Purpose: This is a great drill that works on many critical parts of the game. This directional game works on shape, off the ball movement, ball support, transition, counter attacking and game specific conditioning.

 

Organization: Use a field 40 x 30 yards with 2 goals and two 6 yard attacking zones at either end. The 3 X's are attacking the 2 O's while attempting to score in the top goal. The restriction on scoring is that all goals must be scored within the 6 yard scoring zone. Defensively the 2 O's are attempting to win the ball, try to score in the opposite goal while finding the 3rd O who must remain in the attacking zone until his/her team wins the ball. On this change of possession the O's gain a player while the X's drop one to their attacking zone.

(See diagram below)

                                    Goal

*                           ==========                               *

                                     GK

                                                                      

 

-   -    -   -    -      -     -     -     -     -      -  (6 yd. zone)

 

                                                                   

           

                                                       O

 

                                                                           X

X

                              O

                       

                                       

                                              X .

 

 

 

-  -   -    -    -    -    -     -    -     -    -     - (6 yd. zone)

 

 

                O

                                   GK

 *                      ============                           *

 

Divide your team into units of three. Create a round robin tournament running two games at once on a regulation size hockey field. The

exercise is initiated by a coach sending in a ball from the side.  Each goal is worth 1 point and the first unit of three to score 2 goals wins the set ( rotate in 2 new units of three). Repeat and record outcomes of each set. Have each team select a country to represent to add an element of fun ( Canada- always a top choice, Germany, Australia etc.) Once a team scores or loses possession they drop a player into the attacking zone and begin the drill in a numerically inferior situation. There are no time restrictions for each set. There are no corners and a 16 yard hit is taken from the top of the 6 yd. zone. All other rules are applied.

 

1. Move the ball quickly to keep the advantage

2. Get in behind the defense...attack the baseline

3. Use attack triangle and good ball support to advance the ball on 45 degree angles or greater

  The use of flat or square passes is detrimental in this situation.

4. Isolate one defender in a 2v1 while scanning for the spilt to the deep player

5. Receive the ball with your feet facing forward and eyes up

6. Use inside/outside combinations to unbalance defense

 

1. Give direction to the ball with pressure while taking something away ( space or pass)

2. The relationship of the 2 defenders is at 45 degrees. Never square or one pass eliminates 2 players

3. Communicate -pressure, drop, ball- goalie becomes instrumental in their ability to "quarterback" the defense

4. Cover middle- never allow yourselves to be split....this is the most penetrating route to the goal

5. Be upright and mobile and ready to adjust. Flat sticks mean flat feet!

6. Use dummy tackles to encourage a pass the attacker did not want to make..force an error

7. Be patient and slow the attack. In match play you would have given a recovery player time to recover in behind

 

1. Adjust numbers and size of field

2. Incorporate stipulations on skills or play

 

Good luck with it,