective with both left and right kickers.  If there is a weakness in one kicker, you should emphasize that side when pushing the balls

4. The keeper should not be caught anticipating the push.  This is a bad habit which results in the same thing during a game.

5. The keeper should be equally comfortable with the cross and turn style of kicks.

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