PRACTICE
10 (Overall Skill Development)
It's important to continue reviewing with your players. Take extra time to
go back through the drills and lessons learned to focus on the key
points.
First 5 Minutes (Review)
Bring all of the players and coaches together. Begin the practice by
reiterating what was conveyed at the end of the last practice and explain the
plan for this practice. You can review or explain the fundamentals to the
game, including the number of players on the field, different positions,
offsides, etc. Address any questions the players may have.
Next 10 Minutes (Warm-up)
Divide the players into several lines on the midfield line facing one of the
restraining lines. Go through repetitions of the following between the mid
line and the restraining line: 50 percent run with high knees, butt kicks
(lifting the legs up high in the back), side shuffle, running backwards; then
75 percent run; and 100 percent run.
Then lead your players through a quick stationary stretch:
Sit, with legs extended out flat on the ground in a V position. Lean
forward, reach for the toes and pull back on the toes. Hold for a 10 count
(have the girls count down from 10). Repeat. This works the hamstrings,
calves and lower back.
During the warm-up, pull the goalies aside and have them work with one or
two of the coaches. It is important for the goalies to be properly warmed up
and comfortable taking shots before the real action of practice begins. Also,
it is a great opportunity for the goalies to get some one-on-one instruction
and will help them develop as players. One great drill to work on the
hand-eye coordination for goalies is to have them start by warming up with a
regular stick (instead of the larger goalie head).
Next 25 Minutes (Stick Skills)
Perform the following drills as performed in previous practices:
3-Man 2 Balls
Box Drill
Diamond Drill
Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)
Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back to
the field.
Next 5 Minutes (Ground Balls)
Repeat drills that were introduced during previous practices. They are as
follows:
Single Line
Two v. One
Two v. Two
Face-off Ground Ball Drill
Next 15 Minutes
(Shooting Drills)
Review the fundamentals of shooting that were learned in previous practices.
Have the players perform the following drills:
Dodge and Shoot on the Run
Inside Shooting
Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)
Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back to
the field.
Next 10 Minutes (Odd-Man Drills)
Review the importance of odd-man situations as
an offense. Drill the following:
Two v. One
Three v. Two
Next 15 Minutes (Even-Man Drills)
One v. One
Two v. Two
Three v. Three
Ending
Practice
In your team huddle, review what was learned and congratulate the players
for their hard work. Also, establish the next practice time with the players
and parents, and follow up with an email.
