Hockey Session (Transition Phase): HWHC U13-U18 2-5-21 (Match Preparation - Possession, Width, Transition from Defence to Attack)

Circle Pass - Stick & Ball Warm Up

SET UP

• Three players with one ball make a circle.
• In the middle of the circle, one attacker and one defender.
• The aim is to pass to the attacker in the middle without the defender intercepting.
• Players in the middle of the circle must stay in the circle.
• Players on the outside of the circle must stay outside the circle but can move around with or without the ball.
• Focus on maintaining possession and looking for the right moment to pass.

Attacking Play 3 v 2

SET UP

• Players 1, 2, 3 = attackers.
• Players 4, 5 = defenders.
• Player 1: Carry to the cone ahead of you and pass to player 2.
• Player 2: Make a lead run to receive the ball from player 1. Pass to player 3.
• Player 3: Make a lead run to receive the ball from player 2, shoot for goal.
• Player 4: As soon as player 1 sets off, try and intercept their pass to player 2. If successful, carry the ball to the starting cone (where player 1 started). Player 1 can try and win possession back.
• Player 5: If player 4 is successful and intercepts the ball, sprint to catch up with your teammate to support them (available for a pass if needed) to reach the starting cone.
• Player 5 can also try to intercept the pass from player 2 to player 3 if player 4 has not won the ball.

• This activity should look and feel like a game. Players have starting positions and objectives but each round should be played out until a goal is scored or the defence get the ball back to the start.
• Rotate players to new positions.
• Swap sides to start on the left.
• Keep the game competitive by adjusting the space. Ie, if the defence keep intercepting the first pass, start them further back.

Transition - Middle Channel

Play out a normal game scenario.

The larger team should be successful to practice transitioning from defence to attack. If they are not being successful, create a bigger overload.

Explain the player positions below and allow players to move into these spaces; try not to dictate, allow them to find their way.

(The positions in the images are examples of where players could be).

• High player - get ahead of the ball quickly for an early, fast pass forward.
• Wide player - make the space as big as possible - keep the defence disorganised.
• Square player - close to the ball carrier for short, sharp passes to move around the defence.
• Guard player - always have an option to pass back.
• Make sure that players are not on the same line, create width and depth.

Transition - Right