PRACTICE
16 (Ground Ball Development)
Today will include a solid ground-ball session as well as some more odd-man
drills. Enforce the importance of moving the ball quickly on offense.
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. Assess the
progress made toward the goals for your season. Explain the plan for this
practice. Address any questions the players may have.
Next 5 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.
During the warm-up, pull the goalies aside and have them work
with one or two of the coaches.
Next 20 Minutes (Stick Skills)
Work drills as previously performed:
Line Drills
Three-Man, Two-Balls Line
Diamond Drill
Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)
Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back to
the field. You can consider having this break during Stick Skills.
Next 10 Minutes (Shooting Drills)
Review the fundamentals of shooting that were learned in the previous
practices. Have the players perform the following drills:
Criss-Cross Cut and Shoot
Inside Shooting
Next 10 Minutes
(Ground Balls)
Single Line
One v. One (trailer)
One v. One (side-by-side): Have the players start lying on their stomach or
facing forward, where they can see the ball being rolled out. This way the
players will have to react to the ball popping out in front of them and get
to it first.
Two v. One: Again, have the players start lying on their stomach or facing
forward, where they can see the ball being rolled out. This way the players
will have to react to the ball popping out in front of them and get to it
first.
Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)
Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back to
the field. You can consider having this break during Stick Skills.
Next 10 Minutes (Odd-Man Drills)
2 v. 1
3 v. 2
Keep track of the goals scored and the defensive stops.
Next 10 Minutes (Scrimmage)
Divide the players into two teams at each position. Let the players play in
a controlled scrimmage setting. There will be a lot of different
circumstances to teach as the scrimmage progresses, but it will be a lot of
fun for both the players and coach. If there are any penalties during the
scrimmage, award the team that was fouled a fastbreak.
Right before the end of practice, blow the whistle and tell all the players
to enter the game. Let them enjoy the game for one minute as it was
originally played – it is a fun twist for the young players.
Ending Practice
In your team huddle, review what was learned and congratulate the players
for their hard work. Also, establish the next practice time (or game time)
with the players and parents, and follow up with an email.
