PRACTICE
5 (Even-Man and Odd-Man)
Today the players will compete against each other in one-on-ones and will
work together in odd-man situations.
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 as well as the three integral parts of your team: HAVE FUN,
WORK HARD, GET BETTER. Explain the plan for this practice. 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.
Here's another quick stationary stretch:
Stand straight and extend
the right arm behind the body. Grab the right wrist with the left hand and
pull back and over toward the left side. Hold for a 10 count. Mimic with the
other arm. This will stretch the front of the shoulder.
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. Also, it is a great opportunity for the goalies to
get some one-on-one instruction to help them develop as players.
Next 25 Minutes (Stick Skills)
Bring all of the players into a huddle again. Have the players explain the
keys to passing and throwing. Reinforce whatever points the players miss.
Then perform the following drills:
Line Drills: Break the players up into an even number of lines (it would be
ideal to have about six players in each line). One line should be on the
midfield line and the other line should be on one of the restraining lines
(repeat this across the width of the field for each grouping of two lines).
Line drills provide the opportunity for players to practice stick skills
while in motion. After the lines are set up, demonstrate with the coaches how
the drill will work. Begin with right-handed passing on the move. Remember to
have players call for the ball and present a target.
One player will begin the drill by running toward the other line with the
ball. The first player in the other line will begin running toward the player
with the ball and receive a pass from that player. Then the player at the
front of the opposite line will run toward the player with the ball and
receive a pass. This continues to repeat as players get repetitions passing
and catching.
After the players get a lot of reps throwing right-handed, have them switch
to left-handed. Then have the players catch with their right hand, switch
hands and throw left-handed. Lastly, have the players catch with their left
hands, switch hands, and throw with their right hand. Continue to have the
coaches demonstrate each time you introduce a new wrinkle.
Box Drill: Have the players line up in four equal lines in the shape of a
box – two lines on the top corners of the restraining box and two
lines parallel to those lines on the midfield line. One player begins with a
ball at the front of Line 1 and runs down the restraining line toward Line 2
on the restraining line. Unlike line drills, the first player at the
beginning of Line 2 runs toward the midfield line and Line 3. The player with
the ball from Line 1 passes the ball to the player breaking out of Line 2.
After the pass is made, the player who began the drill goes to the back of Line
2. The player at the front of Line 3 breaks out running down the midfield
line toward Line 4 and receives a pass from the player with the ball. This
repeats as the passing drill continues around the perimeter of the box that
was created.
This is a great drill that simulates players breaking across the field and
receiving passes. Monitor the way it is going and expand or shorten the box
as appropriate. Eventually change the direction of the drill after and
incorporate ground balls into the 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 (Ground Balls)
As we introduced during the first practice, ground balls are an important
part of the game. Run these as follows (the final one is new):
Single Line: Line all players up in one line and roll
the ball out to the first player in the line. Have the player scoop the
ground ball and then make a pass back to you. Repeat this for all the players
and get it going at a fast pace.
One v. One (trailer): Keep the players in the same line; however,
this time the first and second players in line will be competing for the
ball. The player who comes up with the ball makes a pass to the coach to
complete the drill.
One v. One (side-by-side): Have two equal lines and the players compete
for the ball. The player who comes up with the ball makes a pass to the coach
to complete the drill.
Two v. One: Go to three equal lines. The two players on the outside are on
the same team against the player in the middle. Explain how the two players
should work together as one player should take the man and the other player
should go after the ball - the communication is referred to as 'man' and
'ball'. Then as the player picks up the ball be sure to explain that the
other teammate cannot interfere with the player without the ball. If one of
the players from the outside line picks up the ball, he has to make a pass to
the other player from the outside line before the ball is passed back to the
coach. If the player in the middle line wins the ball, all he needs to do is
pass the ball back to the coach to end the drill.
Two v. Two: Begin with four equal lines. The two players on the outside are
on the same team against the two players in the middle two lines. Explain how
the two groups of players should work together as one player should take the
man and the other player should go after the ball. Then as the player picks
up the ball, be sure to explain that the other teammate cannot interfere with
the player without the ball. When one player picks up the ball, he must make
a pass to the other player that he is paired with. Meanwhile, the two other
players attempt to steal the ball. Once a pass is completed between teammates
they must pass the ball to the coach to end the drill. Remember to stop the
play when penalties occur to reinforce that penalties are not
acceptable.
Next 10 Minutes (Even-Man Drills)
One v. One: Take the skills that were learned during a previous practice and
have the players compete one-on-one again. Start with all the players in two
lines at the restraining line facing the net – one line is an
offense line and one line is defense. The defensive player steps out five
yards in front of the offensive player. The first player from the offensive
line receives a pass from a coach and has to get by the defensive player to
score a goal. Monitor this drill closely and make sure to point out what was
done well and identify infractions. Have the players play both offense and
defense. Then have the players go through the same drill from behind the
net.
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)
Numbers Drill: Break the players into two equal groups – one
defense and one offense. Have the offensive line at the top of the box and
the defensive line on one of the sides of the restraining box. The coach has
all of the balls up at the top with the offensive line. The coach will call
out a number (1 through 6) for the number of offensive players who will be in
the drill. A coach stands with the defensive line and sends out one less
player than the number the coach just called out (i.e. if the coach yells
'4', then three defensive players and four offensive players will enter the
restraining box). The point of the drill is for the offensive players to
score by passing the ball to the person who is not covered.
For the first couple times running this drill, the coaches will have to make
sure the right number
of players enter the drill. Since one less defensive player enters this
drill, it is one of the better drills for creating odd-man situations. This
is a great time for the coach to explain to the players the importance of
moving the ball when you have an extra man. Focus the players' attention on
drawing a man and moving the ball to the open man just like someone would do
in a basketball fastbreak. Then let the players go out there, give it a try
and have some fun. At the next practice, we will focus on breaking down
odd-man situations.
Ending Practice
After the players get some water, end practice with a team huddle. Review
what was learned and congratulate the players for their hard work. Credit
their hustle. Also, establish the next practice time with the players and
parents, and follow up with an email.
