Planet Field Hockey

Purpose

The game emphasizes field vision, decision making, accuracy and pace of passes . Players will demonstrate their ability to retain possession in a 3 v 3 situation while avoiding 1 v 1 situations.

Organization

Set up 1 large square 25 yards in length and 30 yards wide. In all 4 corners place 2 cones creating gates that are 3 yards wide. These gates should be angled facing the center of the playing area. Divide your players into 2 teams ( X & O's). In the designated area, both teams play 3 v 3. Team X will place 2 additional players in 2 separate gates diagonally across from each other. Team O will do the same.


Procedure

Team X begins with possession. Their objective is to connect with 3 consecutive passes using inside/outside combinations. 3 passes earns them 1 point.
Team X will not force a pass that is not there. Using good vision and decision making they will analyze where the high percentage pass is and execute.

The 2 teammates that are located in the gates create passing options at either end of the square. A gate player is only allowed to enter the game when a successful pass is executed to them through the gate. At this point they will exit the gate in possession while being replaced by their teammate who just passed to them.

Team O will try to dispossess the ball, retain possession and execute the game in the same manner. The team with the most points at the end of regulation wins!


Key Points

1. No 1 v 1's. Tactically this not an intelligent choice when you have open players in the gates.
2. Move or cut the ball hard on angles which will create gaps in the opposing teams defense while creating space for the 1st attacker.
3.Try to avoid making passes on verbal cues only. Recognize the cue but make visually contact prior to passing.

Advanced Skill.. give it a try!
Defensively if you recognize that players are making passes without looking( on verbal cues only) try this:

Learn the names or nicknames of players you are competing against. When they are in possession call their name for a back pass or square pass. I will guarantee you that they will cough the ball up to you on several occasions. In addition, this stimuli is confusing at times when a player is being pressured....give it a try!!!


Variation

1. Increase the size and numbers.
2. Decrease the size and numbers.
3. Add stipulations such as only an aerial or 1 touch pass will release a player from the gate.

Have fun!
Jeff

Rate This Article

Select Here  5 Stars  (Best Rating)   4 Stars   3 Stars   2 Stars   1 Star  (Worst Rating)

Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.