Hockey Session (Under 18s): Getting Players Ahead of the Ball

2v2 End-Zone Game (20 mins)

2v2 End-zone game

4 players play a 2v2 game with end zones at either end. Teams can only score if one player leads into the end-zone and receives the ball (defenders cannot enter the end-zone, so have to protect the defensive line to player they are marking)

emphasise

- the quality of the 'get-ahead' lead (pace / intent)

- need to maintain open passing lane

NB! as players get comfortable in exercise, may need to introduce additional rules:

eg. - 3 seond rule in end-zone

If doing exercise with goalkeepers - put down a 'scoreline'. Both players have to be inside scoreline (attacking half) when the ball goes in for the goal to count.

4v4 no pass back (20 mins)

4v4 with no pass back

The idea is for players to keep thinking about how they can get additonal players ahead of the ball, but also what action the player on the ball can take to ensure that they do not run out of attacking options.

Games starts with a feed to two players who have to contest possession - whoever secures the ball attacks the goal with the GK in green.

The other 3 (attacking players) have to lead ahead of the ball.

NB! Player in possession cannot pass back to one of the support players (may have to think whether other 3 defensive players are allowed to tackle initial player in possession)

On turnover, what was the defensive team can now score in the opposite goal - emphasise the 'get ahead' through the score line (everyone has to be inside when ball goes in). No pass back rule stays in place.

NB! through your questioning, really force players to think about:

- how they can create attacking passes through their leads

- how they can maintain players ahead of the ball through movement with ball