HERTFORDSHIRE HOCKEY OUTFIELD COACHING

Transcription

1 HERTFORDSHIRE HOCKEY OUTFIELD COACHING Simon Holloway Director of Coaching Version 1.7 January 2012 Copyright Holloway Hockey and Hertfordshire Hockey Association

2 Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION JDC ASSESSMENT Pitch Set up While you wait for the start Introduction Physical Warm-up Skills Assessment Team Assessment JDC SESSIONS Session planning Session Session Session Session Style Technical Language JAC SESSIONS U15, U16 and U U13 and U Style Competition Selection U14/U15/16/ U Assessment Criteria TECHNIQUES Warm-ups Getting to know you Physical Warm-up Herts Dynamic Warm-up...23 Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 2 of 187

3 5.1.4 Shefford and Sandy 15 minute warm-up Argentine Warm-ip Divots Great Goal Robbery Minefield Knee Tag Game Agility Test Ball& Stick Warm up Ball & Stick Warm up Ball Stick Warm-up Endurance, Speed and Agility Coopers test m Sprint Agility session Knee Tag Game FARTLEK Training Suicide run Speed endurance ~ 10 min Ball Carrying Open Stick work Open Stick work Ball Carry with Footwork with Left to Right Drag Ball Carrying Position & Pointing At Pressure Right Side Ball Carry Left Side ball carry Indian Dribbling Confusion Dribbling slalom Passing and Receiving The Skill of Receiving The Skill of Pushing The Skill of Hitting First Touch Warm-up First Touch - Round the Gate under Pressure First Touch under Pressure First Touch Finishing Drill Posting Up Passing and Receiving on the move posting up Passing on the move...46 Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 3 of 187

4 Gate Passing Pass and receive static wall, Passing and Receiving Hockey player passing pattern Colour Code German hitting Clip Hit Trapping Low Movement with and without the ball and shot Reverse Stick Hit Tomahawk Reverse stick receipt Wall Passing Outletting Receipt (across the body for transfer) Colour Code passing Weave Weave Weave Man Weave Version Man Weave Version Man Weave Version Man Weave Version Driving Test Tackling Channelling onto Forehand Shadowing and Channelling Simple Tackle Box Tackle box in the circle Timing the Tackle Timing the tackle Doubling Teaming v1 Tournament v1 in a line v 1 and corner goals v 1 progression v v2 version v 2 version Marking Fast break 3v Terminator v 2 break defence...77 Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 4 of 187

5 RemoteHockey Tackling Drill Ball Retention V-drag V-Drag Dribble Drag relay Pull-back Pull-back Turn Open stick Turn Away and support play Keeping the Ball (V-drag, Pull Back and Turn) Keeping the Ball Keeping Possession Pull back and pass Aerial and 3D Work D lift Aerial and Lifted pass D forehand lift over stick D forehand Chop D lift Aerials into Space Shooting Top of D 1 on Left to Right Cross Right to Left Back to Goal Centre, Left and Right Attack Strategies Overlaps Creating Space to receive the ball Movement off the ball Right side attack Right Side attack Right Channel Moving into space to receive the ball - Moving ahead of the ball Moving into space to receive the ball - Through Pass Switching the point Getting the ball Wide Ball Transfer Dribbling Support in the corner Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 5 of 187

6 Continuous 3 v V 2 + Keeper Self-Pass to create 2 v Weave and square pass Change the Point of Attack v 2 break defense Attacking down the Wing Closed Zones Defence Strategies Out Letting Out-letting Drill Out Letting Drill Out letting Drill Out letting Drill Out letting Drill Out letting Drill Out letting Drill Out letting Drill Out letting Drill Out letting Drill Out letting Drill Out letting Drill Pressing Simple Press Full Press variations Half Court Press Half court press with switch denial player high up the pitch Defending against a Press Circuits Circuit Circuit Skill Relay Skill- technique circuit Wall Pass Circuit Half Pitch Circuit Short Corner Routines Skill of Injection and Stop Inject and Trap Strike Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 6 of 187

7 Slip Left Slip Right Slip Right with Striker following Slip Right to second stop and flick Slip Right then Slip Left Ball returned to pusher in Bunch of Flowers Double Pass left Drag Flicking Hands High Pickup, Low Drop, High Release The Pendulum Ball Roll Up and Down Stick Acceleration and Whip Hips The Basic Topspin Follow Through The High Follow Through The Low Follow Through Footwork: Front cross technique Footwork: Back Cross Technique Footwork: The Hop Left leg Right leg Three Step Footwork Short Corner Defence Formations Short Corner 2 high Short Corner 2 low Short Corner 3 and Short Corner The Charge Short Corner 4 man box Long Corner Routines Routine Routine Routine Continual Long Corner Penalty Flicks Coached Games Roles and Responsibilities Principles of Attack and defence Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 7 of 187

8 Developing Defending Strategies Defending Strategies Application Round the Back v 2 in area v 3 Attack/Defence Game Play Wide Out Pass and Support vs 2 - Get to Goal v 2 Break v 2 with a player on the far post v 2 - Make space for the support Kingpin CORE STABILITY TRAINING What is Core Stability? How does Core Stability improve performance? Athlete Support Programme Core Stability Workout OFF SEASON TRAINING Outfield Player 30 minutes/day APPENDIX 1: EHB PERFORMANCE CRITERIA A1.1 Explanation of the terms A1.2 Speed A1.2.1 Reaction speed A1.3 Endurance A1.3.1 Muscular A1.3.2 Cardiac/Vascular A1.3.3 Respiratory APPENDIX 2: BIOGRAPHIES A2.1 Simon Holloway Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 8 of 187

9 1. Introduction This document describes the JDC Assessment session, the JDC Session and JAC Sessions that have been delivered in the County during the first three years of the Single System within the County. For each session, we have documented the skills training given and then I have collated them as adding some of my own from the Summer Camps that I run.. When looking at how we built the JDC and JAC session we used the EHB Core Skills DVD, Sportsplan plus various drills collected by myself as part of the St. Albans Coaching Manual. A quality training session should include: goal setting Setting goals for each session is extremely valuable and can not be over looked. If a player goes into a session without planning, then it is likely that he/she will not get anything out of the training session. thorough physical warm-up The warm-up for the player should be as thorough as it is for a game. Start by doing laps, stretching and joint mobility exercises. Do run through so that your legs are used to doing quick explosive exercises. thorough skills warm up and shooting drill Start with ball control and first touch Look at getting hit speed up to match level as well as level of receipt Turn the core skills into a small group practice and then finally into game like drill game like drills Drills that can be used are 3 on 2's, 4 on 2's and 1 on 1's. These drills are often used by coaches but sometimes are used too far away from the goal. Defence versus the attack is also extremely valuable. This can be done starting outside the circle in a situation like a free hit. An important point is to have the attackers out numbering the defence. Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 9 of 187

10 2. JDC Assessment For the season, we revised the assessment to programme to make it simpler and easier Ball Carry Here we look first at the ball carry position, and then the feet movement and hand positions. For older groups look at Indian dribble Ball Retention V-drag, pull-back and roll-outs. Check on point of contact Hitting and Look at technique for hitting the ball. Look at German broad hit and stand-up clip. shooting No slap hitting. For upper age groups look at posting up and hitting under arm and also SC injection and trapping. Ball Movement Look at right and left side pass and receive. Also look at power and accuracy of push. TEAM 2.1 Pitch Set up A set of small-sided games over half a pitch 2.2 While you wait for the start Use the following 2 routines: First Touch Getting to know you 2.3 Introduction Welcome and introduction to the day: When the whistle blows you stop what you are doing immediately and listen carefully to the instructions Moving between skills assessment is to be done at the trot Suggest taking water bottles with you If you don t understand then ask you won t be penalised for asking!!! Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 10 of 187

11 2.4 Physical Warm-up We used the following for this age group: Herts Physical Warm-up 2.5 Skills Assessment The Skills Assessment is based on 4 station sessions followed by skills relay. The Stations last 30mins each followed by 20 minutes game play. We used the following: Ball Carry Ball Retention (V-drag, Pull Back and Roll-out) Hitting and Shooting Movement with the ball 2.6 Team Assessment 4 teams with bibs Play across the pitch. Mix the teams up so that there are as few as possible of children from the same school/club Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 11 of 187

12 3. JDC Sessions Each year, we have to look at our numbers at each age group and see whether we combine to only rund a age group in the County or whether we go for two. One of the things that I have noticed over the last 2 years of operating the Single System is that our girls with one or two exceptions are not able to hit a ball properly so I want us to spend time on this basic skills across all 4 training sessions at all age groups for the Girls. Our boys also need to hone their skill to be more accurate. As a guide I would like to suggest the following: BOYS GIRLS U12 Accurate hard hit from between 23 metre and half way into the goal Accurate hard hit from 23 line into the goal U13 Accurate hard hit from halfway into Accurate hard hit from between 23 U14 goal or across whole field Accurate hard hit from between halfway and further 23 metre line into goal. metre and half way into the goal Accurate hard hit from halfway into goal or across whole field U15 Consolidate Accurate hard hit from between halfway and further 23 metre line into goal. 3.1 Session planning Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 General Assessment 1. Coachability 2.Mental Toughness 3.Game Decision 1. Coachability 2.Mental Toughness 3.Game Decision 1. Coachability 2.Mental Toughness 3.Game Decision 1. Coachability 2.Mental Toughness 3.Game Decision Core Skill Assessment 1.Comfort on the 1. Hit Ball 2. Passing 1. 1v1 2. Defending 1. Attacking the Circle Specific Skills Assessment 1.Aerial 1. Reverse Stick 1.Penalty Corner 1. Deflections Session 1 Welcome and Intro Warm-Up Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 12 of 187

13 Ball Warm-Up Dribble Relays Ball Retention Skills L/R Hand Side Ball Carry Aerial Game Play Cool-Down Session 2 Welcome Warm-Up Ball Warm-Up Hitting and Goal Scoring (including reverse stick hitting / dink) Passing Patterns Outletting Game Play Cool-Down Session 3 Welcome Warm-Up Ball Warm-Up 1v1 in the D / 25 Defence in the D / 25 Penalty Corner skills Game Play Cool-Down Session 4 Welcome Warm-Up Endurance Assessment Ball Warm-Up Attacking the Circle, including finishing skills Deflections Game Play Cool-Down 3.2 Style 1. Going forward 2-3 touch hockey with movement off the ball to create at least 3 options for the pass, followed by strike from top of D, with player running into the post for deflection 2. Defensive what I term echelon defence ie defend from the front. Forwards react to pressure counter attacks onto Midfield; midfield channel onto defence. Also need good verbals from GKs to make this work effectively once back in our half Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 13 of 187

14 You can use this guide to help you pick appropriate skills training to support the suggested programme above. Alternatively you may wish to use other skills training session. It would be a great help to the county if you would let the Director of Coaching have a copy of your programmes so that new sessions not covered in this manual can be added. 3.3 Technical Language To help you with the terms now being used by England, please find a lexicography: Forehand/ Reverse side Strong/ reverse Ball Carry Dribble position Passing/ Dribble Lanes Area we want the ball to travel down Usually direct route to goal Avoiding contact Attack space on the pitch rather than running directly at players Pointing at pressure Facing directly towards the defender as you get close to contact Opens up more dribble and passing lanes Getting Ahead Pass and follow Post Up Leading back to the ball Screen Leading Leading in front and across a defender to receive the ball and eliminating them on receipt Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 14 of 187

15 4. JAC Sessions 4.1 U15, U16 and U17 I have pulled this together from something sent to me by England s Director of Coaching and edited to fit what we know from the JDC assessments. WEEK Time Prestart 1st touch Posting up V-drag circuit 00:00 Warm up session should include dynamic stretching, agility components including ladder work and/or footwork drills. Movement skills including change of direction, acceleration and deceleration work should also feature in the programme. 00:15 Assessment and technical session - assessment of ball carrying skills including footwork drill and V- drag. Emphasis on technical detail. Focus on high left elbow, arms and ball away from the body. Assessment of hitting, aerial ball and trapping. V-drag and pull-back (six reps each). Base on previous week' session. Add ball carry out of the v-drag 96 reps each). Add pull-- back pass square routine 00:45 Rest Rest Rest 00:50 Receiving technique. Post up, moving towards the ball. Also look at trapping whilst slowing down or a stationary trap having moved in front of an opponent using a strong, low wide base. Roll out over left shoulder on a wide arc. Drive to space quickly. Protect the ball from defenders where necessary. 01:40 Rest Rest 2 v 1 attacking through right wing and left wing channel. Emphasis on ball carrying position when pointing at pressure and running hard to space. Low left hand and low body position from defender and supporting attacker. If trying to eliminate on the inside, athletes must use skills 'out of range' from defenders. Aerial pass and receive. Moving to receive, controlling the ball confidently and passing the ball on. Free hit skills: Work on both self-pass speed and defending. What to do near circle and 16's Goal scoring and hitting: Running from left to right or right to left diagonally in the circle. Aiming for the sideboards across the GK with a flat hit. Receiving whilst moving away from goal in the circle and hitting from behind the body. Squeeze technique and using the first touch to take the ball to space away from the defender. Deflecting at goal, open and reverse technique GK and Outfield Outfield and GKs separate Outfield and GKs can be either together or separate Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 15 of 187

16 WEEK Time :45 Defending skills. Focus on closing down, Penalty Corner Skills: especially the Divide group into 4 ( 2 deceleration footwork attack, 2 defence). First and low left hand 20 minutes got through barrier. Cover both open std defence and attack Coached Game: work on stick block tackle and routines revolving the Counter attacking and quick reverse stick tackle. players around break hockey. Focus the 02:30 Coached Game - look games around speed of for how ball retention and defending skills are used Coached Game - look for how 2 v1 and PC skills are used passing, transfer and ball carrying. Emphasise getting players up the pitch quickly 02:55 Cool Down Cool Down Cool Down GK and Outfield Outfield and GKs together Version: 1.7 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 16 of 187

17 4.2 U13 and U14 I have pulled this together from something sent to me by England s Director of Coaching and edited to fit what we know from the JDC assessments. WEEK Time GK and Outfield 00:00 00:20 00:50 1st touch Posting up 3D 1st touch Posting up 3D Warm up session should include dynamic stretching, agility components including ladder work and/or footwork drills. Movement skills including change of direction, acceleration and deceleration work should also feature in the programme. Ball carrying V-drag, pull-back Ball Carry Assessment of exercises (15min). 2 and roll-out ball carrying v 1. Focusing also on exercise (six reps skills including V-drag and pullback (six reps each). against the ball smoothness, exercise (six reps defending skill each). Focus on V-drag and roll-out footwork drill and V-drag. Repeat session 2 from carrier. When to distance of drag and each). Passing and Assessment of week 1. Trapping the close down, how to footwork receiving on the move, moving hit and ball with a strong low close the space and throughout. Hitting incorporate slap hit, push + receiving base. Roll out over technique of open and receiving drill reverse stick hitting open stick. left shoulder. and reverse tackle. over 20-30m. and split grip pass. Ball Retention GK and Outfield separate Introduction to 1v1 exercise Copyright in large Ball Hertfordshire carrying Hockey Association 2 v 1 looking and at Simon lead Holloway 2v2 and 3v2 attacking 3D skills. Start grids (20m x 20m), assessment through and getting the circle. Core Version: with 15 lifted push keeping the ball away exercises, hitting, ahead of the ball. decisions of the ball Date of Issue: and December receive 2011 on from contact. Use of slapping and pushing Vary 2nd attacker's carrier of when to Page: run 17 of 187 Reference: the Outfield open Coaching stick. roll-out and V-drag work (20 min). Aerial start position, e.g. with the ball and when Include balancing out of range of passing and high up the to pass. Pointing at skills, lifts over defender when they receiving, emphasis pitch/grid or level. pressure with a good

18 WEEK Time GK and Outfield small hurdles (20- are 'running and on technique and ball carrying position. 30cm) reaching'. consistency (not distance). 01:20 Rest Rest Rest Rest Rest Rest 01:25 Receiving Free hits technique. Post of all sorts up, moving towards the ball. V-drag and pullback Also trapping Hitting exercise over (six reps each). Develop into 2 v 2 if whilst slowing metres, Base on previous players are down or emphasis on flat, week' session. Add successful getting stationary trap accurate and hard. ball carry out of the v- the ball ahead of Free hit skills: Work having moved in Athletes should also drag 96 reps each). defenders and show on both self-pass speed front of an be able to hit with Add pull-- back pass good decision and defending. What to opponent. shortened grip. square routine making. do near circle and 16's 01:45 Rest Rest Rest Rest Rest Rest Version: 15 Date of Issue: December 2011 Page: 18 of 187

19 WEEK Time GK and Outfield 01:50 Hitting GK + Defending skills. Focus on 2 v 2 - looking at defending skills and and Scoring Outfield together closing down Penalty Corner emphasise the aspect especially receiving technique Penalty Corner Skills. the deceleration of post up, moving Each athlete should footwork and low towards the ball. establish a basic left hand barrier. Also trapping whilst competency in 2 of the Cover open stick slowing down or following; Injection, 02:10 block moving reverse tackle. tackle into stick Hitting exercise over metres, emphasis on flat, accurate and hard. Athletes should also be able to hit with shortened grip. Skills. Each athlete should establish a basic competency in 2 of the following; Injection, trap (stick stop), strike from the top of the D and flick, slap or hit from a slip pass. 2 v 1 attacking through right wing and left wing channel. Emphasis on ball carrying position when pointing at pressure and running hard to space. Low left hand and low body position from defender and supporting attacker. Hitting on the move into a goal. Running from left to right or right to left diagonally in the circle. Aiming for the sideboards across the GK with a flat hit. Focus on the preparation to hit, cross-over step and keeping shoulders in line with the target whilst balanced. Finishing skills - Receiving whilst moving away from goal in the circle and hitting from behind the body. Squeeze technique and using the first touch to take the ball to space away from the defender. stationary trap having moved in front of an opponent. 2v2 and 3v2 attacking the circle. Core decisions of the ball carrier of when to run with the ball and when to pass. Pointing at pressure with a good ball carrying position. trap (stick stop), strike from the top of the D and flick, slap or hit from a slip pass. Deflecting at goal, open and reverse technique. Emphasis on quality of delivery into the circle 2 v1, 3 v2 Version: 15 Date of Issue: December 2011 Page: 19 of 187

20 WEEK Time GK and Outfield 02:30 Game: focusing Coached on low barrier 11 v 11 games. Full Game defending and to pitch game focus on 02:55 ball carrying position whilst running. Moving to space and moving when receiving all the time. PCA skills Game: set attack and defence tactic (different for each group). Right wide, defence switch, echelon defence, etc their foundation skills throughout. Add conditions to games e.g. open stick receiving, rolling over left shoulder only etc. Game: set attack and defence tactic (different for each group). Right wide, defence echelon etc switch, defence, 11 v 11 games. Full pitch game look for carrying the ball to space, not into contact. Also they should already have a good understanding of 2 v 1 and 2 v 2 small unit plays. Cool Down Cool Down Cool Down Cool Down Cool Down Cool Down You can use this guide to help you pick appropriate skills training to support the suggested programme above. Alternatively you may wish to use other skills training session. It would be a great help to the county if you would let the Director of Coaching have a copy of your programmes so that new sessions not covered in this manual can be added. Version: 15 Date of Issue: December 2011 Page: 20 of 187

21 4.3 Style 3. Going forward 2-3 touch hockey with movement off the ball to create at least 3 options for the pass, followed by strike from top of D, with player running into the post for deflection 4. Defensive what I term echelon defence ie defend from the front. Forwards react to pressure counter attacks onto Midfield; midfield channel onto defence. Also need good verbals from GKs to make this work effectively once back in our half 5. GK Working up the age group to being able to defend high and verbal control form u13 ( circle), u14/15 to defensive 25. to u16/17 halfway. Movement and reaction speed to be worked on. 4.4 Competition Selection U14/U15/16/17 England wants us to ensure that all players in the JAC get a chance to play in the competition. Therefore we will adopt a system that England use for their U16 and U18 teams, which is there is a core 8 players who play in every game, the other 16 players from the squad are selected for one tournament only. So here is the plan: 1. Through the 3 training session identify your key 8 this should include 1 goalkeeper. 2. For the rest of the squad divide them into 2 groups of 8, that complement your core squad. 3. We have 3 tournaments, then allocate your squad as a combination of core + other for each tournament taking 2 GKs as part of the U13 You have 3 competition days. The last of which is a festival. I will try to get more idea of what is going to happen form the East Competition committee 4.5 Assessment Criteria Assessment at JAC is against the following EHB standard criteria: Coachability How easy or difficult is it to coach them? Can they take criticism and then show that they have listened and taken on board what a coach says Speed Agility Endurance Comfort on Ball Passing 1 v 1 Elimination Attacking Circle Work Defending Mental Toughness Game Decision Making 40m sprint test; Working on toes; ability to change pace on the move; Are they able to last the whole of game or training session? Coopers Test; Bleep test ball carry position, head up, high left elbow; Indian dribble; open stick dribbling First touch; receiving the ball on the move; passing the ball square and diagonally and into space Hitting: clip and German (low and broad stick). 3D - passing and receiving; out letting V-drag, Pull-backs, turns; ability to sell a dummy Shooting; ability to attack space. SC attack channelling, block tackles, jab tackles; press - full and half-court; SC Defence Does the head go down when they are loosing? Are they able to get other members of the team working with them In a game, can they make decision in time to be effective Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 21 of 187

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23 5. Techniques These exercises have been put together from a number of sources include The St. Albans HC Coaching manual developed by Simon Holloway, Sportsplan and EHA coaching packs. 5.1 Warm-ups Getting to know you Spread team anywhere inside the half of a pitch. Give the team 3 balls only. (Use small footballs first) The exercise is that you can pass the ball around the team to anyone. This will create a lot of talking and activity. Do this exercise for about 5 minutes. It is important that the players keep moving off the ball to make themselves available to receive the ball Physical Warm-up 5 minute gentle jog around half pitch area 1 st round simple rune 2 nd run intermix side and back runs 3 rd run intermix sprint down 2 shorter sides Herts Dynamic Warm-up This is the standard Herts warm-up routine that we use for matches 5 minute gentle jog around the pitch ( 2x) Then using pitch layout do the following dynamics drills From 25 to half way, and walk back. 3 times each one (choose 3 to 4) Jog on toes Knee to chest Butt kicks Angled knee to chest Lunge elbow to knee Lunge trailing leg behind Knee up and extend (running style) Knee up and extend with a recovery cycle Out to Ins groin stretch Ins to out groin stretch Sumo Low skip Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 23 of 187

24 High skip Shefford and Snady 15 minute warm-up This was devised by Simon Holloway from a Sportsplan suggested warm-up routine for Shefford & Sandy HC in WARM UP: ~5min In circle Change in speed, increase speed slowly as they warm up. Run backwards Side step facing middle Side step facing out Fast feet do for about a minute each way Fast feet side step facing outside circle Grape vine (cross-overs) Faint dodge High knees Slow down to a walk then a stop Dynamic stretches ~5 min To be done in circle. Keep the movement continuous, don t stop and hold: Lunge Sideways lunge Leg swings Side lunge Sumo twist Body rotation Windmill arms Front and back clap Plyometric drills ~ 5 min Done on back line. Complete 10 of each exercise. They should be very explosive; it s not about the distance covered, it s all about the height! High skip. 10 each leg Squat Jumps (low intensity) Split Squat Jumps (med intensity) Bounding - 10 each leg Single leg skip 10 each leg Argentine Warm-ip I came across this when working as JRPC U18 Boys Manager at Northwood. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 24 of 187

25 Set up as shown above; divide the squad into 2 equal groups. Each group starts at the first red cone and then runs through the ladder and then runs around the red cone at the other end before running back to the start position Change the foot work through the ladder so that: o First time say both feet between each rung o Second time say 1 foot in the other then to the side to right, next inside and then to left o Third is bunny hop Each group needs to run at the speed of the slowest member and keep together as a squad. Gradually ask the groups to increase the speed Divots SET-UP: Scatter some markers ('divots') across and area, some the right way up, and some upside down. Split the group into two teams - 'hackers and green keepers' and spread them out across the area. ACTIVITY: On the word 'Go' the hackers run round turning the divots upside down and the green keepers turning them the right way up. After a set period of time, count the divots to see how many are the right way up and how many are upside down. Change the teams round and start again. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 25 of 187

26 5.1.7 Great Goal Robbery Set up 4 or 5 or 6 holding areas using cones or hoops + 1 more in the centre of the area Divide players into the 4 or 5 or 6 groups Put a set number of balls in each island Players stand by the area and when the whistle is blown, the players go to another island and get a ball. They then dribble it back to their own island Minefield Place lots of cones all over the area -these cones are the mines and you have to avoid Start at one end of the play area and dribble the ball to the other end making sure you don t hit any of the mines. The winner if the first person to get to the end of the play area without hitting any of the mines Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 26 of 187

27 5.1.9 Knee Tag Game In pairs, try to tag your opponent's knee, while avoiding him tagging your own. Play as a competitive game, eg first to 15 Coaching Points Keep on your toes and light on your feet Agility Test This is a common element of the Skills Assessment for all age groups. Set up 2 of these if equipment available. Single leg alternate over first hurdles Small step drive throu ladder Swerve run through the cones round the corner Double leg bunny hop through the hurdles Leg in, leg out throu the ladder Ball& Stick Warm up 1 In D one ball per player dribbling around Pick up pace One whistle change direction 180% Two whistles left hand only Three whistles try to bounce ball on stick 5 times and carry on IF TIME dribbling in pairs passing ball between each other Ball & Stick Warm up 2 Divide into groups of 5/6, 3 on 25 and 2/3 on back line 2 cones in middle spread about a metre apart Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 27 of 187

28 1 st Player dribbles at pace to cones and passes to 1 st player in opposite team who attacks ball and does same Progression 1 Player now dribbles at pace attacking left cone then drags ball across on reverse and makes pass round right cone Progression 2 Cones now moved diagonally player now attacks left cone and does a V drag, goes round right cone and makes pass Notes The 'left to right drag is easier to perform with a strong ball carrying position rather than having the left elbow tucked into the body. The ball should travel from well outside one foot across the body to as far as possible outside the other. The player may find the footwork more difficult and may lose control of the ball if the left elbow comes into the body. If the ball is too close to the feet, this will affect the footwork and the ability to accelerate out of the skill Ball Stick Warm-up 3 Players need to get into groups of 3 with one ball in each group. Number the players 1, 2 and 3. Allocate an area of the pitch for each group to work in When no.1 has the ball no.2 has to run in a straight line until no.1 passes the ball. Once no.2 has received the ball player no.3 has to make a run. Coaching Points Several groups can be doing this same drill at the same time. This will then force players to keep their heads up and look around them at all times to avoid a collision. 5.2 Endurance, Speed and Agility Coopers test The Cooper Test [Cooper, KH. "A means of assessing maximal oxygen intake". JAMA. 203: , 1968] is used to monitor the development of the athlete's aerobic endurance and to obtain an Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 28 of 187

29 estimate of their VO2max. VO2max is the maximum amount of oxygen in millilitres, one can use in one minute per kilogram of body weight. Those who are fit have higher VO2max values and can exercise more intensely than those who are not as well conditioned. This test requires the athlete to run as far as possible in 12 minutes. The athlete warms up for 10 minutes The coach gives the command GO, starts the stopwatch and the athlete commences the test The assistant keeps the athlete informed of the remaining time at the end of each lap of the pitch The coach blows the whistle when 6 minutes has elapsed and records the distance the athlete covered in terms of laps and parts of laps Normative data for the Cooper Test Male Athletes Female Athletes VO2max Age Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor >2700m m m m <2100m >2800m m m m <2200m >3000m m m m <2300m >2800m m m m <1600m >2700m m m m <1500m >2500m m m m <1400m >50 >2400m m m m <1300m Age Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor >2000m m m m <1500m >2100m m m m <1600m >2300m m m m <1700m >2700m m m m <1500m >2500m m m m <1400m >2300m m m m <1200m >50 >2200m m m m <1100m An estimate of your VO2max can be calculated as follows: (Distance covered in metres ) m Sprint Sprint or speed tests can be performed over varying distances, depending on the factors being tested and the relevance to the sport. The 40 Meter Sprint is part of the etid Talent Identification Testing Program. The aim of this test is to determine acceleration and speed. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 29 of 187

30 20 metres A thorough warm up should be given, including some practice starts and accelerations. Start from a stationary position, with one foot in front of the other. The front foot must be on the starting line. This runner should be stationary prior to starting. The person timing should stand at the finish line with one arm held high, and call ready followed by a sweep down their arm quickly to start the subject (do not call out go due to the time delay in the subject hearing the call). As the arm sweeps down, the tester should start the stopwatch which is held in the downward sweeping arm, and finish the stopwatch as their chest passes through the finish line. Three trials are allowed, and the best time is recorded to the nearest two decimal places Age Group Male Female U U U U U Agility session Divide into pairs with 4 cones Set up as shown below Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 30 of 187

31 2 players face each other in between the 2 sets of cones Player A s cones need to be slightly wider apart than player B s. The object of the exercise is for Player B to mirror the movements of player A Perform the drill for 30 seconds and then rest for 2 minutes then swap positions and repeat Variations: Use a ball in the hand so hand movements as well as feet movements have to be mirrored Use jumps and movements to floor and back Weave In - Weave Out Place 4 markers out in a straight line approximately 3 yards apart. In between each set of markers place another marker only 3 yards to the left. Sprint from one marker to the next bending down to touch each one with your hand. The emphasis is on taking quick side steps, rather than turning to face the marker and sprinting forward - that takes more time Repeat with cone on the right Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 31 of 187

32 5.2.4 Knee Tag Game In pairs, try to tag your opponent's knee, while avoiding him tagging your own. Play as a competitive game, eg first to 15 Coaching Points Keep on your toes and light on your feet FARTLEK Training There are two main categories of fartlek training: Natural fartlek- The runner varies the speed and effort according to how they feel during the training session. Structured fartlek- Route & distance determined before the start. Examples of structured fartlek are below: Saltin- Stride hard for 3 minutes with 1minute jog recovery- Repeat 6 times. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 32 of 187

33 Astrand- Maximum effort for 75 seconds, 150 seconds jog recovery: maximum effort for 60 seconds, 120 seconds jog recovery. Repeat 3 times. Gerschler- Stride hard for 30 seconds, jog recovery for 90 seconds, repeat stride hard for 30 seconds reducing recovery 15 seconds each time: 30-90; 30-75; 30-60; 30-45; 30-30; Repeat 3 times. 150m and 200m runs- Run 150m at 90% pace with a slow jog back to the start. As soon as you arrive back at the start run 200m at 80% pace with slow jog recovery. Have a 2 minutes break. Repeat 5 times. 1 minute intervals- Run fast for 60 seconds and then have a walk recovery of 90 seconds. Try to maintain strong running technique throughout the 1 minute run. Maintain good running technique as much as you can. Keep going for minutes. Mixed length- Work at 80% for 1 min, followed by 40-50% (v. slow jog) for 1 minute x 6 reps. 3 min slow jog. 6 x 50 m sprints with 50 metre jog between. Pyramid- 4 minutes stride hard with jog recovery for 60 seconds, then 3 minutes with 60 seconds recovery, 2 minutes with 60 seconds recovery, 1 minute with 60 seconds recovery, 2 minutes with 60 second recovery, 3 minutes with 60 seconds recovery, 4 minutes with 60 second recovery Here is an example of a pitch session (Source: Hardcore Hockey) Suicide run Routine devised by Simon Holloway initially for Shefford & Sandy HC in Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 33 of 187

34 A B C F D E Run to the 23 metre line and then run back to the back line (A and B) Turn and run to the half way line (C) Turn and run back to 23 metre line (D) Turn and run to the half way line (E) Turn and run back to back line (F) Repeat once again Speed endurance ~ 10 min Squares: Mark out an area of approximately 50 meters by 50 meters. Starting at one corner: Sprint diagonally across the square to the opposite corner and halfway along one side. Jog the rest of the way down this side of the square. Sprint diagonally to the opposite corner and halfway along this side of the square, Jog back to the start position. This is one set. Rest for 1 minute by slowly jogging Compete 4-6 sets Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 34 of 187

35 5.3 Ball Carrying Open Stick work 1 Use the side line or 25 or back line.. Give each player a ball Ask the player to run keeping the ball on the line Progression 1 Use the side line or 25 or back line. Give each player a ball Open Stick ball carry through the cones either side of the line Coaching Points This exercise demonstrates the need for quality footwork and a good ball carrying position whilst changing the body position (head, chest and shoulders): Keep a high left elbow to allow a more upright stick. Arms away from the body, keeping the ball away from the feet. When changing direction from left to right / right to left ask the players to exaggerate their shoulder movements. Players can almost point their chest to the cone from where they have come from before, changing direction to exaggerate the body movement required to point at pressure. Try to keep the back straight enabling better vision. Quick footwork is required around the cones in order to maintain a good ball carrying position with a high left elbow. Players should keep the ball in contact with the stick allowing smooth movement throughout the exercise Open Stick work 2 Progression 1 Progression 2 Set up a number of cone alleys according to the number of players ( 4 groups, place players at either end) Progression 1: Without the ball weave in and out of the cones with head up. Do 2 or 3 times increasing the pace. Progression 2: Repeat Progression 1 but this time with a ball. Progression 3: Now move the odd cones to the left and even cones to the right and repeat Progression 2. Progression 4: Repeat Progression 3 but this time the ball and stick goes one side of the cone and the feet the other. Progression 5 (optional for the better players): Indian dribble use reverse and open stick Coaching points: Keep a high left elbow to allow a more upright stick. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 35 of 187

36 Grip- to enable quick movement of the ball, the back of the hand faces forward. This also helps with the position of the elbow. Arms away from the body, keeping the ball away from the feet. Keep a balanced position with slightly bent knees. Try to keep the back straight enabling the player to look ahead (5-10 metres) from time to time. Quick and light footwork avoiding crossing-over of the feet. Notes The ball may move offline if the left elbow comes into the body. If the ball is too close to the feet, this will affect the footwork and vision. Having the right hand too low on the stick can cause poor posture or a bent-over back Ball Carry with Footwork with Left to Right Drag The player carries the ball on the open stick side through the cones; the feet then pass through cones 'left to right' followed by a wide 'left to right' drag of the ball. The player then repeats the skill twice during the exercise Coaching Points This exercise looks at footwork, ball carrying position and the need for a wide drag moving the ball from outside the left foot across the body to outside of the right foot. Keep a high left elbow to allow a more upright stick. Arms away from the body, keeping the ball away from the feet. As the ball passes through the cones keep the left elbow high. The stick should stay in contact with the ball to allow smooth movement across the body. As the player finishes the skill through the first section- they should return to a good ball carrying position before repeating the skill again. Notes The player may find the footwork more difficult if the ball is too close to the feet. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 36 of 187

37 To get further distance on the drag, players will need to keep their arms well away from the body and will need quicker footwork. If the stick is too far from the ball, players may lose control of the ball whilst performing the drag Ball Carrying Position & Pointing At Pressure The player carries the ball on the open stick side only, moving the feet and the ball around the cones in a 'slalom style'. Coaching Points This exercise demonstrates the need for quality footwork and a good ball carrying position whilst changing the body position (head, chest and shoulders): Keep a high left elbow to allow a more upright stick. Arms away from the body, keeping the ball away from the feet. When changing direction from left to right / right to left ask the players to exaggerate their shoulder movements. Players can almost point their chest to the cone from where they have come from before, changing direction to exaggerate the body movement required to point at pressure. Try to keep the back straight enabling better vision. Quick footwork is required around the cones in order to maintain a good ball carrying position with a high left elbow. Players should keep the ball in contact with the stick allowing smooth movement throughout the exercise. Notes The player may find the footwork more difficult and may lose control of the ball if the left elbow comes into the body. If the ball is too close to the feet, this will affect the footwork envision. Having the right hand too low on the stick can cause poor posture or a bent-over back Right Side Ball Carry Coaching Points Back to the side line, facing into the field As player moves forward, the feet cross-over right in front of left. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 37 of 187

38 Player moves the ball from outside front foot to outside the back foot as they move like a sidewise Indian dribble. To move the defender to over commit move ball further out in front and the drag back. Make sure right hand grip is suffiently high so that player can move at pace, but not so high that control is lost. Change direction by driving off the outside foot - Feet change direction before the ball Step 1 Ball carrier on open stick Step 2 Ball Carrier with passive defender Same as Step 1 but now with a Defender Defender over defends on the left foot space Attacker can use a V drag or pull back to attack space inside Step 3Defender becomes active Left Side ball carry The same coaching points and steps as for right side but now on the left except defender over defends on right side Indian Dribbling Progression 1 - getting the basics Designed by Rolant Oltmans Netherlands Olympic Coach Player stands in a comfortable position Start with the hockey ball just outside the white line to the right of the player Player uses the front open face and reverse stick dribble to move a hockey ball over the left and right white marker lines which are 1 meter apart. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 38 of 187

39 Coaching Points 1 point for every time the ball is moved over the meter course 0 points for movements that do not exceed the 1 meter course Progression 2 now taking onto the move See e&seid= &jli=true. Put out 2 cones (on a line if possible) about 2-5 meter apart Player with a ball each stand one side of the line and the ball on the other side. The practice is for the players to start with the stick head pointing down, flat side in contact with the ball and holding the stick with the left hand only. They have to walk the ball to the other cone on reaching the cone the player turns the stick swaps hands and walks the ball back. Progression 3 in and out the cones Player stays in the middle of the cones, ball and stick go outside the cones. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 39 of 187

40 5.3.8 Confusion Player has to run forehand around the middle cone and reverse the stick around the outside cone Dribbling slalom Dribbling into a figure of eight using the front stick: - This drill helps the youngsters in accelerating turns when it is necessary. It is important that they always use the front stick. Dribbling 2 wide cones: - This drill needs a lot of attention. The youngster should know how to use the reverse stick properly. You start running towards the left hand cone and than change the direction towards the right. This is a simple curved Indian dribble. Dribbling with the aid of the board Again as no.2 the youngster should have a good reverse stick. Simple dribbling on the front stick. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 40 of 187

41 5.4 Passing and Receiving The Skill of Receiving Take a side on stance leaning forward with knees bent Top of the stick is held level with the knees by the left hand. Right hand should be relaxed to absorb the impact of the ball on the stick. This low position allows the stick head and blade to be held close to the ground and presents a wide surface area to the ball. Watch the ball all the time ready to move the flat side of the stick into line with the ball The stick is angled forwards to trap the ball between the blade and the ground. The ball should be controlled in front of the of the body midway between the feet. This is so that the player is ready for further action The Skill of Pushing Take a side on stance with feet slightly more than a shoulder width apart. Body position low. Head and eyes steady until completion of pass Balanced transfer of weight from right to left foot as the pass is made Check that the left shoulder and the left foot point in the direction the ball will travel. Hands well apart on stick, shaft of stick low to ground for strength The ball should be positioned a stick length in front of the body, level with the back (right) foot. Place flat stick head behind the ball and use a firm right hand to propel the ball forwards. Emphasize that the right hand provides the power, but the left hand pulls in the opposite direction The Skill of Hitting Hands together, this can be either at the top or further down Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 41 of 187

42 Early body and stick preparation Turn body sideways, have left shoulder facing goal, cross over step right foot behind left Weight on right foot transfers to left foot as the shot is made Head over ball, eyes on ball until shot completed Low back swing, firm wrists on follow through Ensure face of the stick is square to the ball and in the direction of the hit Ball position ahead and to the right of player, level with front foot for flat hit First Touch Warm-up As players arrive give a ball between 2 Player passes the ball to the other player who has to first touch the ball into a passing position on the other side of the cone and passes the ball back to the other player. After 4 or 5 successful passes and receives move the cones further apart. 5 minutes then move to next Coaching points: Grip- 'double V grip' hands together with no gap between the hands. Players should try hitting with different hand positions up or down the grip. Head- the head should be positioned over the left foot throughout the swing. Players should try and keep their head still when practising. Ball- almost a full stick length away, level with or in front of the left foot. Swing Around the body and flat, rather than a steep or shoulder head height backswing. The hands should be almost level or in front of the left knee on contact with the ball. On the move- players should use the 'cross-over' step where the penultimate step is the right foot crossing behind the left foot. This motion allows the player to stay in a low position throughout the hit. Keeping both feet on the ground when making contact with the ball will help the players' balance through the hitting action. To get a low hitting position, the player must bend the left knee to almost 90 degrees First Touch - Round the Gate under Pressure 2 Players, 1 ball. One of the players has to pass the ball to his partner through the gate. After the pass he/she then runs after the ball to put pressure on the player receiving (they have to run through the gate). The player receiving has to play the ball left or right to avoid the tackle then run to where the original pass started from. Player 1 can chase back to stop player with ball crossing the goal line and score a point. Player 2 after having gone left or right should accelerate and try to block out the player 1 chasing back. Swap when player 1 wins the ball. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 42 of 187

43 5.4.6 First Touch under Pressure Join 2 groups together 1 Player passes the ball to the player through the cones then follows it to put pressure on the receiver. The receiver has to try and pass the ball to the player left or right, and then follows the ball to take that players position. The second player receiving the ball runs back to the start First Touch Finishing Drill Each player will receive 10 passes into the top of the circle from either a coach or another player (C) Player A is in a confined area by cones that are 5 yards long and 5 yards wide Player A is positioned in a game like situations with his/her back to goal and needs to realize that there is immediate pressure from behind and with very little time to shoot On each pass into the circle Player A is only allowed to touch the ball twice. Once to prepare it and the next to shoot! Coaching points: Accurate and powerful forehand and backing hitting is essential is this zone of the circle One area that is often over looked is foot preparation- small, quick and minimal steps is the key. (Source: Jeff Harding, PlanetFieldHockey.com) Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 43 of 187

44 5.4.8 Posting Up Players A and C face Players B and D. On the word go they run backwards round the back cone and then come forward to receive a ball from players Band D Keeping repeating this exercise for 5 minutes then switch over Passing and Receiving on the move posting up The initial exercise was developed by Simon Spencer for the U15 Boys in The progressions were developed by Simon Holloway during 2010 Set up a series of grids as shown above for groups of 8 to 10 players. A plays the ball square to B and runs diagonally to receive a ball from C. Stops it and return the ball to C. Then runs round C and back to the end of queue B. B having received the ball from A passes the ball back to A2 and then runs diagonally to receive a ball from D. Stops it and returns the ball to D. Then runs around D and back to end of the queue A Change Players C and D every 3 minutes. Progression 1 (15 mins) Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 44 of 187

45 Player A plays the ball square to Player B and then runs diagonally to receive a ball from C. Player A plays a left side pass to Player C coming down the side. Player C receives the ball, controls and passes to head of queue B Player A takes the place of Player C and Player C joins the back of the B queue. Progression 2 (15 mins) Player A plays the ball square to Player B and then runs diagonally to receive a ball from C. Player A plays a right side pass to Player D coming down the side. Player D receives the ball, controls and passes to head of queue A. Player A takes the place of Player D and Player D joins the back of the A queue Progression 3: Player B plays the ball up to Player C Player C plays the ball back down the long side to Player B. Player B plays the ball to Player A and moves to the mid point of the rectangle to receive the ball back from player A. Player D moves down to be left of Player A and receives square pass and then run back to where Player A was. Player A goes to where Player D was. Player D (now A)plays the ball up to Player A (now D) and cycle begins again Coaching Points: The player receiving must run towards the ball and attempt to keep accelerating whilst receiving the pass. Keep a high left elbow to allow a more upright stick and keep the arms away from and in front of the body. Players should keep the stick in contact with ball as much as possible after receiving the pass. Grip- to enable quick movement of the ball after receiving, the back of the hand faces forward. This also helps with the position of the elbow. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 45 of 187

46 Keep a balanced position with slightly bent knees. Try to keep the back straight enabling the player to look ahead (5-10 metres) from time to time after receiving. Players should also pay attention to the quality of the passing Notes The players may 'miss-trap' the ball if the left elbow or their arms get too close into the body. If the ball gets too close to the feet whilst receiving, the player is forced to look down. Having the right hand too low on the stick can cause poor posture or a bent-over back Passing on the move Drill 1- Diagonal balls Player B pushes the ball diagonally across the grid Player A runs to the first cone to control the ball and push diagonally to cone 3. Player B runs to cone 3 to control the ball and push diagonally to cone Drill 2 Square ball spaces Player A pushes the ball straight across the grid to Player B on open stick. Player B runs to the first cone to control the ball and pushes square to Player A. An so on Coaching Points: Accuracy and power of the pass to cover the distance. Is it truly square? Is the player getting the feet around to make the pass from left to right? Can the player pass the ball under the arm when passing from right to left? Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 46 of 187

47 Drill 3- Square ball, diagonal run Player A push passes the ball to player B, and then runs diagonally across the grid to receive a return pass Player B then runs diagonally across the grid to receive the square pass Ball only goes sideway or along the direction of play Gate Passing 1 ball between 2. Players have to pass the ball to each other through a gate. Using a different gate each time. The whole group should be working at the same time Coaching Points Players should be looking at the target each time whilst they are completing the pass, this will help the accuracy. Use the cross-over step when on the move. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 47 of 187

48 Pass and receive static wall, Passing and Receiving Hockey Split your group in half. The white team each has a ball. The blue team position themselves evenly around the coned area and remain static. The white players make a pass to one of the static players but are not allowed to receive the ball from the same player so they must move around the grid to find a new ball. On receiving a different ball, they then carry the ball and look for a new player to make the next pass to Coaching Points See how many passes you can make player passing pattern Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 and then follows his/her own pass. Player 2 passes the ball back to player 1 for a wall pass back in the space, for player 2 to run onto the ball and have a shot at goal. Player 1 then goes to end of queue Player 2 position and Player returns to end of queue player 1 position Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 48 of 187

49 Colour Code If players struggle to understand the patterns that you want them to run and try using 2/3 different coloured cones (depending on number of players). Each player after having passed the ball has to run to their next coloured cone etc German hitting One Ball per person. Spread out along r side line and face the outer netting Get the players into a lunge position with front foot on the line Start with body side on and stick at waist level. As you bring stick to hit ball swing shoulders to face direction of the hit Roll hands with straight arms after hitting. Having got the movement of upper body, arms and hands, introduce the ball. In the lunge position, with body square and stick low to the ground look to see where the player would hit a ball just in front of their front foot. Place ball in that spot and now practice hitting. Last piece of the basic how to get to lunge position from running with the ball: Slightly overrun the ball whilst at the same pushing it ahead of stick and dropping into the lunge position so as to shield ball from attacker Clip Hit Hands together on stick as per double V grip, but half way down Transfer weight from right to left foot, knees bent, keeping low, head over ball, eyes on ball Shorter, vertical backswing, cock wrists, ensure face of stick is square to ball at contact Step forward so front foot level with ball, feet pointing at target Trapping Low Trapping Low Explain the following for 5 minutes or so and then divide into pairs and get them to work pushing the ball and receiving. REMIND THEM THEY HAVE TO MOVE NOT STATIONERY STEP ONE Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 49 of 187

50 Get your stick down early, keeping it low to the ground with a nice firm but relaxed grip. Bend from the knees, not just the waist. Your hands should be approximately 30cms apart. The left hand should be near the top of the stick and the right hand further down. STEP TWO Bend your knees and absorb the ball against your stick out in front of the right foot - ie it should feel as though you are allowing your stick to "give" a little on contact. Keeping your hands relaxed at the point of contact will help. This is sometimes called "soft" hands. Just imagine you're clutching an egg in your fist but don't want to break the shell. STEP THREE Body should be in line with the ball as it approaches the player. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 50 of 187

51 Think of stick as an extension of the thigh. This will allow a wider surface area for the stick to receive the ball. May need to angle stick down to help control the ball. If the ball is bouncing, hold the stick in a more upright position Movement with and without the ball and shot This is a common Skills Assessment test for all age groups. Set up the following using a goal at the side Players in pairs with one ball they have to pass between each cone and can only use one touch passing. Last shot is at the goal in either corner Coaching Points 1st touch is important because it allows you to put the ball where you want to use it next Balanced as ball is received, prepare early to pass ball and move away with ball as mentioned above. Ball controlled by the front foot (left) resulting in the ball jumping up Look for cushioning of the ball For the hits at goal, deduct points for cocked wrists and high raised stick. Award marks for clip hit or German hitting (fully body use) Reverse Stick Hit Tomahawk Use a pancake grip to hold the stick - ie with your palms facing upwards - as if you were holding a frying pan and tossing a pancake. The hook of the stick should be turned in a clockwise direction with the flat side facing upwards. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 51 of 187

52 The backswing needs to be short, with the stick hugging the ground. You need to use your wrists to do this. Hit off the right foot with the ball slightly out in front. Use the inside edge of the stick - if you are shooting you may be aiming to lift the ball in a controlled manner, so aiming the stick down into the back of the ball will help get it airborne. If you are attempting more of a passing/sweep shot, get down much lower and aim to hit the middle of the ball with the inside leading edge of the stick. It will help if you try and keep the stick in contact with the ground on the backswing and follow through Putting into a game context After each pass, player follows pass to the next station. Player 1 starts with a free hit, ball positioned in front, and makes a lateral reverse stick pass out to Player 2. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 52 of 187

53 Player 2 receives and carries ball inside the field aggressively, then makes a reverse stick pass on the move towards the corner flag, where Player 3 is arcing out to receive the pass on the move. Player 3 picks up the ball on the run and attacks the back line. When close to the back line, he/she spins out, protecting the ball and turning away from the goal and hits a reverse stick pass to Player 4 at the top of the circle. Player 4 receives the ball forehand, turning with the movement of the ball and allowing it to come across her body. He/She controls the ball to bring it just inside the circle and takes a reverse stick shot to goal Reverse stick receipt Watch: Grip: reverse option to have V of right hand go down the round face of the stick Ball position ball trapped beside and in front of the lead/front foot Execution: As the ball approached plant right foot and open up hips. Transfer the weight from right to left as ball is received. Allow the ball to go across the body and pick up in front of left foot If cut is made to early, player may have to take another step and receive in front of right foot. On receipt the hips will be facing in the direction that the ball was travelling in. Read the line of the ball and allow it to hit the stick. Look up as you turn and scan Wall Passing These exercises came from a Bram Van Assam booklet Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 53 of 187

54 Progression 1 Divide into groups of 3 or 4 or 5 Player 1 passes the ball Player 2 and then moves to the right side of the latter to receive the wall pass ( flat stick block changing direction of the ball). On receiving the wall pass Player 1 runs with the ball toward Player 3 and passes ball to him/her Progression 2 Player 1 passes the ball Player 2 and then moves to the right side of the latter to receive the wall pass ( flat stick block changing direction of the ball). Player 2 moves away from centre to receive pass back and then runs with ball to Player 3 Player 1 now becomes the wall passer. Progression 3 4 players with 2 balls 1 player in the middle who is tightly marked Player 1 passes the ball to the marked player in the middle and receives wall pass back. Player 1 runs across the grid Player 3 repeats the same move Progression 4 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 54 of 187

55 This circuit exercise takes the wall pass into game scenarios for defence and attack Outletting Receipt (across the body for transfer) Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below Start with the ball with the Player 1, who passes to Player2, who receives and then passes to Player 3, who receives and passes to Player 4. Each time the ball is passed the player fall s the ball to fill the space left by the next player as they play the ball. Once the ball reaches Player 4, he receives the ball and moves forward say 5 spaces and then passes it back to Player 3, who passes to Player 2, who in turn passes to Player 1. The skill is to have soft hands and control the ball as it comes from the left, but not stop it until it reaches the player s right foot. As the ball moves across the body also move upper body so the pass can be made protecting ball with body. When ball coming from right, there are 2 approaches one can adopt. First is to do the same as for when it comes from the left but now on the reverse stick. Note the pass is still open stick. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 55 of 187

56 Colour Code passing Set out 2 colours of cones. One player always runs to the red and one always runs to the Blue after each pass to receive the next pass Weave 1 Routine devised by Simon Holloway initially for Shefford & Sandy HC in Set up a cone pattern as shown in the diagram below and divide group into 3. Allocate 1 player to each colour cone. With no ball, players move to their next cone in sequence, always when moving right or left moving behind their next door player. Once the pattern is established, give ball to player on the Blue cone and repeat the movement but this time moving the ball. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 56 of 187

57 Once pattern established remove cones and get the players to repeat the exercise without the cones Weave 2 Routine devised by Simon Holloway initially for Shefford & Sandy HC in Weave 3 Routine devised by Simon Holloway initially for Shefford & Sandy HC in Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 57 of 187

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59 Man Weave Version1 Player 2 passes the ball to player 3(A). Player 3 receives the ball and runs infield with the ball allowing player 2 to run round the outside to overlap, player 3 then passes to player 1(B). Player 1 receives the ball and runs infield to allow player 3 to run round the outside, player 1 then passes the ball to player 2(C). This continues until a shot at goal Man Weave Version 2 Routine devised by Simon Holloway initially for Shefford & Sandy HC in B C A B C B A Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 59 of 187

60 Player B moves to the right to receive ball from Player A and then continues slightly left but forwards. Player C meanwhile completes a big circle run from right to left to lie in front of Player B to receive the ball from the latter. Then continues out to the right wide and almost to back line before passing to Player A Player A having played the ball follows the ball and then moves out to the right and then moves back to the centre (top of D). Player B having passed the ball moves out to the left before coming in to the left post to receive shot from Player A to deflect into net Man Version 3 Developed by Simon Holloway initially for a Holloway Hockey Camp in Understanding the Weave movement Set up the below cone pattern First run use a tennis ball with no sticks. Ball starts with player at red cone, who runs diagonally to the next red cone and passes the ball to player on the blue who followed the diagonal run. Meanwhile Player on green cone has run BEHIND the red and blue players run The blue player having received the ball then runs to the next blue cone and is followed to the left by the green player. Meanwhile the red player has run BEHIND the blue and green players run Carry on in the same mode till the end of the run. Second run use stick and balls. Once sure that group have the idea move on to next exercise Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 60 of 187

61 Progressing to game situation A C A B B A C Player A runs to the right with the ball with Player C in support. Player B behind the other players to the left. Player A makes square pass to Player C, who continue this/her run to the right (bur further). Player B moves to the right to support Player C, whilst Player A moves behind the other players to the left Player C makes square pass to Player B, who continue this/her run to the right (bur further). Player A moves to the right to support Player C, whilst Player C moves behind the other players to the left and continues to left post Player A having received the ball moves to the right and forward. And shoots at goal or for deflection by Player C. Meanwhile Player B having passed the ball moves out to the right and cuts to the back line Man Version 4 Developed by Simon Holloway initially for Shefford & Sandy HC in Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 61 of 187

62 Player B moves to the left in front of Player A to receive ball and then continues left but forwards. As Player B makes the run to the left with the ball Player C runs from left to right to fill the centre space to receive a side pass from Player B. receive the ball from the latter. Then continues out to the right with the ball Player A having played the ball at the start moves to fill the left space left by player B. As Player C moves to the right with the ball, Player A cuts back left to fill the centre space and to receive side pass from Player C. Player A having received the ball moves to the left and forward. Player B having passed the ball moves out to the right cutting behind Player A as he/she goes left with the ball to fill the centre space and receive a square pass from Player A at top of D. One touch to control and then shoot to left or right post. Player C having made his/her earlier pass moves initially slightly right and sprints to right post in case of deflection. Player A having made the square pass, sprints in a banana run to left post to take a deflection. Progression 1 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 62 of 187

63 A C A B C A B A C A A B C Centre Half o o Progression 2 o o Now add Centre half who starts the move off. Player A has to post up to receive ball, roll out and then pass ball as before. Players B and C now start wide and come in. Add 2 defenders who start on top of D Centre half can now provide 4 th man Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 63 of 187

64 Driving Test Set up pairs of cones in a line around the D. Players need to dribble the ball through these cones, trying to stay on the lines as much as possible. When they run through the final gate (the red cones) they then cut inside, run around the orange cone and shoot on goal. Coaching Points Once players have shot they should collect their ball and wait beside the gate they last ran through, ready to start the exercise in the opposite direction. 5.5 Tackling Jab tackle: The jab can be used as a form of delay either to dispossess a player with the ball if the ball is away from the stick or to tempt the player to take their eyes off the ball and possibly lose possession Channelling onto Forehand The player with the ball tries to run through between the 2 cones, indicating 10 points. This should encourage the defender to try and force the player to his/her open stick side. Coaching Points Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 64 of 187

65 It is important for the defenders to cover their feet with the stick. Defenders should stand with one foot forward and the other behind Shadowing and Channelling A successful tackle wins your team possession of the ball. This doesn't mean that all successful tackles occur when you take the ball away from the offensive player. Applying pressure to force the player to hit the ball out of bounds gains your team possession. You can also channel the offensive player toward other defender, increasing your team's chance to intercept the ball B A Set up 1 or 2 lines of cones as shown above. Start with no balls. Player A moves to the second cone and Player B faces Player A and Shadows the run Repeat movement now to 3 rd and subsequent cones. Once at the end swap positions and restart the exercise from the beginning. Each repeat get a little faster AIM: to get the footwork right Simple Tackle Box Divide the group into 4 s with a ball for each group. One member of the 4 acts as the defender and the others as the attacker. Set up Tackle Box as shown below. About 10 paces by 10 paces. Additional cone 1 pace Progression 1 Engaging and closing down Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 65 of 187

66 An attacker moves forward with the ball into the grid. The defender moves forward to engage the player and then retreats with that player. The defender at no time makes contact with the ball; his sole aim is to prevent the attacker dribbling the ball through the goal by using his/her body. Repeat 3 times and then rotate defender. Progression 2 Jab tackle As for progression 1, but now defender can make a jab tackle Coaching Points: Maintain balance. Keep a good side-on position and be on the toes (Ali Shuffle). Keep the stick and the feet moving quickly. Knees and back should be bent. The jab takes the stick from 2 hands out to 1 hand and back again to 2. Wrist must be locked hard to prevent the stick being brushed aside. Stick should be low and with flat side up. Important to watch the ball. after the jab the defender returns to the original balanced position Progression 3 Block tackle As for progression 1 and 2 but now defender can make a block tackle Coaching Points Left foot forward, right foot back. Right foot provides the pivot, in case the tackle fails. Stick on the ground or "hovering" slightly above the ground Position of feet and stick make a strong triangle shaped base Both hands on the stick and apart, providing strength for the tackle. Head of the stick low and hands drop the handle of the stick to ground level at last moment to provide the block. The tackle should be timed at the right moment (as ball momentarily leaves attackers stick) initiated by a jab to put player off or as player looses control. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 66 of 187

67 The speed of the player with the ball takes him/her beyond the defender while the forward movement of the defender into the tackle pushes the ball away from the former. The tackle can be done with the stick in either a horizontal or vertical barrier position. The defender s stick should not be flat on the ground as this is a safety issue. The defender could be injured by the attacker as the head is down too low and the attacker could take advantage of this over commitment by using a low lift. Flat stick only when attacker stationary or moving very slowly Tackle box in the circle Players on the 23 metre line pass the ball to a player in the goal. This player, on receiving the ball can try to run the ball under control out of the area across the 23 metre line. The player coming from the 23m line has to try and win the ball and score a goal Timing the Tackle 1 In order to avoid an obstruction foul, the defensive player must time His/her actions. If they thrust their stick in to soon, the field hockey sticks collide. If they are too late, they may hit the offensive player's body. Aside from timing, the player also needs to be able to control his/her stick with one hand. This allows the defensive player the most mobility and increases the speed with which they can change direction. Set up Tackle Box as shown below. About 5 metre by metres long. Divide players into pairs 1st Progression Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 67 of 187

68 As the attacker runs with the ball, the defender positions himself/herself correctly and tackles as the attacker momentarily loses control or takes the stick off the ball. Run by the side of your opponent. Make block with left hand only on stick and stick flat on ground. Keep body low with weight forward, i.e. lunge position. Right hand on the ground to give support Once ball on stick recover and take ball away as for steal. Rotate the players every 5 tackles. 2nd Progression As for Progression 1 but the defender has to make up more ground across the area before a tackle can be made. Rotate the players every 5 tackles. 3rd Progression Introduce a server (could be the coach or another player). The server passes the ball to the attacker. The defender has to turn and then perform the skill of closing down and tackling. Rotate the players every 5 tackles. S erver 4th Progression Repeat progressions 1 to 3 but in a wider area. Coaching Point Get in front of the player with the ball to reduce the chance of the player hitting you on a back swing. Moving in from the right with your stick in your left hand also helps reduce the chance of injury Timing the tackle 2 Routine devised by Simon Holloway initially for Shefford & Sandy HC in Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 68 of 187

69 Set up Tackle zone as shown below. About 5 metre by metres long. B A A B As the attacker runs with the ball, the defender positions himself/herself correctly and initially channels and only tackles if the attacker momentarily loses control or takes the stick off the ball. When the players get to 2 nd set of cones swap roles and repeat Doubling Teaming This was devised by Thaddeus Rivett for U14 JAC squad session in Set pitch up as shown using a 23 line on the right of a D. Players A and C are the defending team. Player B is the attacking team. Player A plays the ball towards Player B who posts up to receive and then rolls out to the right. Once ball has been played to B, Players A and C can move. C moves to engage B and channels away from goal. Meanwhile A runs back and come in behind C to perform block on channelled B. Switch players round after each run. A to B, B to C, C to back of queue at A Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 69 of 187

70 v1 Tournament First you set out enough pitches across the playing area for everyone to be able to play. A 1 v 1 pitch consists of 2 goals 15 to 20m apart with each goal being 1 stick length wide. Put 2 players with one ball per pitch. The aim of the game is to try and score goals from about 2m out. The length of the game is approx 2-3 min. The game starts on the first whistle and the game stops on the second. When the game is stopped it is important that there is a winner on each pitch. In the case of a draw the winner is decided on the throw of a stick (flat or round). Once every pitch has a winner all the winners move up one pitch only (so if the player is on pitch 6 he moves to pitch 5). The losers do the opposite, they move one pitch down. The winner on pitch 1 and the loser on the lowest pitch have nowhere to move so they stay on their pitches. Once everyone has moved the games can start again v1 in a line Set up the below for 2 groups Set up 3 or 4 of these channels Aim is for player A to get the ball past Player B and then pass it to Player C. If Player A goes out of the Area Defender wins Set time limit of 3 minutes or so Coaching Points: Attacker: Do they use any ball retention moves? Do they use speed? Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 70 of 187

71 Do they use body swerves? Defender: Do they channel? What s the block tackle like? Do they use jab? How are the feet? v 1 and corner goals Setup as shown in the diagram. The coach puts the ball in different locations in the box and on the command players run towards the ball before then playing a one v one. Players have to learn to gauge their speed and reach and ask themselves are they going to get the ball first? If not they have to take on the role of defender and adjust and protect their goal. Coaching Points Encourage the players to make decisions - ask them what they thought when deciding whether to go for the ball or adopt a more defensive position v 1 progression Exercise devised by Thaddeus Rivett or JAC U14 boys and U17 Girls. Set up grid as shown below Groups of 4 Player B plays the ball to Player A, who then bounce passes the ball back to player B on the move. Aim is for Player B to beat Player A using 1 elimination skill (V-drag, pull back, turn) and then use speed to carry the ball into 1 of the 2 goals. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 71 of 187

72 Progression 1: Post up with 1 v 1 roll out to right Player B plays the ball to Player C, who posts up in front of defender player A and rolls out to right to face the latter. Aim is for Player C to beat Player A using 1 elimination skill (V-drag, pull back, turn) and then use speed to carry the ball into 1 of the 2 goals. Progression 2: Post up with 1 v 1 allowing ball to come across the player before roll out to left Player B plays the ball to Player C, who posts up in front of defender player A and allows ball to drift across hi body before rolling out to left to face the latter. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 72 of 187

73 Aim is for Player C to beat Player A using 1 elimination skill (V-drag, pull back, turn) and then use speed to carry the ball into 1 of the 2 goals v 1 set up pitch as shown Allocate 1 player to be the defender and then pair up the reminder. Swap the Defender every 3 runs. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 73 of 187

74 Player B starts the move by playing the ball to the defender Player A who receives the ball and then either plays it back to Player B or to Player C. From that moment Players B and C s aim is to beat Player A and score by putting the ball in the small goal on the back line with out going out of the area. They can use of any following mechanisms to achieve this: Speed of ball Movement on and off the ball Ball retention techniques Lifted passes Defending player can channel, jab tackle, block tackle, intercept. Coaching points: look for backward and sideward s passing rather than just going forward all the time For the defender look for position and not over-committing v2 version 1 Set up two tackle boxes left and right of centre and at about the 25 metre line 1 defender in each box swapped over regularly Do exercise alternately left and right 2 attackers attack D through tackle box once through box then have a shot at goal from edge of D Progression 1 MM plays the ball to RD or LD. These in turn play the ball into the forwards on their side and play 3v2 Progression 2 Introduce a sweeper into defence and let MM join in the game after his pass, making it 4v v 2 version 2 Set up 2 channels; 1 down the right of the pitch and the other down the left Divide group to make some players defenders Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 74 of 187

75 Player 1 plays the ball back to either Player 2 or 3. Defenders 1 and 2 can then come out of the circle and try to intercept. Aim is for the attackers to retain the ball, whilst getting a player behind the defence line to make a strike at goal. Time limit for an attack is 3 minutes. Having succeeded or failed on right channel, next attacking group goes on the left and separate set of defender come from middle into circle to defend Marking Place a ball on the pitch. One player is the attacker and the other player is the defender The attacker has to run around pretending to receive the ball The defender has to shadow and stay goal-side of the attacker at all time Coaching Points Marking means tracking individual players and covering space through which passes can be made. It is an important aspect of the game with defenders attempting to stop an attacker gaining possession of the ball. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 75 of 187

76 Marking will generally be from the side or slightly in front for most of the pitch, with the defender trying to intercept the ball. Marking an attacker in the circle will generally be from slightly behind the player or to the side if more experienced, with the defender trying to intercept the ball Defender will keep close to the attacker and between the attacker and the goal Fast break 3v2 Team 1 attacks team 2. Player on the 23m line starts with the ball and attacks the two defenders from team 2 (while this attack goes on team 3 gets in position to defend against team 2). When team 1 scores or team 2 wins the ball the wide player on the 23m line starts the attack. The other two players from team 2 have to run and support. Best ploy is for the player on the 23m line to hold the ball or run infield along the 23m line to allow the 2 supporting players to join in the attack Terminator The players each have a ball. On the coaches command the defending team comes in to the area and tries to hit all the balls out. If a player gets his ball hit out then they can stay in and help their team mates by finding space to receive a pass. Progression: Change the numbers for this drill to 3 defenders with 8 attackers with 8 balls. Coaching Points Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 76 of 187

77 The coach should be looking to see if the defending players work as a team or individually v 2 break defence Players work in pairs in this drill - attacking and defending pair. The player who starts with the ball has to dribble around the cone and then try to score a goal on the half way line. At the same time one player from the defending pair also runs around the cone. Once the player with the ball has run around the cone the drill is live. The defending team are trying to dispossess the player with the ball and score against the keeper and the last defender. The drill continues until one of the team has had a shot at one of the goals. Coaching Points The second defenders must stand behind their respective lines (the shooting circle and the 25 yard line) and can only leave this area to support their team-mate in the attack. The key to this practice is improving the reaction of the player who loses the ball. They need to chase back immediately after losing the ball to help their partner RemoteHockey Tackling Drill Remote Hockey is an Australian web site. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 77 of 187

78 Set up 4 goals: Coach starts by tossing a ball into the space. Teams consist of 2 players each one at each goal. (Eg player 2&3 verse 1&4) Aim is to control the ball and score in any goal Work on channelling, good tackling technique not over committing / be patient. Work as a team. Don t both rush into tackle the same player and be eliminated. Good vision and communication will allow the ball carrier to change direction and attack a free goal if necessary. Options: Bring in more players - 4 teams - each defending a goal You can only score in opposition goal not your own You must make a pass between every player on your team before you can score. Bad tackles result in one of your players sitting out for 1 minute putting extra pressure on your team. 5.6 Ball Retention V-drag Player A runs toward the diamond cones and does a v-drag, taking the ball outside to the far cone and then back before accelerating to the far cone the other side and passing ball to Player B. Points to watch: Make the attack to the right or left of the diamond rather than straight at to make defender move Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 78 of 187

79 Coaching Points: Before moving into the V drag technique, read the performance points for dribbling the ball on your approach towards your V drag: o Adopt a good ball carrying position (ball to your right, left elbow high, hands comfortably apart holding your stick). o Keep your left elbow high. o Your hands may come slightly higher up your stick giving you a more upright stick position. o Your grip should be where both 'V's formed by your thumb and index finger are in line with the toe edge of the stick. o To rotate the stick your left hand moves to the right and the stick turns through your right hand. o The back of your left hand should face the direction you want to travel in. o Arms should be away from your body to allow you to keep the ball to the right of o your body and away from your feet at about 2 o'clock. Maintain contact with the ball at all times, so that you can move smoothly with the ball whilst changing direction. Left To Right V Drag: A deceleration stride on your left to right V Drag is the right foot penultimate stride. You should move the ball from well outside your left foot across your body as far as possible to outside your right foot o o Stop the ball with the left foot forward to pull ball back transfer weight from left foot to right foot. Pull the ball all the way back to beyond the right foot before running off with the ball into the changed direction (because the ball should be run slightly outside and in front of the right foot). Right to Left V Drag: You should move the ball from well outside your right foot across your body as far as possible to outside your left foot. When you change direction from 'left to right' or 'right to left' you should concentrate on exaggerating your high left elbow position. The left to right V Drag is easier to perform when you have a good strong ball carrying position with a high left elbow. When your left elbow is tucked into your body your ability to move both the ball and your body quickly is hindered. You may find that you lose control of the ball when you try to accelerate, if this happens it is likely that your left elbow has dropped or is 'tucked' into your body. If you carry the ball too close to your feet, you will find it difficult to accelerate out of the V drag and into the space V-Drag 2 Line up four sets of cones at staggered intervals going forward in a left, right, left, right pattern - preferably with a different colour cone to mark the end of each line. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 79 of 187

80 Players take it in turns to dribble along the lines of cones. When they reach the final cone (red) they perform a v-drag back around all the cones before then progressing to the next set of cones on the other side. Repeat this for all sets of cones Dribble Drag relay Set out 2 slaloms with players lining up behind both start cones. Players run with the ball in between the 2 cones to immediately pull the ball back out from between the cones and change direction to run around the single cone Pull ull-back 1 Player A runs toward the diamond cones and does a pull-back and then accelerates to right side first time to pass ball to Player B. 2 nd time Player A goes to the left side before passing Points to watch: Attack should at the cone Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 80 of 187

81 Pull back should happen about a stick & half away from diamond Pull-back 2 Set up four cones in a 5 by 5 metre square You can have 1 to 4 players working in any one square, each player needs a ball. Coaching Points Beginners should try and stop with their left foot forward then to push back from this foot and change direction some players naturally stop with their right foot and then push off with their left (this should not be discourage) Turn Open stick Player A runs toward the diamond cones and a full turn away form the cones anticlockwise before passing to the right side. Points to watch: The turn should not be on the spot but rather a driving step to the left and than around with speed changing at bottom of circle. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 81 of 187

82 5.6.7 Turn Away and support play Progression 1: Turning away (reverse turn) Set up 4-8 channels as shown below and divide group equally between the channels. Lane 1 and 3 in 1 direction and lanes 2 and 4 in the reverse. Players with the ball should run to the cones and reverse turn down their forehand side and pass the ball back to the support player (next player in line). For more advanced groups added in doing this on the reverse stick side but open stick!!! Coaching points. It is important that players run to threaten the left or right hand cone before reverse turning. 1.5 stick either side. Position a coach at the end to see that someone would really move!!!! Also check that they do this at speed. Progression 2: Using the support Add an additional cone at the point they were making the back pass in the first progression Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 82 of 187

83 Player 1 does exactly the same as before but now Player 2 runs to receive the ball from player 1 square on the move Player 2 runs to the cones to turn away and passes the ball to player 3 who has followed to support. Progression 3 only if they get it but it is bit of fun!!! Exactly the same as before but player 3 when he gets the ball passes to player 4 in the neighbouring lane (see arrow 3) Keeping the Ball (V-drag, Pull Back and Turn) 1 Put in groups of 5 Spend 5 minutes explaining and getting them to work on each of the 3 skills. If time an issue drop the pull back. Then put it all together. Player A runs towards Player D, who plays the ball to Player A. Player A receives the ball on the move and drives to cone on the left where He/she v- drags the ball before passing the ball to Player B. Player B drives at cone in front and when right distance from it executes a pull back before passing to Player C. Player C receives the ball either facing the player on the reverse and drives at cone to his/her left. When the right distance from it executes an anti-clockwise turn around the cone and then passes the ball to player D. Player A moves to Player B; Player B moves to Player C; Player C moves to back of queue of Player D; Player D moves to Player A Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 83 of 187

84 5.6.9 Keeping the Ball 2 This was devised by Simon Holloway and Mitch Snares for U14 JDC session in Set up the above 2 channels Divide group into 2 On whistle 1 st player goes into the circuit 2 nd player can start once 1 st player starts on the pull back leg. 1 st team to finish is the winner and sets the task for the losers Keeping Possession Set up a set of 4 grids as shown above. 2 from half way to 25 and 2 from back line to balls 1 st player runs to next right cone and does a v-drag, then accelerates across the grid to next left cone and does another v drag and so on to end of the run. Then plays the ball back to queue player. 2 nd player starts once 1 st player is accelerating out of 1 st cone and so on. Step 2 : Pull back Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 84 of 187

85 Same process as for step 1, but this time a full pull back Step 3: putting it all together with a pass and receive Step 3 combines the 2 previous steps into a 2 man weave attack with square passes to right. If time permits and they get it make it a square pass to the left by changing start position to the other side Pull back and pass Players run with the ball between the cones and pull the ball back to pass the ball to the right. Every time a player passes they should follow their own pass to take the place o f the receiver. The final play r to receive a pass finishes the practice with a shot at goal. Coaching Tips: To perform the pull back players should stop the ball with their left foot forward and then transfer their weigh t from left fo o t to r i g h t fo o t. Pull the ball all the way back to beyond the right foot before running off with the ball in to the changed direction. 5.7 Aerial and 3D Work D lift Part 1 Pull-back to get ball on stick and bounce ball twice. Part 2 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 85 of 187

86 Using a stick or tube from cone hurdle, short drive, pull-back and lift over stick Part 3 As for 2 but now drag left and reverse stick lift. Part 4 Squeeze ball over stick by chopping into ground Coaching Points: This is to see if they can so be reasonable generous with what a 2 is. Look for success Aerial and Lifted pass A. Aerial ball Basic grip. Get low, step in. Ball is in front of left foot. Side on to target line. Smoothly accelerate the stick head once in contact with the ball. Just before release lever the left hand down against the right for power. B. Aerial pass receipt The receiving player should try and adjust his/her position so the ball can be received at chest height Try and first touch the ball in to the forehand space and get the ball under control to be able to pass the ball on Take the ball on the volley do not let the ball bounce. first touch should be away from approaching players. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 86 of 187

87 D forehand lift over stick See To do this skill the players should run to the left of each wooden stick and reverse stick drag the ball to then forehand lift the ball under control over the wooden stick D forehand Chop See Ball is kept outside the body before the chop then collected by the left foot and brought back again to repeat the skill D lift Set the below grid using the smaller hurdles Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 87 of 187

88 Player A runs to the first hurdle with the ball, and lifts over using opens stick lift. Collecting the ball the other side of the hurdle he/she moves to next hurdle as does a reverse stick lift. Collecting the ball goes to the next hurdle and does another open stick lift. Player A then moves to the 4 th hurdle and does a squeeze shot over the hurdle. Collecting the ball the other side goes to the next hurdle and does another squeeze shot. Collecting the ball moves to the right and does a pass back to the posting up Player in the queue. When Player A complete the 3 lifts and move to do the squeeze shot lifts, Player B can start at the first hurdle Aerials into Space In an area roughly 30x20yards, the defender starts with the balls, and an attacker starts yards up field, ready to come back towards the ball. The ball is passed from the attacker to the midfield Back pass across field. Attacker. Then turns up field. Running forward, the attacker first cuts either left or right, then turns back and sprints into the space he/she has just created on the other side. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 88 of 187

89 The defender watches the attackers initial run and throws/scoops the ball into the space OPPOSITE from the attackers first movement. By running to one side, the attacker takes his/her opponent over and creates space on the other side for the aerial to land in. The attacker receives the ball on the run, controls and moves into the circle and shoots Repeat 5 times, and switch positions Keys for Success Midfielder: 1. As you watch to see the attackers initial run, maintain a low body position so you are ready to release the scoop immediately. 2. Don t make the trajectory too high. Keep it relatively flat and fast to effectively beat opponents (although it obviously must be well over your opponents heads!). Attacker: 1. A deliberate initial movement to one side followed by a sharp change of direction. 2. Look up and back immediately after turning the ball should already be in the air. Tip: 3. Try to weight the pass so that B is running onto the ball and does not have to wait for the scoop to arrive. A correctly weighted pass will allow B to maintain speed as she receives the ball. 4. The most important aspect of this passing and receiving drill is timing. 5. Focus on the defenders ability to release the ball quickly and accurately once he/she sees the attacker s movement, and the smoothness of the attackers running aerial reception. 5.8 Shooting Give each player in the group a ball, or if that is not possible have enough balls so that you can keep the exercise going, while someone feeds the balls back to the start from the goal. Divide the group into 2. Allocate each group to one area on the pitch which has an allocated coach. Each group spends 15 minutes on each exercise Coaching points: Early preparation of feet and body is essential It requires a good first touch on the ball to get it into the correct position The back lift is short and on the ground. The power comes from body weight transfer from right foot to left with bent legs Top of D 1 on 1 1st Progression Players start on the 25 line (or from 5 metres from a shooting line) and run from the left wing position. They run one at a time slap hit at goal. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 89 of 187

90 2nd Progression Repeat the exercise but now from the left wing position Left to Right Cross Players start on the 25 line (or from 5 metres from a shooting line). Ball starts with Player 2 in the middle who makes a right to left pass to Player 2 just about level but to the left of the circle Player 1 receives the ball and runs to just off the back line where he/she reverse stick passes the ball to Player 2. Player 2 after the pass to Player 1 and runs to about 5 metres from the goal in line with the penalty spot to receive the ball. Player 2 controls the pass and shoots into goal Scoring mechanism: If Player 2 misses the pass the player 1 gets 1 point; If Player 2 scores then no one gets a point. If Player 1 makes a bad pass, Player 2 gets 1 point; The winner is the first to 5 points. Change players over Right to Left Player 2 starts just slightly in front of the 25 yard line and has to run to the back line to receive the ball. Player 1 starts on the 25 line (or from 5 metres from a shooting line). Player 1 passes the ball from right to left into the space for Player 2 to run onto. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 90 of 187

91 Player 2 receives the ball with his/her back to the goal line and passes back to the right of the spot where Player 1 is running in. Player 1 controls the pass and shoots into goal. Change players over Back to Goal Set up the grid below: One player stands with his/her back to goal on p spot. The other players stand behind the 25 yard line. The first player behind the 25 yard line passes the ball to the Receiver so that he/she has to run to their left to take the ball. Having controlled the ball, the Receiver rounds the cone and shots at goal. The player behind the 25 yard line then takes the receiver s place and the exercise is repeated until all the players have had a go. 1st Progression The pass is now made so that the Receiver has to run to their right. Once again the cone is rounded and the shot at goal is made on the open stick. 2nd Progression As for the 1st Progression, but the shot is made using the reverse stick. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 91 of 187

92 3rd Progression The receiver now indicates to the passer, which side he/she, wants to receive the ball Centre, Left and Right This exercise was given to Simon Holloway by Ravi? at Tring HC. C B A Set up 3 stations as shown in the diagram above. Put 5 balls in the rings at A and B and also on the short corner spot for C. Allocate 3 outfield players to points A, B and C. Player A starts the exercise by moving out of the circle to ring A and collecting a ball. He/she then drives into the circle and shoots from the top. The keeper attempts to save and clear the shot. Player A runs out of the D. As soon as Player A starts, Player B collects a ball from ring B and runs on a banana run to the back line. On reaching the back line, passes the ball to Player A who has moved into the circle to receive the ball, and then makes a shot. The keeper must cover the left of the goal and move round as ball is passes. If keeper thinks they can intercept the pass then do so. Player A having made the shot runs out of the D. Once the second shot has incurred, Player C injects the ball as for a short corner. Player A moves to receive the ball and shoots. Player A then restarts the exercise until all the balls have been used. Player C moves back to main outfield group. Player A moves to position C and Player B moves the position A. A new outfield player is called up to take position B. Change the Goalkeepers over at the end of each sequence. All movements must be done at game speed. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 92 of 187

93 5.9 Attack Strategies Overlaps 1 defender is only allowed to leave the square and the other one has to stay in their grid and can only be leave if the other defender has got back into the grid. The attackers have to keep possession and try to create a overlap to get a player behind the defender. Once the player has achieved this the other winger can come into the circle and receive the ball to try and score. Put a time limit on creating the overlap of say 2 minutes and then reduce to 1 minute Add a central defender Coaching Points The key to this working is to get the ball early on the wing and for this winger to drive in field to try and draw the defender away from the side line and the grid. This should allow the infield player to run around the outside and receive the ball Creating Space to receive the ball Player 3 runs into the channel. At the same time player 1 passes the ball to player 2. Player 3 has to time the run, so they can run out of the channel once player 2 is ready to pass the ball, not before. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 93 of 187

94 It is important that player 3 should not have to slow down to receive the ball, and should take the ball while continuing to run and shoot at goal Movement off the ball 2 players stand on the 23m line with a defender. The defender is only allowed to defend outside the 23m area. One player on the half way line starts with the ball. One of the attacking players on the 23m line runs to the back line and the other runs diagonally away from the defender and towards the player with the ball. If the defender runs with the player without the ball, the player with the ball can try to pass the ball through the created space to the player on the back line. However, if the defender stays in the space the player with the ball can pass the ball to the player running diagonally for that player to pass the ball to the back line (dog leg). Once the player receives the ball on the back line, the game switches around and the defender can now only defend inside the 23m area. Important to make the area at least 10-15m wide otherwise the defender can cover both options too easily Right side attack 1 The ball is passed across the pitch, from player 1 to player 2 Player 2 then passes to the player 3 running. Player 3 plays the ball to player 4 who has moved to the back line Player 4 plays the ball to top of D for Player 5 to strike. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 94 of 187

95 5.9.5 Right Side attack 2 Player 1 (midfielder) passes ball to Player 2 (attacker on back line) who posts up to receive. Player 2 wall passes ball to top of D for Player 1 to meet and strike. Progression 1 Player 1 (midfielder) passes ball to Player 2 (attacker on back line) who posts up to receive. Player 2 passes ball to left top of D for Player 3 to meet and strike. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 95 of 187

96 Progression 2 Player 2 now has to decide which midfielder to play ball back to. Progression 3 Add a defender marking the Player 2 (the Attacker). Start with first pass being free, then Defender becomes active Then let defender be active from the start Coaching Points: Attackers should aim for good structure. Attackers should aim to play as quickly as possible using one or two touches. Attackers should use skills from drills one two and three to outplay defender. after the first pass the defender is fully active and should try to tackle or intercept any of the forwards actions. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 96 of 187

97 Progression 4 Player 1 plays the ball to GK left foot, who then kicks the ball out Player 2 (Right midfielder) As soon as first pass is made to GK two defenders rush back into good defensive positions. Then start 3 v 2 Coaching Points Attackers should aim to reach good circle structure as fast as possible. Attackers should aim to play as fast as possible using one or two touches. Attackers should use skills from drills one two three four. Practise ends when ball leaves circle Right Channel Routine devised by Simon Holloway initially for Shefford & Sandy HC in Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 97 of 187

98 RUN TO BACK LINE DOUBLE TEAM STEP UP & CHANNEL 2 v 1 Player 1 passes the ball to player 2, who plays a 2v1 with player 3 through the channel. Once through, the attack becomes a 3v2 to try and score a goal. Ball initially has to stay on the right The defender in the channel double teams back. While 2 nd defender steps up and channels. Notes This is the game situation and hopefully the players can create and explore the 2v1 when ever it occurs during the attack (and defence!). Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 98 of 187

99 5.9.7 Moving into space to receive the ball - Moving ahead of the ball Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 Player 3 runs one way then back to receive the ball to continue and shoots at goal. Player 1 to Player 2 position; Player 2 to Player 3 position; Player 3 to back of queue Moving into space to receive the ball - Through Pass Some players stand outside the 23m line with a ball each. Player at head of the queue has to try and play the ball to the player in the circle through the area with the defender in. On making a successful pass he/she then runs through the area into the circle and the next player can try and pass the ball through the area. Change defender and receiver over regularly Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 99 of 187

100 5.9.9 Switching the point Player 1 passes the ball to player 2. Player 2 turns away from the cone, and passes the ball into space for player 3 to run onto. Player 3 then passes the ball to player 1, who has made a run around the outside of player 2. Player 1 takes the ball into the circle and shoots Getting the ball Wide Based on a Sportsplan skills that was then added to by Simon Holloway for U14 JAC squad use in Set up field as shown in the diagram above. Player A hits a long ball to Player B in the right corner Player B runs along the back line to the penalty corner line and delivers the ball to the p spot where Player A has run to in a banana run. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 100 of 187

101 Player A then shoots to corner of goal. Player A goes to Player B position and Player B goes to back of the queue where Player A started. Next Player A then repeats the exercise but goes left. Progression 1: As for initial progression but the ball now comes to the top of the D for the shot Progression 2: As for Progression 1, but as Player A makes his run Player C makes a move to ghost into the left post. Player A shoots to get deflection from Player C stick. Progression 3: Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 101 of 187

102 Player A plays the ball into space for Player B to run onto. Player B does a banana run to the Short comer marker before sending ball to: o P spot o Back of D Player A either: o Shoots to score o Shoots to get deflection from Player C Ball Transfer Getting a Centre Forward to be disciplined enough to offload and create space for their team is never easy. But to be truly great they must learn. This simple but effect ball transfer pattern will work time and time again, just try to get your players to look up and give the pass. Ball starts on half way with CM, who makes a square pass t LM LM dribbles ball down the left side whilst: o LW makes a lead to left to circle o CM drives down centre in support o RM makes slower move down the right. Lm makes pass CF on reaching 23 line CF makes back pass to CM who passes to right for RM to pick up. CF moves to right of spot RM drives in banana run to back line and pulls bal back to CF who offloads to left post for LW to tap in. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 102 of 187

103 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 103 of 187

104 Dribbling Support in the corner In this move central midfielder cuts in and offers a passing option up the line to the wing player. In this instance the dribbling players doesn't take the option, but the run distracts their marker and creates just enough space for them to run the ball inside the circle and pass to the player on the back post. Coaching Points Players should vary their activity - sometimes taking the passing option and others going it alone Continuous 3 v 2 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 104 of 187

105 Divide the group equally; 1 sub-group going to one end behind the line; and the other to the other end. 3 players from one end come out with the ball and try to score at the other end 2 players from the other end come out to defend once the 3 have crossed the half way line of the area. Once play is over. Either through score or defence win. 1 attacker joins the 2 defenders to attack the other end. The other 2 attackers go to back of the starting defender group. Keep the exercise going add conditions if feel like. Coaching Points: Defenders: need to work as a team Isolate man with the ball For attack: look to move ball in triangles Don t be in a line Work an overload and exploit it V 2 + Keeper A good fun exercise for scoring goals, and for keepers to have a good work out. Split the group into teams of four and put 2 or 3 keepers in the circle. The 4 attackers go into the circle with a ball and try to score, they can take as long as they like providing the ball remains in the circle Coaching Points The keepers have to try and stop 3 consecutive attacks and the attackers have to score 2 consecutive goals to be the winners. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 105 of 187

106 When one of the teams wins, the losers have to do a forfeit (press-ups, sit-ups etc.). It is important that when the attackers lose, all the groups do the forfeit, not just the four that missed the last goal to encourage for the notion of playing for each other as a team. Hold position in the circle, attackers to be patient and play the keepers out of position Self-Pass to create 2 v 1 Player 1 (blue) starts with a self pass and runs at the defender with the option of then passing the ball to the deep player or taking the defender on themselves. The defender is allowed to move to try and win the ball. When the ball reaches the other side the practice reverses and continues in the other direction. Coaching Points Defender should be a minimum of 5 meters away from the ball at the start each repetition. Passing players should follow the ball. Diagonal Running The player with the ball starts to run down the pitch towards the goal. The supporting player stays slightly behind but moves up the pitch on the other side of the line o f cones. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 106 of 187

107 When the player with the ball starts to run a cross the line o f cones to the other side the supporting player should at this stage cross over and switch to the other side. The player with the ball can then pass the ball and the practice continues with the new player in possession. Once players run past the final cone the player in possession has a shot on goal Weave and square pass Routine devised by Simon Holloway initially for Shefford & Sandy HC in Player A passes the ball square to Player B, who then leads diagonally left. Player A having passed the ball then runs initially right and then cuts back to receive short square pass from Player B. Player A leads right and then cuts back from v-drag to go left just before 23 metre line. Meanwhile player B leads left and then cuts back behind Player A as he does v-drag and goes left so as to receive square pass just after 23 Metre line. Player B repeats the previous move of Player A ie lead right and then v-drag left to cut back toward the middle. Player A after the pass leads into the left space and as Player B v-drags and cuts left moves right to receive square pass. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 107 of 187

108 Change the Point of Attack 2 teams both with a ball. The object is for one of the wingers to get to the back line without being tackled. For a tackler to be released by the other team, the tackler has to receive and leave the ball in the coned area. When one of the wingers is threatened the team should try and change the point of attack by passing the ball via every player to the other side. To release the other tackler, the ball has to be passed via sweeper v 2 break defense DESCRIPTION Players work in pairs in this drill - attacking and defending pair. The player who starts with the ball has to dribble around the cone and then try to score a goal on the half way line. At the same time one player from the defending pair also runs around the cone. Once the player with the ball has run around the cone the drill is live. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 108 of 187

109 The defending team is trying to dispossess the player with the ball and score against the keeper and the last defender. The drill continues until one of the team has had a shot at one of the goals. Coaching points The second defenders must stand behind their respective lines (the shooting circle and the 25 yard line) and can only leave this area to support their team-mate in the attack. The key to this practice is improving the reaction of the player who loses the ball. They need to chase back immediately after losing the ball to help their partner Attacking down the Wing One of the players on the half way line passes the ball back to the two central defenders (7 and 8) The midfielder may then make him/herself available. The aim is to try and score a goal but try to attack round the outside The two attackers (1 and 2 are being man to man marked. Defenders are not allowed out of the half. COACHING POINTS Now and then a player should dare to take risks by moving into the other half Closed Zones The aim of this exercise is to encourage the players to attack down the wings. The attacking team is not allowed to pass or attack through the zone. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 109 of 187

110 Defenders, on winning the ball, have to try and get the ball out of the 23m area, also wide of the zone. COACHING POINTS Players can go anywhere, but the ball is not allowed to go through the zone set out with cones. This zone can be set out anywhere on the pitch to stop a team going the same way each time 5.10 Defence Strategies Out Letting I found a set of Out-Letting Routines on the Tasmania Online Hockey Site It was developed by Stewart Pither, the State Development Officer for Hockey in Tasmania in January 2002 The Aims and Objectives of Out-letting are: Maintain Possession Transfer play from defence to attack Move the opposition Utilise own strength Exploit an opposition weakness The Skills required to perform effective out-letting are: Passing Trapping Leading Space Awareness Cue's - calling, - signals Timing Patience The Factors influencing outlets are: Opposition - FALL AWAY DEFENCE Opposition sets their defence in certain area of the field eg opposition sets up on half way line Out letting usually starts with an easy back or sideways ball to start moving the opposition Attacking players have to be aware to assist their defensive players. Well timed leads creates space for either the ball or another attacking player Press Defence o This occurs when the opposition crowd a particular area of the field and box the ball in o The easy side pass or back is denied. Look for the short pass, assists the attacking team in getting mobile o Exiting the restricted area as early as possible is encouraged Ball Location o Opposition will organise their press relevant to the location of the ball o TIME / SCORE o If a team is 1 goal in front with 2 minutes left to go they will look to hold the ball in a certain area of the pitch. o They might also drive forwards if they require a goal. Players Available o The number of players available to the team or the opposition due to suspensions will influence the choice of outlets Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 110 of 187

111 Out-letting Drill 1 Divide the group up into 4 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Start with the ball with the Player 1, who passes to Player2, who receives and then passes to Player 3, who receives and passes to Player 4. Once the ball reaches Player 4, he receives the ball and passes it back to Player 3, who passes to Player 2, who in turn passes to Player 1. Change the Players over every 5 iterations Out Letting Drill 2 Divide the group up into 4 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 111 of 187

112 st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1, who passes to Player2, who receives and then passes to Player 3, who receives and passes to Player 4. Once the ball reaches Player 4, he receives the ball and passes it back to Player 2, who has stepped forward. Player 2 passes the ball to Player 1 who has also stepped forward. When Player 1 receives the ball he turns back to his initial position and restarts the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the left Out letting Drill 3 Divide the group up into 5 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 112 of 187

113 st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1, who passes to Player2, who receives and then passes to Player 3, causing the opposition to move across field. Player 3 receives the ball and moves in field, whilst Player 4 still moves and calls for the ball so that the opposition will think ball is going to him/her. Player 3 passes the ball to Player 5 who is now in space When Player 5 receives the ball and passes the ball back to Player 1 to restart the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the left Out letting Drill 4 Divide the group up into 5 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 113 of 187

114 st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1, who passes to Player 2. Player 2 waits for Player 5 (Opposition forward) to over commit, and than passes to Player 3. Player 3 receives the ball and plays the ball back to Player 2, who has stepped to receive the ball and waits for Player 5 to over commit again before passing to player 4. When Player 4 receives the ball and passes the ball back to Player 1 to restart the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the left Out letting Drill 5 Divide the group up into 5 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 114 of 187

115 A B st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1, who passes to Player 2. Player 2 passes to Player 3. Player 3 receives the ball and either passes inside to Player 4 (A) or passes directly up the line to Player 5 (B). If Player 4 receives the ball, then he passes to Player 5. Player 5 in either case makes the run from the inside to receive the ball and turns an goes up the line Player 5, on reaching halfway line passes the ball back to Player 1 to restart the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the left Out letting Drill 6 Divide the group up into 5 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 115 of 187

116 st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1, who passes to Player 2. Player 2 waits for Player 5 (Opposition forward) to over commit, and than passes to Player 3. Player 3 receives the ball and plays the ball back to Player 2, who has stepped to receive the ball and waits for Player 5 to over commit again before passing to player 4. When Player 4 receives the ball and passes the ball back to Player 1 to restart the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the left Out letting Drill 7 Divide the group up into 5 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 116 of 187

117 st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1. A firm press has been applied, so Player 1 leads away from the ball and Player 2 runs in and takes the hit. Player 1 has dropped back to defensive position and received the ball from Player 2. Player 1 plays the ball quickly to Player 3, who in turn passes to Player 4 When Player 4 receives the ball and passes the ball back to Player 1 to restart the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the left Out letting Drill 8 Divide the group up into 5 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 117 of 187

118 st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1. Either Player 1: o Passes the ball back of square for Player 2 to run on to o Player 2 passes the ball to Player 3. Or Player 1: o Passes the diagonally forward across the top of the circle to enable Player 3 to run on to o When Player 3 receives the ball and passes the ball back to Player 1 to restart the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the left Out letting Drill 9 Divide the group up into 5 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 118 of 187

119 st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1. When Player 5 (Attack) makes the press, Player 1 passes the ball to Player 2 Player 2 facing the defending goal receives the ball and passes to Player 3. Player 3 passes the ball to Player 4 through channel created by Player 5. When Player 4 receives the ball and passes the ball back to Player 1 to restart the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the right Out letting Drill 10 Divide the group up into 5 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 119 of 187

120 st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1. The pass to the right is blocked by attacking players When Player 5 (Attack) makes the press, Player 1 passes the ball to Player 3, with Player 2 acting as the channel point. When Player 3 receives the ball and passes the ball back to Player 1 to restart the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the right Out letting Drill 11 Divide the group up into 5 s Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 120 of 187

121 st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1. The pass to the right is blocked by attacking players Player 2 moves infield, with the intention of bringing the Player 4 (Attack) infield. Player 3 then moves out wide to receive a ball through the channel from Player 1. When Player 3 receives the ball and passes the ball back to Player 1 to restart the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the right Out letting Drill 12 Divide the group up into 8 s The objective of this drill is to bypass the high opposition attacker and draw another opposition player allowing a space for the ball to be moved through without contest. Use the top of a circle to provide feel of position. Positioning the players as shown in the diagram below. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 121 of 187

122 st Progression Start with the ball with the Player 1. Player 2 draws Player 5(Attack) and Either returns the ball to Player 1, who passes the ball to Player 3 Or turns and passes the ball to Player 3 When Player 3 receives the ball and passes the ball back to Player 1 to restart the exercise. Change the Players over every 5 iterations nd Progression Repeat the exercise, but starting from the right Pressing Man to man marking is not suitable at all times of the game, against all oppositions or for certain areas of the pitch. Pressing is a co-ordinated defensive team tactic to assert pressure on the opposition team who are in possession of the ball. The objective is to collectively dictate play so you can force the opposition into a certain area/s where they can be pressured into turning over the ball. Presses are an adaptive technique that can be employed in reaction to the changing phases of the game. They allow a side control whilst defending by forcing the opposition to attack down pre-determined avenues. The opposition should be forced deep and to the sidelines. The press is a calculated risk that the whole defensive team adopt to place pressure on the opposition. Usually a press is engaged when the opposition have the ball in the back third of the pitch. The term 'defensive team' is used to mean the team without the ball, the team 'doing' the pressing. The aim of the team setting the press is to create false space to get the opposition to play the ball into an area where there is no real space because the receiving player will be closed down Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 122 of 187

123 swiftly, or where there is no escape route. The receiver will usually have pressure applied due to a lack of time, lack of space and the proximity to the opposition. Pressure forces mistakes. There are generally two categories of press: Static or Active (or moving) Press Static press Static presses are often set up at free hits, when the ball is static or set in position. Normally used when the ball is in the opposition's own 23m area and used to keep and pressurise the ball in the corner pockets or to force the ball to a certain area of the pitch (pre-assigned by the pressing/defensive team). As such, the press is generally set close to the ball, high up the pitch (away from the defending teams goal) and especially from the sideline to 7m infield. Static presses are widely used in the women's game because of the general lack of long aerials or fast accurate hitters. The pressing/defensive team are looking to: deny space or channels, force the ball to certain areas of the pitch or to a certain player, intercept or force an error which creates turnover. Turnover is simply a team regaining possession from the opposition and can be from an interception, tackle, forced or unforced error Active (or moving) Press An Active press is a mobile press often occurring in open play and is where the opposition players are allowed or encouraged to make a pass with little or no pressure on the ball. This is done to encourage the ball into pre-determined areas of the pitch (known as creating 'fake space'). Because space is given to the attacking opposition, active presses require the whole team to understand their roles at key moments of the play and have good decision making skills as to when and where to pressurize the ball. Active presses can be sub divided into a number of general types: 75 - highest player between 70 and 75 (25 yard line) from their own goal (often referred to as a full court press). all over the pitch; involves a defending team setting up an aggressive "circle" on, for example, a 15m hit by their opposition and go hard after the ball (possibly by double-teaming) highest player between 60 and 65 yards from their own goal (3/4 press) highest player between 50 and 55 yards from their own goal (otherwise known as half court). half way line; the defending team will literally put all 11 players behind the centre line even as the opposition takes a free hit from back at their own 15m. The idea is to compress the structure vertically and close out that space so that attempts to play the ball in between the forwards and midfielders results in a turnover. Teams faced with a halfcourt defence often try to hit the long ball through into the mass of players, which plays right into defending team's hands. In addition to these generic patterns of pressing there is also 'reverse pressing' (sometimes known as 'splitting the pitch'), 'wing pressing' and 'creating fake space' Key Principals There are some key principles of any press, such as: 1. The whole squad should sit down with a white board and have the concepts of the press explained. Each player should know their role, that of each other player on the pitch, and Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 123 of 187

124 how each interrelates. The lines and angles should be identified and explained, and the required depth of the press identified based on the opposition s strengths and weaknesses (e.g. an adept flicker, or someone with a powerful hit). It is only through match practice that these presses become second nature. 2. Force the ball to the side - one reason for this is to make the ball travel the furthest route to goal, a second reason is the sideline acts as a row of defenders working for your team, so get your opponents to the line where possible. 3. Ensure that the only transfers you allow the opposition are deep transfers - again making the ball travel further and more slowly, allowing your team to reposition. 4. Deny dribbling players, players who dribble towards the press or gaps in the press must be stopped or slowed. Start by engaging the player as early as possible and get their head down focusing on the ball, then channel or tackle depending on your situation. 5. Look BIG - your body language in the press is one of your most valuable tools. Make sure you are balanced, mobile (not planted with your feet static), have your stick on the ground and your eyes on the ball and players around. 6. Intimidate the opposition by getting your lines and angles right. Threaten any gain lines or passing lanes by either blocking out the passing channel or tempting them to play a ball you can intercept. The way to do the latter is to stand at such a distance that you invite a pass to your nearest opponent, enabling you to step up and intercept any ball less than 100% accurate! 7. Players of all levels and genders can learn to press the ball, effective pressing will yield turnovers from your opposition and should lead to more goals scoring opportunities for your team. When to trigger full press examples: 1. mistrap 2. lack of pre-scan by intended receiver 3. intended receiver facing square(body position & eyes) 4. pre-identified areas ie typically when splitting centre halves & pass had been made to left half 5. coaches tend to just read the game; when your either up and playing with confidence or the opposition are not moving the ball with confidence. Response: 1. A half court = energy saving if you use it zonally or man to man (against teams that do not rotate vertically & horizontally) ie narrow forwards & midfield concept 2. Teams that throw those overheads seldom retain possession ie they have merely forced you back into your half-obviously if there is a real threat you retreat 3. The system is become more about having plenty space to work with post-turnover than merely a defensive ploy. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 124 of 187

125 Simple Press The standard press is set to reduce space in the midfield and to prevent the ball from being played through the midfield, and to prevent the ball being switched out from the corner of the pitch. This form of press is best set from an opposition 16. If one of their wide defenders has been identified as weaker, then they can be specifically targeted by allowing them possession, before setting a very tight and controlled press. This can be a very effective attacking option. If the play is broken down deep in the opposition 25, an attack will be launched against a minimal, often stretched defence. Since players will take a couple of seconds to switch from attack to defence, this can be capitalized upon, and should result in a short corner or a shot on goal at the very least. Players are not marking a man, they are marking the space. This involves communication from all players involved in the press to ensure that there are no gaps. Also, the press must be set early, again to ensure that there are no gaps when the opposition take the free hit, or move the ball. One high attacker pressurises the switch around the back and should also be in line to prevent a crossfield ball to the right back. The other high forward should prevent a line ball to the left back. The high centre midfield player should line themselves up between the ball and their goal. All other players take their positioning from these 3 players. The right midfield player should line up behind the left shoulder of the high right forwards, and should be outside the line of the high central midfielder s stick length. The low central midfield player should line up behind the left shoulder of the high central midfield player. The left midfielder should be in line to cut the ball played across field to their right midfielder. The left back, right back and centre back should mark man to man, in front of their players. The sweeper should take his line directly between his goal and the ball. If the ball is moved, the press should shift accordingly. Since there is very little man to man marking, as soon as the ball moves on, the decision has to be made as to whether to close that player down (usual if the ball moves to a midfield player) or whether to continue with the press. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 125 of 187

126 If the ball is switched then there needs to be a reaction as to whether there is sufficient time to set the same press on the opposing side, or whether each player should pick up their own man to prevent a dangerous break. Coaching Points: Important that the forwards stay in a line and move at the same pace not leaving gaps. If the ball comes close to the zone we need to come out of the zone to put pressure on the ball carrier and once the ball is passed back away from the zone the player should get back in line and not chase the ball around. Important also is that if the player steps out of the zone to put pressure on the ball the player behind the zone step up in front of their players in anticipation of a pass being given in a forward direction Full Press variations Full Press from centre Full Press to Right Half Full Press to Left Half Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 126 of 187

127 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 127 of 187

128 Half Court Press The half court press is the standard defensive press. Statistical analysis conducted by the EHA from the Athens Olympics indicates that half court presses are used around 40 times a match. The half court press allows the opposition to have possession in their half with minimal pressure. The defence sits deep, reducing the space in which the opposition can see in their half. The attacking side will have little space in which to play the ball, and as soon as the ball enters the defensive half the player with the ball is closed down swiftly, often by two players. The half court press should be used to absorb pressure, for the defensive side to recover, and for counter attacks to be launched from deep and into lots of space. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 128 of 187

129 Half court press with switch denial player high up the pitch When playing against a half court press with a high forward that puts pressure on the direct switch pass the transfer tends to have to go via the 1st support defender which tends to slow the transfer down so when the ball gets to the opposite wide defender the opposition will have the press in place. Also if the team in possession tries to force the ball into the midfield the press tends to close in and the pressure tends to lead to ball turnover of ball and a break for the defending team on top of this the attacking team tends have either midfield or forwards in the channels down the line available to receive the pass. If this pass is given once again the press will close down on the player in possession and turn over ball is likely to follow Defending against a Press Presses, by their nature, are defensive tactics. A well thought out press executed by a well drilled side that maintains its concentration can be difficult to break down. However, the side should look at the press as an opportunity if all of the opposition players are focused on setting a press in a specific part of the pitch, there will be large areas of space elsewhere that can be exploited. In order to break out of the opposition press, the aims of that press should be addressed. The main aim of most presses are to deny the attacking side space through which to play the ball by placing players in the space through which the side would attempt to play the ball. There are a number of solutions to this problem: 1. Play the restart quickly, before the opposition has had a chance to set the press. If you do not get pressed, the situation will never arise. 2. Force the press to be set on your terms. If you can force the opposition to set the press to widely, too narrowly, too high or too deep, you are creating space for yourselves to play in. This will lead to good attacking opportunities through the space that is created. A bad press is often worse than no press at all. 3. Move the press. Since a press requires that the opposition set up their position to mark space and prevent balls from being played through the press, getting the press moving will create space. Playing the ball around the back and bouncing the ball in and out of the Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 129 of 187

130 midfield will force the opposition to move, create space through which to play the ball. Similarly, by making lead runs, the opposition may move a pace of two in a direction, or put themselves off balance or unsighted. This second of time and space can be exploited. 4. Attack the press (reverse press). By attacking the press, the defence is forced to think about defending and not about setting the press. If an individual is forced to think about a one on one situation, or where his man has moved to, their concentration will be momentarily distracted from the press and can provide an opportunity to break down the press. 5. Patience. Since the most common reason for a press to break down is a lack of concentration by the players setting the press resulting in a mistake, be patient. Keep hold of the ball, keep the ball moving between the players so as to make some space. Do not force the ball into space that is not there. Having created the space, these can be exploited in a number of ways. These include a hard hit, a lofted hit, an aerial, and deflections. Once the space has been created, the ball should be played into that space for a player to move into. Breaking down the press requires the concentration of the whole side to react to the spaces and the passes as they arise Circuits Circuit 1 This was initially devised by Simon Holloway for JDC Assessment core skill testing. Do this if there is time only. Set up pitch as shown below Places the player around the 8 start points with spare balls at each start station. 1 Youth leader in the tackle box. Rest of coaches and youth leaders distribute around the circuit A to B to C to D to E to F to G to H to A Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 130 of 187

131 A Open Stick Pick up, Drive and wide shot Open Stick Dribble B y H Ball Retention G 1 v 1 y AERIAL Aerial/Lifted Pass & Receipt REVERSE STICK HIT R everse stick pick up & hit C F D y Drive to back line & pull back pass Open stick pick up and shoot Indian Dribble E Circuit 2 This was devised by Simon Holloway for U17 JDC squad assessment in Set up half pitch as shown below Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 131 of 187

132 Places the player around the 8 start points with spare balls at each start station. 1 Youth leader in the tackle box. Rest of coaches and youth leaders distribute around the circuit A to B to C to D to E to F to G to H to A Skill Relay Dribbles through cones and hits across to 2, who is running in Push passes along channel to 3, who picks up on reverse and hits the baseline Pushes the ball to the shoulder of the D, for 4 to take a shot Coaching Points Change Cone Run Reverse Direction Match Pace Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 132 of 187

133 Skill- technique circuit The practice should be laid out as seen on the picture. With about 4 players on each of the 3 stations. The player in the middle of the pitch (player 2) passes the ball to player 1 on the wing. This player should run in field prior to running out to receive the ball. Player 1 then lifts the ball over stick next runs with the ball to the 3 cones and reverse stick drags the ball before moving to the 3 rd cone. in the mean time player 2 and 3 have made a run into the shown spaces to receive the ball back from player 1 and score a goal. Coaching Points The thing the coaches should be looking for to classify the players by are Accuracy and pace of each skill element. Best players will show good accuracy and pace Average players will show accuracy or pace Beginners will show neither accuracy or pace Wall Pass Circuit Progression 1 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 133 of 187

134 Place 2 cones about 5 metres from top of D. Put 2 players on the cones either side back to back Queue A Plays the ball to wall player and runs on to receive wall pass and then strikes from top of D. Player collects ball and goes to back of queue B Queue B plays to wall player and runs to receive square wall path. Runs with ball to cone, Uses V-drag, pull-back or turn to protect the ball and passes to next player in Queue A. Progression 2 Now move the 2 wall cone right to the left top of the circle and repeat exercise. Progression 3: Now move the Wall cone so that the attacking one is on the right of the circle and the defensive one is on the left touchline. Now repeat the exercise Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 134 of 187

135 Half Pitch Circuit Devised by Simon Holloway for JAC 1 st session core skills refresher and also used at Shefford & Sandy HC Academy in Start positions on the back line. Player 1 Open stick dribble followed by reverse stick roll-out then Indian dribble (ball and stick outside cone, body inside), then run to right of P spot and soot to left side of goal, then move to right of cones in goal for deflection of Player 2 s shot. Collect ball and go to back of Player 2 queue Player 2 4 v-drags ensure point of contact is outside the cones each time and that there are 3 distinct moves ending in change of space to attack next cone. At end of last v-drag turn the corner using 3 3D lifts of hurdles then an open stick roll-out followed by German hit outside the circle to right Goal post for deflection. Collect ball and then go to back of Player 1 queue Short Corner Routines Have a look at the following clips on youtube: for injection for injection and stop for defence and attacking routines Skill of Injection and Stop A fast accurate injection of the ball from the left or right from the back line A clean stop just outside the circle A gentle roll of the ball into the circle An effective shot at goal Good running off the ball to exploit any situation Injection and Stop Inject and Trap Take a look at for injection and for injection and stop Demonstrate an injection and stop Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 135 of 187

136 Injection Preparation phase: o Stance should be in line with the ball and the trap point. o To do this make sure feet are in line- draw an imaginary line between injector and the trap point and place both feet on that line. o Left shoulder should also be on a line parallel to foot position. o Before injector starts the movement make sure he/she looks up and check his/her line Catch Phase: o Stick should be angled down towards the ground, making a small angle between stick and ground. This will help injector catch the ball in the hook of their stick, allowing for more force to be generated through the ball. o To help injector achieve this grip with right hand is over the top of the stick. Injector should be able to see the 'V' between their thumb and index finger if correct. o This will help injector get force down through the stick head onto the ground to maintain force through the back of the ball Drag Phase: o With the ball hooked into the low angled stick, drag the ball forwards following the line from ball to trap point. o Left elbow will lead this movement. o The momentum of stick should go from slow at the very start of the movement (catch phase) to as fast as possible through the drag phase. o The follow through of stick should again be on the same line between injection point and trap point. This means that all the force has been placed through the ball towards its target. Coaching points: Why does my ball go off target a lot? Make sure you have your feet and shoulder lined up with where you want the ball to go. How do I stop the ball skipping over the back of my stick? This could be for one of two reasons; your stick angle is too low not allowing you to hook the ball in your stick, so when you drag through it skips over the top. The second reason could be that your catch phase Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 136 of 187

137 movement is too fast, again not allowing you to catch the ball properly and so when you drag the ball it skips over the back of your stick. How can I improve the speed of my injection? Try to make sure that the drag is long enough to generate pace, which means try to lengthen the distance between your front foot and the ball on set up. In addition you may need to work on your flexibility and core strength to assist you. A final thing to try is move your left hand one hands grip down the length of your stick, which allows more flex from your hand position and more force to be generated through your catch and drag phase Trap Place the stick horizontally with the toe touching the ground. Use the shaft of the stick to stop the ball. Make sure to stop the ball outside of the circle, and then move it into the circle for the hitter to take a shot at goal. Grip 1: Grip 2: Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 137 of 187

138 Exercise Divide group into pairs One of the pair on the 23 line and the other on the halfway line One player injects and the other stops. Swap roles over to return ball. Coaches look at technique of pairs Strike 1 Set up as shown with 2 Castles ( Sticker + Stopper pairs) Injector injects the ball to either of the Stoppers stick. Stopper stops the ball dead. Stopper pushes the ball from the stop position into the circle and Striker steps forward at hits or drag flicks at goal. Right post Player runs to right post as ball is injected Injector moves to the left post after injection. Stopper not receiving the ball moves to be in front of GK with back to goal. Either Or Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 138 of 187

139 Slip Left Set up as shown with 2 Castles ( Sticker + Stopper pairs) Injector injects the ball to furthest Stopper s stick. Stopper stops the ball dead and pushes the ball from the stop position into the circle in front of other Castles Striker to hit or drag flick into goal Furthest Castle Striker should make as if he/she is going to strike the ball. Best if the dummy looks like it will result in high flick, so that the goalkeeper stays on his/her feet. Right post Player runs to right post as ball is injected Injector moves to the left post after injection. Stopper not receiving the ball moves to be in front of GK with back to goal. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 139 of 187

140 Slip Right Set up as shown with 2 Castles ( Sticker + Stopper pairs) Injector injects the ball to nearest Stopper s stick. Either Stopper stops the ball dead and pushes the ball from the stop position into the circle in front of other Castles Striker to hit or drag flick into goal Nearest Castle Striker should make as if he/she is going to strike the ball. Best if the dummy looks like it will result in high flick, so that the goalkeeper stays on his/her feet. Or Stopper pushes the ball from the stop position into the circle and Striker pushes the ball left to other Striker. Right post Player runs to right post as ball is injected Injector moves to the left post after injection. Stopper not receiving the ball moves to be in front of GK with back to goal Slip Right with Striker following Set up as shown with 2 Castles ( Sticker + Stopper pairs) Injector injects the ball to nearest Stoppers stick. Stopper stops the ball dead and slips the ball from the stop position right into the path of his Striker s strike at goal. Striker goes round the Stopper to make strike at goal. Right post Player runs to right post as ball is injected Injector moves to the left post after injection. Furthest Castle must look iif the ball is coming to them. Stopper not receiving the ball moves to be in front of GK with back to goal. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 140 of 187

141 Slip Right to second stop and flick Set up as shown with 2 Castles ( Sticker + Stopper pairs) Injector injects the ball to nearest Stoppers stick. Stopper stops the ball dead. Stopper slips the ball from the stop position right into path of other Castle Stopper, who stops the ball for his/her Striker to strike or flick into goal. Other Striker should make as if he/she is going to strike the ball. Best if the dummy looks like it will result in high flick, so that the goalkeeper stays on his/her feet. Right post Player runs to right post as ball is injected Injector moves to the left post after injection. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 141 of 187

142 Slip Right then Slip Left Set up as shown with 2 Castles ( Sticker + Stopper pairs) Injector injects the ball to nearest Stoppers stick. Stopper stops the ball dead. Stopper slips the ball from the stop position right into path of other Castle Stopper. Other Striker should make as if he/she is going to strike the ball. Best if the dummy looks like it will result in high flick, so that the goalkeeper stays on his/her feet. The furthest Stopper then pushes it back left for nearest Striker to strike or flick into goal Right post Player runs to right post as ball is injected Injector moves to the left post after injection Ball returned to pusher in Set up as shown with 2 Castles ( Sticker + Stopper pairs) Either Injector injects the ball to nearest Stoppers stick and then moves to left post. Stopper stops the ball dead. Nearest Striker returns the ball to Injector, who wall passes to furthest Stopper who strikes or drag flicks into right of net Or Injector deflects ball into left side of goal. Right post Player runs to right post as ball is injected. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 142 of 187

143 Bunch of Flowers This routine was devised by Simon Holloway and Neal Deans for Hertfordshire u17 Boys Set up as shown with 2 Castles ( Sticker + Stopper pairs) Injector injects the ball to nearest Stoppers stick. Nearest Stopper looks like he/she has made a mess of the stopper and allowed the ball to go through to Back Stop Back Stop, as he/she is standing 5 yards back from the top of the D, controls the ball and moves towards the circle. Both Castles run into the circle like an opening flower either side of the top of the circle. Right post Player runs to right post as ball is injected Injector moves to the left post after injection. Back Stop now has a number of options to get the goal: o Take in and shoot himself/herself; o pass to Nearest Castle players on the left to deflect or shot; o pass to Furthest Castle players on the right to deflect or shoot; o pass to Injector on the Left post o pass the right post man on right post. Try all the options out. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 143 of 187

144 Double Pass left This is a routine to be found on Sportsplan. In this play you can see that the two passes to the left are a red herring, designed to distract the opposition's defence and create space for the through pass to the runner. Set up as shown with 2 Castles ( Sticker + Stopper pairs) Injector injects the ball to furthest Stoppers stick. Stopper stops the ball dead. Furthest Sticker dummies and slips the ball from the stop position left to other Castle Stopper. Nearest Stopper slips ball left to nearest striker Nearest Striker slip the ball to Furthest Striker who has moved on to the p spot. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 144 of 187

145 5.13 Drag Flicking Most useful source I have found is It is only one way of doing the skill Hands The hands are very important to the make up of the flick. Hands that slide are never going to provide the same level of power as hands that stay still. Hands that stay still are going to have the required control, accuracy and are also going to be able to whip over the ball at the end of the flick. The right index finger pointing down the stick is also critical to the success of the flick. This finger provides stability, leverage and also allows the flicker to get a better feel to what is going on at the end of the stick with the ball. The hand position should look like this on the stick. Index finger of right hand should be pointed down the shaft (This gives more leverage and feel when the ball is on the stick). Left hand needs to be at the top of the stick using the wraparound grip, it is turned slightly anti clockwise. It is the same grip as you would use to hold the stick when dribbling the ball. Both hands should be still and gripping the stick tight. Hands that Slide are never going to get enough power and control once you pick the ball up. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 145 of 187

146 When a hand slides it is always the right hand that slides up the stick. This is generally because the flicker is not getting low enough and is compensating by sliding the right hand up the stick. You can remedy this in practice by taping the index finger of the right hand to the shaft of the stick! High Pickup, Low Drop, High Release The Pendulum The first part of learning the dragflick is to actually learn how to pick the ball up. This is difficult as it goes against most things that people have been told about flicking the ball. In order to pick the ball up correctly there are a number of key things that need to be right. The pickup is often referred to as the Pendulum technique. This means a high pickup, a low transfer and a high release. The momentum through the ball is created with the transfer of weight from behind the right foot all the way to in front of the left foot. The pendulum technique is going to take a lot of work and repetition to be successful. It also demands a certain degree of suppleness & flexibility to arch the back like is shown in the pictures. The biggest problem people have with this technique is starting high and getting very low. It takes a certain degree of smoothness, otherwise the stick loses contact with the ball. I advise to start stationery with both feet together and start very slowly. Start the flick from 7 yards out as it can be soul destroying to start from 16 yards out and see the ball bobble over the line. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 146 of 187

147 See the upright position that the flicker is addressing the ball from. See the head down and all the weight starting over the back foot. Notice the still upright position now that the stick is in contact with the ball. Notice the weight is still behind the ball and over the back foot. Notice how straight the legs are. Once the ball is picked up there should be a gradual acceleration through the back of the ball until the wrists and arms are whipping through the ball at the maximum speed possible. At no time during the pickup should the stick tilt at all. In essence, what you are doing is picking the ball up on the end of the stick in front of the front foot and throwing it towards goal. The dragging of the ball is where you get the speed from. The throw of the ball is where you get the lift and the accuracy from. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 147 of 187

148 See how the back begins to arch more, the knees begin to bend more and the weight is beginning to transfer forwards as the ball starts to move. Notice the roll of the ball as it starts to work its way up the stick and into the bow. Pay attention to the bend of the knees, the arch of the back, and the roll of the ball up the stick. Notice how the upper body and the hands are dropping closer to the turf as the ball moves towards the midpoint of the stance. Notice how low the hands are getting and how arched the back is becoming. Also see how the ball is still rolling up the stick, its highest point on the shaft must be the midpoint of the flick. At the lowest point of the flick the hands should be millimeters off the turf. The lowest point of the flick should be the midpoint. This is where the ball is in the middle of the stance, the hands are at their lowest and the ball is at the highest point on the shaft. It is also the most compact position that Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 148 of 187

149 the flicker will find him/herself in. This compact position gives the flicker a good base to explode from for the final part of the flick. The biggest part to the Pendulum technique is the smoothness needed to achieve maximum efficiency and power. The ball must be in contact with the stick from the moment the stick contacts the ball to the moment the ball is released in the air towards the end of the flick. This is the lowest point of the flick. Often referred to as the midpoint this is where the ball is at the highest point on the shaft and where the hands are at their lowest to the turf. See how the weight is balanced at the centre point of the stance (See the way the feet are). Notice how the ball is now airborne and is still on the stick. You should also see how the body is beginning to lift up, thus creating the end of the pendulum effect. Finally see how the stick is beginning to tilt so the ball can be thrown high Ball Roll Up and Down Stick With the advancement in technology regarding stick shapes one of the latest techniques to dragflicking has been to start rolling the ball up the stick into the bow and then rolling the ball back down the stick. This creates a slingshot effect and has effectively made dragflicking an easier skill to master. The roll is seen below in various stages. Notice how the pickup is made at the very end of the stick. Also notice how the stick is almost tilting towards goal to ensure the ball doesn t go over the back of it. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 149 of 187

150 Notice how the ball is rolling up the stick and the stick is still tilted towards goal. Also notice how much distance there is still between the handle of the stick and the turf. The ball is now at the optimum point on the shaft. The ball will now change direction and go down the shaft now, gaining speed as it comes out of the bow of the stick. The ball is now beginning to start rolling down the stick back towards the head of the stick for release. Once the ball starts rolling down the stick the acceleration through the back of the ball must get faster and faster. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 150 of 187

151 Acceleration and Whip Once the stick is in contact with the ball the flicker needs to accelerate the stick through the back of the ball until the stick is moving at its fastest at the point of release at the end of the flick. The acceleration is a combination of body movements. The acceleration of the weight through the back of the ball and the whip of the wrists will only work if all the separate elements work together Hips The Hips are key to the entire process. When the flicker picks up the ball they should be facing almost backwards in order to get the full rotation of the hips. Once the hips start rotating forward they must move faster and faster. If there is any slowing down of the hip rotation then it slows the stick movement down and the stick loses contact with the ball. The hip rotation, when perfected, can move through 180 degrees The Basic Topspin Follow Through The follow through of a drag flick is very similar to a topspin tennis shot. The stick picks up the ball and then releases over the ball thus putting topspin on the ball. This makes the ball swerve, turn and spin in the air which makes it harder for the defenders to track and the goalkeeper to save. The follow through is where the aim and the accuracy come from. The photographs below show the follow through in the different stages. See how the ball is actually off the turf and still on the stick. Pay attention to the stick angle, almost like it is carrying the ball like a shovel. Also pay attention to how far the ball is in front of the front foot yet it still hasn t left the stick. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 151 of 187

152 See how the wrists are wrapping the stick over the ball in order to put topspin on the ball. Also notice all the weight is still being transferred and the hips are still rotating. Pay attention to the head beginning to come up so that the flicker can see exactly where he releases the ball The High Follow Through Look at the following photos and pay attention to the stick angle as it releases the ball and the motion afterwards. As you can see from the photos, the flicker is aiming high into the goal and therefore the follow through and the point where the flicker releases the ball are high. The flicker is releasing the ball about 4 inches below the knee The Low Follow Through Look at the photos below. You can clearly see the differences between the high follow through and the low follow through. The pickup of the ball and the transfer of the weight are the same until the flicker gets the ball in front of his left foot. At this point, if the flick is going low, the stick comes over the ball earlier and the release of the ball is more around ankle height. In the first picture you can see how the ball has left the stick and is on its way towards goal, yet the head of the stick is merely 6 inches from the ground. If you compare this to the high follow through on the previous page you will see the entire follow through technique is lower, thus keeping the ball low. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 152 of 187

153 Footwork: Front cross technique Once you have learned to pick up the ball you need to learn the footwork in order to approach the ball. Different flickers use different techniques. I will deal with two techniques and two sets of footwork. The flicker starts approximately 2 yards from the ball with their right foot leading. The flicker moves his left foot first so it is parallel with the top of the circle. The flicker then moves his right foot to cross in front of the left foot and land in front of the ball. It is important to maintain a steady and consistent distance when landing the right foot in front of the ball. The lateral distance between the ball and the right foot should also be kept consistent. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 153 of 187

154 Footwork: Back Cross Technique The flicker starts approximately 2 yards from the ball with their right foot leading. The flicker moves his left foot first so it is parallel with the top of the circle. The flicker then moves his right foot so that it crosses behind the planted left foot to land in front of the ball. It is important to maintain a steady and consistent distance when landing the right foot in front of the ball. The lateral distance between the ball and the right foot should also be kept consistent There are no performance differences between the front cross and the back cross. The techniques are different as it all depends on the level of comfort that the flicker has and how consistent the distance is between the ball and the feet. I would suggest that if the flicker is struggling to get low then they might want to cross behind the left foot. This puts more distance between the ball and the right foot and forces the flicker to bend more and get lower. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 154 of 187

155 Footwork: The Hop Once the left foot is planted parallel with the top of the circle the left knee needs to bend in order to power the body forward and allow the right foot to land in front of the ball. It is very important that the left knee bends and straightens in order for the right foot to land in front of the ball and gain the required distance. See the left knee bend in order for the leg to straighten and propel the body forward. Notice the right foot as it leaves the ground. The angle is already there for the right foot to cross in front of the left foot. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 155 of 187

156 Notice the left leg now extended and the right foot making its cross in front of the left leg. Also pay attention to the head down. See the whole body and feet now completely airborne. See the left foot begining to come round so the feet land in a straight line. Feet Landing In Straight Line It is very important that once the right foot lands the left foot lands in a straight line in front of it. This is for a variety of reasons, the most pertinent being the maneuverability of the ball. If the feet are straight it is easy for the flicker to flick the ball in either direction at any height. It is also easier for the flicker to be deceptive. If the flicker gets his feet in a diagonal line pointing away from the goal then the dragging motion becomes a semi circular one which wastes effort and power. It also complicates matters as far as Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 156 of 187

157 the position of the hands on the stick as the hands need to re-adjust in order to extend on the follow through and to move round the front foot if it is planted in a diagonal line. It is very important to make sure that when the back foot lands it is parallel with the top of the circle. This will help ensure that the front foot and back foot land in a straight line. Notice the rotation that is continuing. Notice all the weight over the front foot and the front foot coming round and almost pointing towards goal. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 157 of 187

158 Notice the back foot beginning to come off the ground so the weight can continue forward. Also notice how the rotation is continuing Left leg The step that the left leg takes forward into the circle is crucial. The bigger the step, the more distance that the flicker can drag the ball over, therefore the more power the flicker can create. The step is also important as a big step helps with the acceleration through the back of the ball. A big step forces the weight forward as the muscles are stretched and will automatically try and pull the other leg and the body forward Right leg The right leg needs to collapse and drag along the floor so the momentum can be carried forward at the maximum possible speed. The foot is dragging along the floor to act as a stabilizer for the body weight which is being propelled forwards. The right foot is also part of the follow through and adds more momentum to the ball Three Step Footwork This is the easiest footwork to master and where flickers should start as far as footwork goes. You start with the right foot forward of your left one, left foot moves first, then you cross (cross behind or in front whatever works) and then plant your left foot in front of the ball and pointing towards the goal. (see pictures below) Right Foot starts forward, pay attention to the head all the way through this sequence. Left foot moves first, must land parallel to the top of the circle. Body must begin to rotate backwards prior to pick up of the ball. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 158 of 187

159 See the left foot beginning to turn even more so it becomes parallel with circle. Also notice the left foot going away from the ball to create space for the right foot to cross in front. See the left foot planted parallel to the top of the circle. See the left leg straightening to propel the body and the right foot in front of the ball. Also notice weight begin to rock back over the back foot. Notice the right foot has now crossed and is landing inside the circle. Also notice the weight rocking back and the hip rotation so the flicker s upper body is facing away from goal. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 159 of 187

160 See the back foot planted, the upper body rotated and all the weight over the back foot. Also see the left foot in the air so all the weight is behind the ball. Also notice the fairly upright pick up. See the front foot ready to plant completely. Also see the weight transferring with the ball. Notice the head position and also see the ball rolling up the stick into the bow. This is getting to the lowest part of the flick. Notice the head over the ball, the bent knees and back. Also pay attention to the back leg beginning to collapse so the weight can go through the ball. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 160 of 187

161 See the back leg now collapsed and the foot dragging on the floor. See the bend on the left knee. Also see the head still down, the arch of the back and the rotation of the body. Notice the rotation is almost complete. Notice all the weight over the front foot and the front foot coming round and almost pointing towards goal. Notice the back foot beginning to come off the ground so the weight can continue forward. Also notice how the rotation is continuing. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 161 of 187

162 Notice the back foot now leaving the ground. Also notice the body beginning to become upright again as the flick is nearing completion. Sequence For 3 Step Footwork is Left, Right, Left Short Corner Defence Defenders at penalty corner defence have the same options as the attackers - that is to use their defensive variations to prevent attackers from either feeling comfortable or that they have the initiative. Many attacking sides use the defenders starting line up positions to select their attacking options. It is important that the starting line up is considered and not to use simply the Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 162 of 187

163 easiest option for where the players are to finish. Remember also that the GK is the most important player at defensive penalty corners. Therefore the GK must be happy with the routine know exactly which variations are to be used, and must have a clear sight of the ball at all times. The coach's role is one of encouraging the involved players to practice their particular tasks, and giving them the ability to make decisions quickly and act in a coordinated way. If you and your team are performing at a reasonably high level, you will find that no one penalty corner defensive system will always work. If an attacking side is prepared to use variations then it is always possible to exploit any specific defensive strategy. However, if the defensive side is prepared to vary their defence in a random way then it becomes far harder for the attack to work out which of their variations will work best Formations There are 2 basic formations, which are used in League Hockey today. These are shown below: 3 & 1 A GK B C D A: Runner 2 B: Pad man C: Runner 1 D: Runner 3 2 & 2 A B C GK D A: Runner 2 B: Pad man C: Runner 1 D: Post & Foot man Roles The Runners Aim is to reduce the time the attackers have to stop and shoot. Run out to prevent/block the push from the stopper. Run out to block the shot. The No.1 Runner should come from the other side of the goal to the strike. The No.2 Runner covers the left hand side. Post Defender The Post & Foot man covers the shot to the left of the Goalkeeper. Advance 1 or 2 steps to block the shots placed wide of the goalkeeper Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 163 of 187

164 Also step forward to clear rebounds from the keepers pads Pad Man The Pad Man needs to run so that he/she faces the goal and the goalkeeper. Goalkeepers. For young Goalkeepers: advance 3 or 4 steps to STAND and SAVE the shot. For Over 14 s: Can make save by diving Short Corner 2 high 2 G 3 1 K 4 COACH Coach shouts go and counts up to 3 and then shoots. Goalkeeper advances 3 or 5 steps to STAND and SAVE the shot. Player1 runs out to try and stop stroke at the top of the circle. Aims are to: o reduce the time the attackers have to stop and shoot. o prevent/block the push from the stopper. o block the shot. Player 2 runs out a long way to block the slip left. Player 4 (the pad man) moves out so that their left foot is in line with left post and they are just behind the keeper Player 3 covers the right post. He/she can come out slightly from the post but must avoid leaving a gap for the ball to squeeze through. 1st Progression Add the attackers. 3rd Progression Let the goalkeeper do long barrier for the save. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 164 of 187

165 Short Corner 2 low 4 2 G K 1 3 COACH Coach shouts go and counts up to 3 and then shoots. Goalkeeper advances 3 or 5 steps to STAND and SAVE the shot. Player1 runs out to try and stop the opposition striker from moving into the D before striking. Aims are to: o reduce the time the attackers have to stop and shoot. o prevent/block the push from the stopper. o block the shot. Player 2 runs out midway to block the slip left. Player 3 (the pad man) moves out so that their left foot is in line with left post and they are just behind the keeper Player 4 covers the right post. He/she can come out slightly from the post but must avoid leaving a gap for the ball to squeeze through. 1st Progression Add the attackers. 3rd Progression Let the goalkeeper do long barrier for the save. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 165 of 187

166 Short Corner 3 and 1 3 G K COACH Coach shouts, go and counts up to 3 and then shoots. Goalkeeper advances 3 or 5 steps to STAND and SAVE the shot. Player1 runs out to try and stop stroke at the top of the circle. Aims are to: o reduce the time the attackers have to stop and shoot. o prevent/block the push from the stopper. o block the shot. Player 4 (the pad man) moves out so that their left foot is in line with left post and they are just behind the keeper Player 2 runs out midway to block the slip right. Player 3 runs out midway to block the slip left. The Goalkeeper now has responsibility for the whole of the centre and right hand side of the goal. 1st Progression Add the attackers. 2nd Progression Let the goalkeeper do down for the save. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 166 of 187

167 Short Corner The Charge 2 3 G K 1 4 COACH Coach shouts go and counts up to 3 and then shoots. Goalkeeper advances 3 or 5 steps to STAND and SAVE the shot. All the other players go out quickly and quite a long way. Players 2 and 3 can block the attacking slips left. Player 4 can block the slips right. Player 3 could act as pad man on goalkeeper s right or by slightly adjusting his/her position could cover the straight slip attacking move. 1st Progression Add the attackers. 2nd Progression Let the goalkeeper do down for the save. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 167 of 187

168 Short Corner 4 man box G K 1 4 COACH Coach shouts go and counts up to 3 and then shoots. The four defenders form a box. Goalkeeper advances 3 or 5 steps to STAND and SAVE the shot. All the other players go out quickly and quite a long way. Players 2 and 3 can block the attacking slips left. Player 4 can block the slips right. Player 3 covers the straight slip attacking move. 1st Progression Add the attackers. 2nd Progression Let the goalkeeper do down for the save Long Corner Routines Routine 1 Attackers take their initial positions as shown in the diagram below. Attacker 1 shapes to play the ball to Attacker 2, but actually plays the ball to the by-line where Attacker has moved to receive. Attacker 3 controls the ball with one touch and plays the ball to midway between right post and top of goal for Attacker 4 to shoot. Attacker 5 moves in to the left post. 1 Tasmania Online Hockey Site It was developed by Stewart Pither, the State Development Officer for Hockey in Tasmania in January 2002 Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 168 of 187

169 Routine 2 Attackers take their initial positions as shown in the diagram below. Attacker 3 makes the feint run to the by-line. Attacker 1 plays the ball to Attacker 2. Attacker 4 moves into the circle as Attacker plays the ball hard to Attacker 6 who moves to top of circle to receive. Attacker 5 moves in to the left post to receive ball from Attacker 6. Attacker 5 either shoots for goal or lays it back to Attacker Routine 3 Attackers take their initial positions as shown in the diagram below. Attacker 1 shapes to take the hit, but Attacker 2 runs o Attacker 1 who moves to the by-line to receive the ball from Attacker 2. Attacker 3 starts on the by-line and as Attacker 2 moves, moves into the circle and slightly out from the line. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 169 of 187

170 Attacker 1 having controlled the ball passes to Attacker 3, who in turn controls the ball and slips to Attacker 4. Attacker 4 makes strike at goal. Attackers 5 and 6 make respective moves as shown on the diagram Continual Long Corner 2 equal teams in the circle. And lots of balls on both long corner spots. The coach calls out a team. 1 of the players has to run to one of the sides to take the long corner. All the other players have to run to the 23 m line before they can get involved in the long corner. After each break down or shot at goal. Coach calls out the next team. COACHING POINTS The key to success of the new long corner is to try and take the corner before the defence has set. For the attacking players to get to key scoring positions in the D Players should try to avoid running with the ball from the corner if there are no options for the quick take instead they should play the ball back out to a supporting player Penalty Flicks Hold the stick as you would for a push, your left hand at the top of the stick in an inverted 'V' grip, and your right hand at the bottom of the grip or at where the grip and stick meet. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 170 of 187

171 Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, your left shoulder pointing in the direction you want to flick in. Bend your knees slightly and keep your back straight. You can also stand with your feet together. Step with your left foot and lean with your right. Position the ball in the middle of your stance at a stick's reach from your body. The ball should be further out from your body than for a push. Begin by placing the stick behind and under the ball and transferring your weight to your back foot. Drop the right shoulder and open up the stick face by rotating the stick with your left wrist to the right. Roll the ball forward on your stick to start the shot. Transfer your weight to the front foot as you push the ball in a straight line into the air. Follow through smoothly by wrapping the stick around and below the left shoulder. As you become more proficient at flicking, aim to keep the ball on the stick for longer to flick it higher. You can also control the direction of the flick, opening up the stick face early to flick right, or twisting the stick to the left to throw the ball left. You may need to take a big step to get enough power behind your shot. Use the strength in your legs more if you're getting only a little piddling shot. Keep your eye on the ball even though it's on the ground. Don't look at where it needs to go, look at where it is Coached Games Roles and Responsibilities 2 DEFENCE ATTACK Mark LW/RW (when, how, where?) 'Sagin' on non ball side providing cover Cover & mark the area behind and between the LH/RH and CH. Provide cover behind the other CB (support, depth) Give depth to defence as a sweeper Hold middle provide cover in front of CBs' Mark opposition CF or CH Act as a sweeper behind IL/IR Force ball wide Mark opposition LM/RM (IL/IR) RH/LH LB/RB CH IR/IL Width for attack to outlet to IR/RW Overlap - attack the space ahead Support the attack, when ball on own side, behind IL or IR and beside CH. Take hit outs on extreme wings and hit in s. Move ball forwards early (long ball) Can push through to attack or pivot Take hit-outs centrally. Provide cover or marking depending on side of attack. Look to be available to receive passes from all players. Pivot for switch or pass backwards. High passing options IR/IL,CF, RW/LW Take free-hits in central areas and top of circle. Look for opportunities to strike at the top of the attacking circle. Support the attack and feed ball forwards Keep triangles 2 Based on EHB formation but give the best idea of what to expect. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 171 of 187

172 Pressurising SW/CB Stop transfer Close down LH/RH Protect inside (centre of pitch) WE ALL DEFEND CF Create space and links with CH, LB/RB Look to create scoring opportunities Follow up for rebound opportunities Move on angles (change of pace) Look to create scoring opportunities and rebounds, tip-ins. Height/Depth (use of back-line) RW/LW Give width (5 yards inside) Interchange Look to create scoring opportunities and rebounds, tip-ins. WE ALL ATTACK Principles of Attack and defence Hockey is an invasion game. The basic principles of attack and defence do not change whatever system of play, team formation or position of players is used. When a team has possession of the ball all its members attack. When a team has lost possession all its members become defenders. The main principles of attacking play are: o Possession: the team in possession dictate the game; o Width: required to stretch defences and create space; o Support: it is essential that numerical supremacy is established in the area of the ball, if possession is to be retained and forward movement continued; o Speed; o Penetration (including change of pace); o Mobility: interchange of position to cause problems for defenders and create support; o Depth: a special form of support that provides the ability to change the point of the attack; o Concentration: both mental and of players. The main principles of defensive play are: o Depth: a special form of support that provides the layers of defenders through which an attack has to try to go; o Delay: both swift movement of the ball and of the tackle; o Balance: cover defenders mark space rather than the ball whilst retaining contact with play; o Concentration: both mental and of players o Safety and Security; o Speed. Problems to solve when attacking are: Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 172 of 187

173 KEY POINTS Who should you pass to? What do you do if he/she is marked? What do you do if you have not got the ball? What do you do after passing? What if you cannot go forward? Problems to solve when defending are: KEY POINTS What doe we do when they gain possession? Who is the most dangerous? Why? Who do we mark? What happens if someone else marks the one I was going for? How do I mark someone? What if I am marking the ball carrier? How do I stop another player getting the ball? PERFORMER RESPONSE A free player who is forward Look for another pass; Carry the ball Get free for a pass; Draw a defender away; Make space Support player; Create space Go sideways or backwards first PERFORMER RESPONSE Look for someone to mark Person with the ball, he/she does the damage Opponent nearest us Quickly look for a free opponent In between opponent and goal Slow them down; Try to stop a forward pass Intercept; Anticipate; Threaten the pass Support in Attack Team mates can offer support for players with the ball by making themselves available for a pass, creating the space for a pass or providing the opportunity to dribble at the defence. Support can be close to or well away from the player in possession Support in Defence Each player can support the collective team effort by reducing the attacking options available to their opponents Could involve marking an opponent (getting goalside) or moving to block the space for a potentially dangerous pass (delaying the attack). Depth In attack, triangular combinations of players offer a choice of forward, lateral or backward movements. In defence, depth provides cover for players faced by superior numbers of opponents and extra protection in the space threatened. Width The further apart players are spread across the pitch, the greater will be the space available to each player and the larger the gaps to be exploited in the defence Developing Defending Strategies This can be achieved in a simple progressive way: 1. The individual skills of defending need to be promoted and developed. 2. Consideration should be given to how small game-related groups (e.g. forwards; full backs; full back, wing half and centre half; wing half, inside forward, wing) need to interact defensively. Practices should then be developed that progress from: a small area to a larger area; numerical equality to inequality in favour of the attacking side; or the small groups to larger groups (e.g. full backs, halfbacks, and goalkeeper). Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 173 of 187

174 3. In the larger group/team situation similar progressions to those for the smaller groups should be used. When working on the team orientation/positioning it is advantageous to start from set pitch situations and then move onto open play challenges Defending Strategies Application It is a good idea to return to the examples of attacking strategies (2 vs 1, 3 vs 2, 2 vs 2) and consider what defending strategies can be employed to delay or even counter the movements in various areas of the field. Interestingly, this process will almost certainly produce more valuable knowledge to further develop the attacking strategies. Here are some questions that could be asked to draw out the relevant information: 1. What is the danger? Where is the threat? 2. What are the options available to the attacker? 3. What would the attackers like the defenders to do? 4. What are the cues that will help the defenders recognize the movements? 5. Where would the defender(s) prefer the ball to be? 6. Can the defenders position themselves to achieve this? 7. Can the player with the ball be isolated from the support? 8. How else can the move be delayed? 9. How much delay is needed? 10. When can pressure be put on the attackers? 11. What pressure could this be? 12. Can the pass be enticed and intercepted? 13. What information do the other defenders need? The answers to these questions will provide the information to consider in the light of the defending principles outlined. The appropriate strategies will be based on the reservoir of defending skills aided by feedback from previous experience. This process has to take place on the training ground where the situations can be experienced and evaluated many times and the strategies modified and rehearsed. It is also vital that the various positional groupings recognize how the responses may differ according to the position on the field. The best learning environment for defending strategies is to experience it. These strategies need to be practised by the whole team for three reasons: 1. To allow the team to recognize the knock-on effect on the defence of, for example, a successful 2 vs 1 down the right wing. 2. To promote solutions to these challenges when they occur. 3. To develop greater understanding and harmony in team defending. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 174 of 187

175 Round the Back divide group into 4 and use ½ pitch. Move the goals up to the top of the D and turn them around. Teams try to score a goal, encouraging players to go deep. Keep players deep. Keep lines free. Spread out fast as your team gains possession. Coaching points Players running ahead of the ball to try and receive the ball should run at least 10m beyond the goal to create the space to score v 2 in area Two teams of 4, 2 players in the area and 2 outside. Players can only win the ball inside. Players in possession of the ball in the area can use the two players on the outside of the grid v 3 Attack/Defence Game Play Routine devised by Simon Holloway initially for Shefford & Sandy HC in Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 175 of 187

176 Attack: Player A plays the ball out to the left to Player B who makes a wall bounce pass back to Player A as he steps up. Player A drives to right and passes to Player C who posted up from right of top of D. Player C rolls out and passes ball to Player D at the top of the D, who wall passes to Player A, who then passes to Player B who steamed up the left side. Open play then to score inside 1 minute. Defence: Top Player put pressure on passes far side of 23 metre line. Once passed must look for opportunity to double team with defence colleague. Right side Player look to hold left side attack, mark positionally initially not man mark. Left side Player as for Right. Progression: Add another attacker in on the right midfield Add another defender in as sweeper. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 176 of 187

177 Wide Out 7 a side game encourage both teams to attack from the back Set 2 cones up in the centre of both team s halves a couple of meters from the sideline. Players are not allowed to pass the ball through the cones; the pass must be made down the sides. Once attacking team beyond the cones, then they can do what they want Pass and Support Play a 7 a-side game on half a pitch. A normal game of hockey with the only condition being that the passer of the ball has to make a run to support their own pass, either ahead or around the back of the player receiving vs 2 - Get to Goal Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 177 of 187

178 The middle attacker starts with the ball. The drill starts with one of the other attacking players making a diagonal run forward to try and get ahead of the ball carrier. It is important that the ball carrier does not run forward. Instead they should run in-field to draw one of the defenders and leave space behind defender 1. If defender 2 does not go with the player running diagonally through, the pass should be given to this player. However if the defender 2 does go with the runner the player square should be on for a pass. Coaching Points This 3 vs 2 should be played with the principle that whenever a player passes the ball square they have to make a supporting run forward v 2 Break Divide the group up in teams of 3 The blue team play a 3 v 2 against the red team. When the attack is finished (after a goal or a turnover), the attacking team (blues) leave the field and the red player who wasn't playing starts their team's attack against the other team (greens) with a pass. The reds now play a 3 v 2 against the greens. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 178 of 187

179 After the red team have finished attacking the green team play a 3 v 2 against the blue team etc. Coaching Tips This game should be fast paced and continuous. Although complicated at first this game will soon become easier once your players have run through it a few times v 2 with a player on the far post Set up the same number of players on each side of the pitch and start on the right, with two players at the top of the playing area. One of the players passes the ball into the player posting up, this player holds up the ball until support arrives from the two other players. From this point the drill is live and all 3 players play out a 3 v 2, trying to create a shooting opportunity for the player on the far post (player 4). When the attack has scored or has broken down the other side can start the same. One of the last group joining in becomes the next player on the far post (players communicate this amongst themselves) v 2 - Make space for the support The ball starts on the half way line and 2 attackers in a man-marked position. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 179 of 187

180 The ball is passed into the nearest player posting up. The player who passed the ball has to then make an overlapping run, ready to receive the return pass. From this point on the 3 attacking players try to score a goal. Rotate defending players ever couple of minutes to give everyone the chance to attack. Coaching Tip After the first pass has been received the drill is live and the defenders can try to win the ball. The attackers should use their numbers to their advantage, drawing in the defenders, offering passing outlets and supporting one another Kingpin Divide the group into 2 equal teams 1 player from each team starts on the back line The aim of the game is to get a ball through your opponents to your man on the back line. If you do then another member of your team can go to the backline and the game restarts. The winner is the team with the most number of players on the back line. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 180 of 187

181 6. Core Stability Training To be effective in any sport, you need the following: Strength Flexibility Speed Agility Depending on your sport you will need a different mix of these. 6.1 What is Core Stability? In order for arms and legs to work well you need a stable trunk to attach to. Core Stability is what helps make your trunk stable and attaches your limbs to your trunk. Stable arms and legs means that they can work in their strongest and most efficient position. 6.2 How does Core Stability improve performance? By training the core you can gain the following: Efficient use of muscle power less wasted effort Decreased risk of injury as body can control forces Improved ability to change direction Increased speed generation Improved balance and co-ordination Improved posture You need to train the core. Core stability muscles are stabilising muscles that control forces and movement. This means doing some basic exercises every day. The muscles will get tired easily and so exercises are needed to be carried a little and often. What follows is a series of different exercise you can try out as a 15 minute workout. 6.3 Athlete Support Programme Core Stability Workout The exercises use either a gym ball or a sofa or a bed. Sit on ball/sofa/bed in what is know as perfect posture that is tummy tight and shoulders back. Hold for 1 minute. Now lift one leg off the floor and hold for 5 seconds. Put leg down to the floor and raise the other leg. Repeat 5 times for each leg. With your shoulders on the ball/bed/sofa, with face looking up to the ceiling, make a bridge with the rest of your body (your knees should be at right angles). Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 5 times. With feet resting on the ball/bed/sofa, with face looking up to the ceiling, bridge up your body so that it becomes straight. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 5 times. Here are 2 additional exercises to add to the routine once you have become comfortable with the other 4. Start with your feet resting on the ball/bed/sofa, with face looking up to the ceiling, bridge up as 4, but this time raise one leg off of the surface. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 5 times on each leg. Start with your shoulders on ball/bed/sofa, with face looking up to the ceiling and bridge up your body as for 3, but this time extend out with one leg. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 5 times on each leg. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 181 of 187

182 7. Off Season Training 7.1 Outfield Player 30 minutes/day This circuit was devised by Peter Downer of Bromley HC. He called it The Ultimate Healthy Lunch. The circuit lasts 30 minutes. Phase 1 Do not eat in the hour before your work-out, but if possible be moving around during this period rather than glued to a chair. Keep as warm as you can so that you will be at least have achieved a passive warm-up. Warm-Up (From Home) Change into your gear. Take the stairs and out into the fresh air. Jog for 2 minutes to increase blood flow and elevate muscle temperature. Stop and stretch for 3 minutes. If you hold your stretches for 8 seconds and quickly change to the next exercise or the other side in 2 seconds, you should have time for 18 stretches. Warm-Up (From Gym) Change into your gear. Use a bike or treadmill for 2 minutes to increase blood flow and elevate muscle temperature. Stop and stretch for 3 minutes. If you hold your stretches for 8 seconds and quickly change to the next exercise or the other side in 2 seconds, you should have time for 18 stretches. Aerobic Training (Outdoors) Run for 10 minutes. Use a track of approximately 100 metres, the target is to complete 10 run-throughs, i.e. run 100 metres and then walk back to recover, all in 1 minute. As a progression increase the distance to 120 metres and then 150 metres. For a more demanding work-out, stride out the 100 metres in 15 to 18 seconds, then jog back to the start in the remaining 45 to 48 seconds. Aerobic Training (In Gym) Use your favourite electronic piece to achieve the same intensity, by accelerating for 20 second spurts then returning to a steady pace for the next 40 seconds of the minute. Muscle Work-out You are now half way through the work-out. The next 10 minutes are devoted to keeping some tone and shape about your muscles. The following routine applies either in the gym or on a park bench. Time Exercise Description 30 seconds Step-Ups Step 1 foot on to the bench then drive the other forcefully upward in a jumping type motion. Alternate lead leg each time. 30 seconds Dips Hands on the bench, feet outstretched so you are in a semi-sitting position. Lower buttocks to the ground and return. Repeat. 30 seconds Squats Hold on to the bench for balance. Bend knees into a square while back is kept as straight as possible. Pause for 1 second at deepest point of squat. Raise and repeat. 30 seconds Push-Ups Either with knees on the ground or hands on the bench to elevate upper body. 1 minute Abdominals Raise your feet onto the bench. Cross hands on your chest and lift upper body towards your knees. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 182 of 187

183 Time Exercise Description Pause for 1 second at the top. Lower and repeat. 1 minute Calf Rises Hold bench for balance, with 1 foot off the ground. Rise fully up on to the toes of the working foot. Pause for 1 second. Lower and repeat. Change legs after 30 seconds. 30 seconds Twisting Push-ups 30 seconds Twisting Situps Start on your back in a half reclining position. Turn your body to the left. Take your weight with your hands and push back up into sitting position. Repeat on the other side. Feet elevated on the bench. Hands crossed on your chest. Raise and turn upper body to the left. Hold for 1 second. Lower and repeat on the right. Repeat the circuit again De-Stress 5 minutes to go! Walk slowly around. Control your pulse rate by breathing evenly and deeply. Include a few gentle stretches and try to release tension as you stretch. After 3 minutes, find a place where you can lie or sit quietly. Focus on rhythmic and even breathing, slowly in and out, with each exhalation being a further release of the exercise tension. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 183 of 187

184 Appendix 1: EHB Performance Criteria A1.1 Explanation of the terms Winning Mentality (coach-ability): the desire to be successful, a willingness to listen and to try to apply coach input. Speed: raw speed over 5-25metres Agility: the ability to change direction very quickly with good control, footwork and balance Endurance: the ability to perform high intensity work for a prolonged period of time Comfort on the Ball: this includes ball carry position, close skills, first touch, and ball retention techniques such as V drags and Roll-outs. Hit: the ability to hit with power, pace, consistency, use of correct grip and ball carry position in relation to body Passing: the ability to see passes and to execute with a range of skills e.g. long hit, push pass plus push pass on the move 1v1 Elimination: the ability to beat a player and break a line with evidence of change of pace and good angles of running Attacking Circle work: awareness and use of space, understanding of deflections and second phase, body positioning etc Defending: evidence of defending skills and responsibilities relevant to your position Mental toughness: evidence of error recovery, ability to stay in the game and concentrate, not over react etc Game Intellect & decision making: evidence of understanding of shape, system, use of space, coach-ability, recognition of core game principles-e.g. when to stretch v. when to post up; when to hold space v. when to step up and how frequently the player makes the right decisions Additional Core skills: reverse stick hit, aerial ball and Penalty Corner Attack roles- injection, trap, drag/strike, A1.2 Speed Speed is essential to all hockey players and even more so with the new self pass rule. The game of hockey is made up of repeated and varied sprints which are multi directional by nature of the game. The average top speed achieved in the England International team whilst playing in a game of hockey is between 7.5 and 9.5km per hour. That is faster than most invasion team sports, making speed one of the most important factors to develop. Because of this importance of speed you will find an enormous number of articles and exercises to assist your personal development of speed. The result of a match may be decided because you can run or react faster than your opponent in a given situation. What is key is that you perform speed training which replicates the type of reactions, footwork / directional changes and distances that you will cover during your games of Hockey. For instance it is more useful that you cover shorter distances which are multi directional than 100m sprints. You will never run 100 metres in a straight line within a game of hockey, so you wouldn't practice your speed in this environment. Dick, F (1997) suggests seven areas where training will enhance speed: Reaction to a signal. Capacity to accelerate. Capacity to rapidly adjust balance. Achievement of maximum speed. Capacity to maintain maximum speed. Capacity to limit the effects of endurance factors on speed. Capacity to choose correct action options. A basic fitness base is needed before a player should start speed work; this base includes muscular and cardiovascular endurance conditioning and speed endurance. A player s body will Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 184 of 187

185 take approximately 6-10 weeks to develop speed changes, so be prepared to put in the hard work. There are numerous training methods for improving your speed but below you will find a list of categories which most speed training can be categorised into. CLICK on the bullet points below for a more detailed article and specific training exercises Linear Acceleration Shuttles Resistance training Assisted training Interval training Multi-directional A1.2.1 Reaction speed Speed training is maximal (100%) effort during the repetition so you must make sure that you have enough recovery time to maintain the quality throughout your sets of work. Normally 70% of your energy stores required for sprinting are replenished within the first 30 seconds of recovery. This is enhanced by making sure you perform a walk recovery, which enhances circulation and provides needed oxygen to your muscles. You must therefore perform a walk recovery for a minimum of 30 seconds between repetitions. Speed for hockey is based on several factors: The ability to see, perceive and react to a situation as quickly as possible. The ability of your body to produce force as quickly as possible, which is related to your physiological make up, for example your proportion of fast twitch muscles fibres. How fatigued your muscles become and their ability to recover quickly from bouts of speed work during a game. A1.3 Endurance It takes 6-8 weeks to develop a strong endurance base, so this phase of training should start about 8 weeks after the end of the previous season. The pre-season is the phase of the year when a player will make significant fitness gains if the content is well planned and organised. The content of fitness training will be dependent on their previous fitness training experience but ideally preseason is the phase where they develop and establish a base of fitness which they can then maintain in season, when games and team training take priority. Phase 1 of pre season should be general conditioning and this is basically known as endurance training. Aerobic endurance can be sub-divided into the following training categories: Long aerobic/low intensity - 30 minutes or more (aerobic). Medium aerobic/medium intensity - 8 minutes to 30 minutes (mainly aerobic). Short aerobic/high intensity - 2 minutes to 8 minutes (lactic/aerobic). Varied pace- Fartlek (Speed play). It is essential to develop endurance before you train other fitness factors such as speed endurance, speed or power. By working aerobically (training endurance) for 6-8 weeks there are a number of adaptations your body will make: A1.3.1 Muscular Improved oxygen capacity because of an increase in the number of mitochondria & myoglobin both which carry oxygen in your muscles. Increased number of capillaries in slow twitch fibres of your muscles. Reduced accumulation of blood lactate and increased lactate removal. Increased muscle glycogen and storage. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 185 of 187

186 A1.3.2 Cardiac/Vascular Increased strength of your heart muscle increasing the power output of each beat. Increased size of your ventricular cavity (capacity of the lower chambers of your heart). A lower resting heart rate because of the increased volume and strength of the heart. Increased levels of haemoglobin (oxygen carrier in your blood). A1.3.3 Respiratory Increased maximal minute ventilation. Lung volumes are larger. The above training effects will positively help you in the next phases of training which develop speed endurance and speed. Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 186 of 187

187 Appendix 2: Biographies A2.1 Simon Holloway Simon Holloway is a qualified Level 2 Hockey Coach. He has been a county coach for the last 25 years. In 2007, Simon was responsible for managing and coaching the Hertfordshire Mens Senior to the runners-up spot (Division B) in the County Championships. For season, Simon coached Shefford and Sandy HC men and worked with 2 junior club academies at Shefford and Tring. Simon was the first Director of Coaching for Hertfordshire and served in this post from 2009 to 2012 when he stepped down.. He has worked as JDC/JAC Leader Coach for the last 3 years and for 2012 has been the Manager for U17 and U18 boys at Northwood JRPC. Simon holds a current enhanced CRB accreditation for working with children Date of Issue: January 2012 Page: 187 of 187