PRACTICE
9 (Overall Skill Development)
By now, you're probably getting close to getting into playing games, so use
this practice for review. Take extra time to go back through the drills and
lessons learned so far and focus on the key points.
Ask who remembers the three integral parts of your team: HAVE FUN, WORK
HARD, GET BETTER.
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. You can review or explain the fundamentals to the
game, including the number of players on the field, different positions,
offsides, etc. 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. One great drill to work on the hand-eye
coordination for goalies is to have them start by warming up with a regular
stick (instead of the larger goalie head).
Next 25 Minutes (Stick Skills)
Perform the following
drills as performed in previous practices:
Line Drills
3-Man 2 Balls
Three-Man Weave
Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)
Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them
hustle back to the field.
Next 10 Minutes (Ground Balls)
Repeat drills that were introduced during previous practices. They are as
follows:
Single Line
One v. One (trailer)
One v. One (side-by-side)
Two v. One
Next 15 Minutes (Shooting Drills)
Review the fundamentals of shooting that were learned in previous practices.
Have the players perform the following drills:
Catch and Shoot
Criss-Cross and Shoot
Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)
Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back to
the field.
Next 20 Minutes (Odd-Man and Even-Man
Drill)
Review the importance of odd-man situations as an offense.
Numbers Drill: Again use this drill primarily for the odd-man purposes but
create even-man situations at the end. Keep track of the score and engage the
players by making it competitive.
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.