Planet Field Hockey

***Please note that that I took this drill from Beth Anders, the highly respected coach at Old Dominion University who has been very influential in my coaching***

Purpose
To develop quick, assertive game sense in recognizing the numerical advantage.

Organization
The playing area is 50 yards long by 30 yards wide.The playing area is divided by the 25 yard line. Goals are at either end. Divide your players into 2 teams. 1 team will defend for 15 minutes while the other will attack. Switch roles after the allotted time for a total of 30 minutes. Position 2 defenders on either side of the 25 yard line. Instruct 3 attacking players to enter the playing area. Coach should have a bin of balls so that he/she may insert them into the center when the ball goes out of play or when a goal is scored.

Procedure
1. Game begins when coach passes the ball to an attacking player in the center.
2. The attacking receiver needs to prepare the ball quickly for a transitional pass or take the ball hard to space trying to draw a defender.
3. Defenders are not restricted to an area but it is advisable to zone your coverage areas to deny space and time.
4. Attacking players will receive 1 point for scoring at either goal (non directional).
5. Defenders are faced with a numerical inferior situation ( 2v3 or 1v2). If the defender wins the ball they have the option to attack the opposite end from which
they won the ball for 2 points.If the ball goes out of play and new one is entered.
6. There is no circle area so goalies are encouraged to be aggressive.
7. Goalkeepers play a vital role in defensive inferior situations.....so talk, organize and be directive in your communication!

Substitutions
Rolling subs every 2 minutes.

Key Points

1. The longer you hold the ball the advantage will decrease. The ball moves faster than we do...so pass and pass hard.
2. Make quick decisions and recognize which area creates the most advantageous situation.
3. Use the entire width and depth of the area. The more confined your play is the easier it is to defend. Open it up!
4.Defensively stay between 2 players seeing the ball and both players. Coordinate your defense with your goalies as to who has "Ball", "Shot" etc...
5. When in doubt...get it out! Even though our objective is to always score...don't force something that isn't there....put it out of play and reorganize.
6. Be creative on our cuts and runs for a 2v1. A good 2v1 only requires 1 pass to beat a defender. You should never have to beat the same defender twice!

Variations
1. 4v3
2. 6v4
* Adjust space and time as needed.

Have fun with it!
Jeff

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