1. To move the ball laterally, then forward and backward, under strong control, while maintaining vision of the field.
2. To improve footwork and balance while controlling and protecting the ball.

Defender:

1. To shadow the ball carrier, keeping the ball in front of your right shoulder.
2. To improve footwork and balance while shadowing the ball carrier and executing the jab/poke tackle.

Equipment

Two players. One ball.

Setup

This drill can be set up anywhere on the field - to start, find a line with at least 15 yards of space along it.

The two players, one attacker (with ball), and one defender (without ball) start opposite each other on the line.

Explanation

Phase 1

Attacker:  The attacker moves the ball laterally along her side of the line, and tries to get a step ahead of the defender, who is shadowing. The attacker uses fakes/dummies to make the defender go one way, then moves the other.

Defender::  The defender tries to stay within stick?s reach of the attacker. The defender does NOT try to tackle at this point.

Phase 2

Defender:  The defender is allowed to attempt ?jab? or ?poke? tackles at this point. The defender can not move her feet over the line ? only her stick.

Attacker:  The attacker moves the ball, and watches the defender, trying to avoid the tackle. The attacker must stay within stick reach of the line.

Phase 3

Repeat the above two skills, but remove the limitation of the line. The attacker can now move back, forward, and laterally ? the defender must stay within stick?s reach and shadow the attacker?s movements.

 The drill should be done for intervals of 30 seconds. Then rest for 30 seconds, switch the players? roles and repeat. Adjust the time according to fitness, but the players should be performing skills while tired for the last 10 seconds of each set.

Keys to Success

Attacker:

1. Keep the ball well out in front of your feet. This will keep your knees bent and your  eyes up, so your peripheral vision improves.

2. Take small steps so you can change direction quickly at any point.

3. Use your stick and body to fake a movement one way, before going the other.

4. Look up and behind the defender frequently to see what is happening in the bigger picture ? only very quickly, and then back to the ball. (this will get you into good habits so you can see the field better in a game).

5. Keep your eyes on the defender?s stick. When she tries to jab, you have two options. 1.  Move the ball away quickly. or 2. If you don?t have time to move the ball, cover the ball with your stick ? this will protect your possession.

Defender:

1. Stay low and keep your eyes focused on the ball movement, not the stick or body.

2. Position your body with your left foot slightly ahead of your right. Keep your stick in both hands in between your feet, and keep the ball in line with your right shoulder ? this is a strong position to start from to make a tackle.

3. Short, quick steps will allow you to change direction when you want. Avoid big lunges unless you are certain of getting the ball.

4. To jab/poke tackle, wait until the ball is exposed or the attacker has momentarily lost control. Jab with your left hand on the stick, a slight movement forward with the feet, and then bring the stick back to protect your feet.

OTC tip: Throw in some fake jabs where you only move your stick halfway to the ball. This can make the attacker lose control of the ball.

Progression

To advance this drill:

The attacker can lift the ball when she changes direction ? this skills is difficult, but it will improve the attacker?s ability to move and control a bouncing ball.  

Permutations

You can make this into a fitness and footwork drill without stick and ball. The defender must follow the attacker?s movements and try to stay within arm?s length. The players must well-balanced on their toes to change direction quickly.

Evaluation

1. Count how many times the attacker get?s more than a stick length away from the defender. Keep score and count again when you switch.

2. As the attackers skills improve she will be able to increase her speed of movement without losing control of the ball.

3. Count how many times the defender makes a successful jab/poke tackle, or the attacker protects the ball.

4. The defender will improve her ability to stay within tackling distance of the attacker, and she will improve the timing of her jab tackle.