PRACTICE 18 (Situations)

At today's practice, continue your skill review. As players see how being fundamentally sound makes them better, they want to work harder.



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:

Line Drills

Face-offs

Diamond Drill: Work this drill as done in previous practices. Then incorporate the 'V' cut into the drill. Have the players cut into the middle of the diamond and then back out before receiving a pass. This will simulate the players getting open from a defender to receive a pass. It is a good, easy addition to the 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 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 10 Minutes (Odd-Man and Even-Man Drills)

Be creative and change where the players begin the following drills (i.e. the side, behind the net or up top):

2 v. 2

3 v. 2



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.