x22

Planet Field Hockey

It was once mentioned to me that I should consider eliminating the terms trapping and receiving from my coaching terminology and replace them with the term “PREPARATION”.

The concept of preparation emphasizes that prior to collecting the ball a player should be aware of their options and the first defender by scanning, while immediately taking the ball to a new space. Preparation is directly linked to the triple threat position in basketball where a player has positioned themselves in a strong position to pass, dribble or shoot with respect to ball positioning. A player’s ability to prepare the ball for the next step allows your team to always be one step ahead and never static. To trap or receive without the injection of movement has limited that player and created an easier situation for a defender to pressure ball. The next time your around your athletes tell them we have a term called preparing the ball….it works very well!

Below is a drill to train preparing the ball in the circle with a good first touch

Procedure:
Each player (A) will receive 10 passes into the top of the circle from either a coach or another player (C)

Player A is in a confined area by cones that are 5 yards long and 5 yards wide

Player A is positioned in a game like situations with his/her back to goal and needs to realize that there is immediate pressure from behind and with very little time to shoot

On each pass into the circle Player A is only allowed to touch the ball twice

Once to prepare it…then next to shoot!

Accurate and powerful forehand and backing hitting is essential is this zone of the circle


One area that is often over looked is foot preparation- small, quick and minimal steps is the key.

Have fun with it,
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.