PRACTICE 17 (Drills and Scrimmage)

This is another review week. No new drills will be introduced; you should go through all of the drills that have been completed during the season. The key is to focus on improving and reinforcing key skills.



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 25 Minutes (Stick Skills)

Work drills as previously performed:

Face-offs

Stationary Passing

Three-Man Weave



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:

Catch and Shoot

Dodge and Shoot on the Run

Two Lines Pass and Shoot



Next 20 Minutes (Odd-Man Drills)

Fast Break Drill

Numbers Drill



Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)

Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back to the field.



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.