PRACTICE
8 (Even-Man Drills)
This practice will introduce a new drill for stick skills and how to play a
two-on-two, both offensively and defensively.
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. 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.
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 30 Minutes (Stick Skills)
Perform the following drills:
Line Drills: As performed in previous practices and include the breakout
pass.
Box Drill: As performed in previous practices. If possible, do the drill
with two balls instead of just one to challenge the players and get more of
them involved at one time.
Diamond Drill: This drill is similar in some regards to the Box Drill. Start
by setting up four lines of players in the shape of a diamond within one of
the restraining boxes. One player will start with a ball and pass it to the
line to the left. This continues to repeat and the ball will move around the
diamond clockwise. Have the players work to catch the ball with their outside
hand (right hand when the ball is moving clockwise), roll to the outside,
switch hands and pass with their left hands. After the players get some reps,
switch the direction that the ball moves. The same concept remains; however,
now the players will catch the ball with the left hand (the outside hand) and
will roll and pass with their right hands.
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 the previous
practices. Have the players perform the following drills:
Shooting on the Run: Perform as it
was in previous practices.
Inside Shooting Drill: Bring the players together as a group and explain the
difference between outside shooting and inside shooting. Particularly explain
the importance of inside shooting and finishing the ball. The keys to inside
shooting include: accuracy more than power; quickness of the release; stick
protection; and fake to move the goalie. Have the coaches demonstrate.
To work on this type of shooting, have the players get into two lines that
are about five yards above the goal line on both sides of the net (similar to
Catch and Shoot, but closer to the cage). Have them catch the ball and first
focus on getting a quick release and accuracy with their shot. The players
should be shooting from about a yard or two outside the crease. Next work on
having the players make one fake and then shoot. Explain the importance of
making a fake to move the goalie.
Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)
Keep your players hydrated
with a water break. But have them hustle back to the field.
Next 20 Minutes (Even-Man Drills)
1 v 1: Perform as in previous practices.
2 v 2: Bring the players together and talk about the some of
the keys of playing 2-on-2. Be sure to explain that an offensive player
cannot interfere with a defender or set a moving pick. Demonstrate and
encourage the players to work together on offense by moving the ball,
cutting, and setting picks. Also explain the defensive aspects of the 2-on-2,
including communication, covering a man off ball, covering the man with the
ball and sliding if a player gets beat defensively.
Drill the same as the 1 v. 1, except now include four players in the drill.
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.
