1. To improve defender's possession and distribution skills under pressure.
2. To train decision-making under pressure.

Attackers:

1. To train defensive skills - footwork, body and stick positioning to force a turnover.
2. To improve communication and decision-making in tandem with another attacker.

Equipment:

4 Field Players, 5 balls, 4 cones.

Setup:

Mark out a small 10m x 10m area with lines or cones.

	Legend
	Target Player
	Attackers
	Defender
	Pass
	Pressure
	Pressure Area

Explanation:

1. The ball is hit or flicked in by the Target Player towards the defender in the Pressure Area. As soon as the ball has entered the Pressure Area for the first time, the two attackers can also enter the area.
2. The defender's objective is to receive and control the ball, in a strong position.
3. The defender must then Pass back to the Target Player, or if the pass to the Target Player is blocked, the defender should keep possession, and either carry the ball out of one of two boundaries of the Pressure Area, or earn a foul from one of the attackers.
4. The attackers' objective is to put intense pressure on the defender, blocking the pass back to the Target player, and trying to steal the ball without giving up a foul or letting the defender carry the ball out of the Pressure Area.

This drill should be repeated 10 times, and then the players should collect the balls and rotate positions.

1. Get the ball in a strong position as early as possible, ideally with your first touch.
2. Keeping your stick on the ball, continue to look up and see the positioning of the attackers - this will help you to find an open pass. Don't take your eyes or stick off the ball for long if the attackers are close.
3. Use the space available to you - move back or to the side to give yourself time on the ball.
4. If the attackers are closing in, use your stick to protect the ball.
5. If an attacker lunges for the ball and over-commits, use the opportunity to dump the ball onto his foot, or put it through his legs and force the obstruction. *Be careful of your positioning when you do this - if you dump the ball too far, the other attacker may be waiting.

Attackers: 

1. Make sure you work with each other to put the most effective pressure on the defender. Between you, cover the width of the Pressure Area, but don't get caught square with each other. One attacker should close to within stick's reach of the defender, and the other should be further back to stop a pass or pick up the ball/defender if the first attacker gets beaten.
2. This goes hand-in-hand with point 1. Communicate with the other attacker: eg. "Watch the pass through your left foot." It is usually the attacker furthest from the defender who has time and vision to do the talking.
3. Stay low, keep your feet moving - short, quick steps - and keep your stick out in front of you to. If the defender takes his stick or eyes off the ball to try and make a pass, you need to be ready to take the ball.
   

OTC tip:


Evaluation:

1. Keep score: The defender scores a goal each time he gets the ball back to the target player, earns a foul, or carries the ball forward and out of the Pressure Area.  The attackers score a goal if they gain possession, or earn a foul against the defender, or if they force the ball cleanly off the side or back of the Pressure Area.
2. Watch how the defender reacts to the pressure during the drill. Under intense pressure, he should still be calm, skills under control.