Hockey Session (Transition Phase): HWHC U9 - U12 (30-1-22)

Decathlon - Twice around the square

• Players practice this exercise in pairs.
• Two players, each with a ball, start in opposite corners of the square (6x6m).
• The simultaneously start dribbling and run around the outside of the square twice (in the same direction).
• Both players have two attempts, then swap partners.
• Switch the direction with each new partner (ie, alternate between clockwise and anti-clockwise).

• Players dribble once around the square once in one direction and then in the opposite direction once around the square, back to their starting position.
• As long as players start on opposite corners, they shouldn't bump into each other!

• To dribble the ball at speed without losing control of it.
• To use the appropriate dribbling technique when going in a straight line and when changing direction close to a cone.
• When changing direction with the ball, first lower the centre of gravity and then push the body with a full extension of the outside leg in the new direction.

• The ball should be kept half a stick length away from the feet when running in a straight line. This space is the 'Skill Space' and ise used for evading and changing direction.
• When turning around the cones, the ball can come into the 'Skill Space' but should reposition as soon as the player runs straight again.
• To change direction quicker the ball should move first around the cone and the body should be 'dragged along' behind it.

Mini Hockey 3 v 3 (variation 3)

• Normal rules of mini hockey.
• Play 2 x 5 mins.
• Rotate teams.

3 v 3 - Fast Attack

• 3 attackers, 3 defenders.
• 3 attackers start with the ball on the 23 line.
• They attack the goal ahead of them, with one defender to beat.
• To score, they must dribble through the goal.
• As soon as the attackers touch the ball, the two defenders who start 10-12m behind them, can start running into play.
• In the meantime, the one defender facing the attackers should try to delay the attack as much as possible.
• The attack ends when a goal is scored, when the attackers infringe the rules, of when the ball goes out of play.
• The aim for the defenders if they win possession is to score through the opposite goal in line with where the attackers start.
• To score, they must also dribble through the goal.

• After each attack, the 'sweeper' rotates with a team mate.
• After 6 fast attacks, the teams switch their roles.

• Consolidate the execution of basic skills: dribbling, passing, receiving, scoring at high speed.
• Create correct habits for counter attacking. Eg, passing into the path of a team mate, receiving the ball on the run and playing as wide as necessary.
• Learn to read the game, know what the three defenders and the other two attackers are doing and decide when to pass or when to carry.
• Learn to look out for an effective attack. Three attacking actions are better than four. Engaging the defender and passing to a free teammates will give them a better chances of succeeding.
• Learn to cooperate in defence and to systematically delay the counter attack to allow team mates to get behind the ball.