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All exercises in this section are taken from the Sportplan Online Library, to see interactive version of the material below goto www.coachinghockey.com.

1. Team Relay
This practice is very good for teaching a team about transferring defence to attack quickly. With this type of drill it is important to stick with the practice until every player understands what they are doing. Once understood the practice can be used during any subsequent sessions. (suggestion: give the practice a name to help players remember it the next time) The practice can be used for any level, but it is best for players to be from the same team.

Description
Four teams of 3 or 4 players. Put one goal 15m over the half way line so the half way line is the top of the circle.
Two teams together (partners), one playing and one on the 23m line.
Team 1 starts with the ball and tries to score against team 2. When team 2 gain possession either after a goal or tackle, they have to pass the ball to team 3, who now can try and score in the other goal. Team 1 has to run back and defend. When team1win the ball they have to pass the ball to team 4, who attack against team 3 etc.
After a team has passed the ball to their partner team, they take their place at the 23m line and wait.
Coaching Points
Each team is only allowed to defend in their own half.
Put lots of balls in either goal. This will enable the teams to keep the speed in the practice and put the pressure on the team trying to retrieve / stop the break.

2. Defence Awareness

This pratice is good for the junior players who are learning the game.
Description
Attackers (Red Players) have to try and dribble around one of the red cones in the middle and go back through their gate before being tackled by one of the defenders.

The defenders are allowed to move anywhere to try and tackle the attackers.

Coaching Points
- Attackers - Use vision to see when defenders have moved away from their nearest cone.
- Defenders - Be aware of where the attackers are in relation to distance from the red middle cones.

3. Shooting & Goalscoring
Good practice to coach players the final pass and then to score a goal. The final pass can come in from any where, relevant to where you would like your team to create the opportunities from.

Description
Player 1 passes the ball into the circle to player 2 or 3, avoiding the defending player. The defending player must stay on the edge of the circle and can only try and intercept the pass.
The receiving players in the circle try and score a goal past the keeper.

Coaching Points
- The player from the 23 metre line follows the pass and takes the position of the player that has had the final shot and takes his/her place.
- Progression - allow the defender to go into the circle to try and stop the attackers scoring.

Reverse stick hit
- Grip the stick with both hands at the top of the stick with the flat side of the stick pointing upwards (this can be achieved by putting the stick on the ground , flat side up for the players then to pickup the stick.
- Step to the ball with the right foot
- Both feet and ball on one line
- Hit the ball with the side of the stick important to keep stick low to the ground in approach and follow through.
DANGER
Try to discourage the use of this skill in the presence of inexperience players in game situations because of the danger to defenders trying to win the ball

Top Tip - practice your close control.

Get a deck of cards and spread these on the floor in any room and then try and dribble with a hockey ball trying to avoid all the cards.

Coaching Points
- Try and keep your knees bent
- Try and keep both hands on the grip (so right hand not to low)

To see everything in this section live and interactive get online @ www.coachinghockey.com

This Months interactive Sesisons get online @ www.coachinghockey.com

EXSPORTISE CHRISTMAS HOCKEY MASTERCLASS
for 12 – 17 year olds, Tel: 01444 444777
When it comes to filling your children’s time in the holidays it is important to make the right choices. At exsportise we are committed to offering your child something special that is above the rest. That is why we run the Hockey Masterclass courses for club level players and above.

Exsportise Christmas Hockey Masterclass details:
Type of Course – Residential (approx. 5 hours of coaching each day, plus indoor tournaments in the evening)
Venue – Seaford College
Dates – December 20, 21 & 22
Arrive – 9.00am on the 20th
Depart – 4.00pm on the 22nd
Age Range – 12 to 17 (Coaching groups will be organised according to age and ability)
Extras – Can arrive on the evening of 19 December for additional £20
Coaches – Soma Singh (Former GB international), Becky Duggin (England), Alex Danson (England)
and Huw Jones (Wales)

10 PLACES LEFT - CALL NOW FOR LAST MINUTE DEALS Tel: 01444 444 777

Our philosophy is simple; to let children play sport properly and safely, encouraging and developing talent whilst ensuring that the coaching is fun.