Jab Tackle
Description
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.
Coaching Points
:: the stick jabs out towards the ball with the left hand
and then returns to both hands
:: after the jab the defender returns to the original
balanced position
:: the grip on the stick will change slightly, the hands turn,
usually palms upwards
Click here to see video
Open side Block Tackle
Coaching Points
:: Strong low body position and balanced ready to move
:: Left foot forward, right foot back
:: Stick on the ground or "hovering" slightly above the ground
:: Position of feet and stick make a strong triangle
shaped base
:: Tackle must be positive and strong with feet balanced
:: Stick face angled towards the ball
:: 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.
:: 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
Click here to see video
Lets practise!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Special: Short Corner Defence
Short Corner Defence 2 - 2
Description
:: Setup the defence as shown with defenders on each post and a runner on each post.
Player 1 runs to the top of the cirlce with Player 2 running on their right hand side, but only 3/4 of the way out. Player 2 is their to put pressure on any slip left or pass back to the injector.
Players 3 and 4 are responsible for picking up any rebounds of the keeper as well as adjusting their position to close down any moves the attack might try.
Short Corner Defence 3-1
Description
:: Setup the defence as shown with 2 defenders inside the goal on either post.
:: In front of them are two runners.
Once the ball is injected Player 1 runs to the top of the circle, with player 2 running 3/4s of the way on their right hand side to cover the slip left. Player runs out on Player no 1s left hand side and runs level with Player 2. Player 4 comes 3 to 4 paces off the line to sweep the pads of the goalkeeper.
Coaching Points
:: Its important that Players 2 and 3 do not commit
themselves and instead try to read the corner.
Click here to see video
Lets practise!
Description
:: Setup the defence as shown with defenders on each post and a runner on each post.
Player 1 runs to the top of the cirlce with Player 2 running on their right hand side, but only 3/4 of the way out. Player 2 is their to put pressure on any slip left or pass back to the injector.
Players 3 and 4 are responsible for picking up any rebounds of the keeper as well as adjusting their position to close down any moves the attack might try.
Short Corner Defence 3-1
Description
:: Setup the defence as shown with 2 defenders inside the goal on either post.
:: In front of them are two runners.
Once the ball is injected Player 1 runs to the top of the circle, with player 2 running 3/4s of the way on their right hand side to cover the slip left. Player runs out on Player no 1s left hand side and runs level with Player 2. Player 4 comes 3 to 4 paces off the line to sweep the pads of the goalkeeper.
Coaching Points
:: Its important that Players 2 and 3 do not commit
themselves and instead try to read the corner.
Click here to see video
Lets practise!
Special: Passing and Receiving
Exercise 1
Round the Gate
Description
2 Players,1 ball. They have to pass the ball through the gate to their partner who, on receiving the ball has to 1st touch the ball wide of either the left or right cone. Then with his/her 2nd touch, pass the ball back.
Coaching Points
:: Make sure players stay behind the cones.
:: To go right play ball next to body
:: To go to left play ball infront of body
Exercise 2:
Description
:: Split the group in half.
:: The white team each have a ball.
The blue team position themselves statically around the area. Players with the ball make a pass to one of the static players, to then receive the ball back again and look to pass to the next static player - (1 minute, see how many passes you can make.)
Click here to see video
Lets practise!
Round the Gate
Description
2 Players,1 ball. They have to pass the ball through the gate to their partner who, on receiving the ball has to 1st touch the ball wide of either the left or right cone. Then with his/her 2nd touch, pass the ball back.
Coaching Points
:: Make sure players stay behind the cones.
:: To go right play ball next to body
:: To go to left play ball infront of body
Exercise 2:
Description
:: Split the group in half.
:: The white team each have a ball.
The blue team position themselves statically around the area. Players with the ball make a pass to one of the static players, to then receive the ball back again and look to pass to the next static player - (1 minute, see how many passes you can make.)
Click here to see video
Lets practise!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Defending Tips : 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.
Coaching Points
* the stick jabs out towards the ball with the left hand and then returns to both
hands
* after the jab the defender returns to the original balanced position
* the grip on the stick will change slightly, the hands turn, usually palms
upwards
Click here to see video
Lets practise!
Coaching Points
* the stick jabs out towards the ball with the left hand and then returns to both
hands
* after the jab the defender returns to the original balanced position
* the grip on the stick will change slightly, the hands turn, usually palms
upwards
Click here to see video
Lets practise!
Advanced Drills 6 v 4
Dear Hockey Player,
This newsletter we thought that we would test some of you slightly. This has been taken from our advanced library of drills.
As you will see, the concepts are the same - simple basic hockey. You should try this practice as the third or fourth exercise of the session. The first couple of exercises should look at the first touch and moving the ball away from a defender to allow you to do something with the second touch. Try the exercise below as a stepping stone exercise for posession, movement and passing.
The Concepts of the Exercise
Passing: short sharp passes. The passes should allow the receiver to move, do something productive with their first touch and go away from the defender. The area is small, so you don't have much time to hold onto the ball. The longer the player keeps the ball, the less space they have to make the pass and the less space the receiver will have.
Click here to see video
Receiving: receive the ball on the move. Never be flat footed when the ball comes to you. This will give you an advantage. Given the small area, it is important to make the most of all that you have. You should move the defender for you to create space for you to move into in which you can receive the ball. This also means that you will not stand still and wait for the ball to arrive, rather move towards the ball. The first touch should control the ball and put it where you are able to do something with the second touch, be it making a pass or executing a skill to exploit space.
Defending:get into position between the goal (in this case the receiver of the pass) and the origin of the pass and the attacker. The exact positioning and how close you are will depend on how good the attacker is, how comfortable you feel, and where on the pitch you are located.. The attacker should not have enough space to be able to exploit, be this by making a pass or executing a skill. Preferably step in front of the attacker to take the ball before the attacker receives the ball. If this is not possible, do not get caught in no-man's land. It is better to hang back rather than getting over-committed and giving the attacker an easy route through.
Defend in pairs. One high, one deep, communicating the whole time. The primary goal is to prevent the ball being played through the box, i.e. defending the space behind you.
The Exercise
The practice below will focus all of these concepts into one exercise. The channel is deliberately restricted so that players have to concentrate on their close skills. This forces the first touch to be good and to allow the player to do something with their second touch of the ball.
The Basic Exercise
Set the practice up as shown in the diagram.
This is essentially a 6 v 4 split into 3 sections. In the 2 end zones play 2 v 1 and a 2 v 2 in the middle section.
Initially, players in each section cannot go into neighbouring sections.
The aim is to move the ball down the channel without losing possession.
The only other restriction is that players cannot hit the ball.
Players are free to, and should be encouraged, to pass backwards. This should be used to maintain possession and manoeuvre the defenders.
Players should never be standing still, as they should be constantly involved in either moving the defenders to make space in which to attack, or else defending.
Balls straight through the middle section are allowed, but possession must not be given away.
Rotate the players on each side and in the different areas.
There is no rush. If a pass is not on, move the ball back to the end section. In these sections possession should not be conceded as there is a 2 v 1. By playing the ball between the 2 the team mates in the middle section attackers have time to draw the defenders to create space to move into in which to receive the ball.
In the end zone, the attackers should play the ball to the attacker in the middle zone when they make a sharp move into space.
The attackers should be encouraged to make a forward movement with the ball when they receive the ball. This must be done by creating space in which to move with the ball, and should therefore rely on a good first touch.
Click here to see video
Progression 1
Players can move between zones, but the 2 v 1, 2 v 2, 2 v 1 pattern must remain, i.e. if one player switches, then another player must take their place.
Players running from the end zone into the middle section now control a huge advantage. By moving forwards, they force a defender to make a decision about what to do.
The defender should make their decision based on how close to the other end zone they are and where the other attacker is. The defender should back off until they reach the critical point. At this time, the defender should step to meet the on-coming player, closing them down quickly and keeping the attacker's head down to deny them access to options.
The first goal of the defender should be to force the ball to go back to the originating end zone. If the attacker makes a mistake, it is then that the defender should think about stealing the ball.
Attackers in the middle section should not crowd the area that the attacker from the end zone has to run into, i.e. do not move towards the player coming forwards. If the attackers do this, they lose the forwards advantage that they will have. Extra space is created by one of the attackers in the middle zone replacing the attacker from the end zone. When the defender ceases backing off and starts to engage the attacker coming forward, or when the other defender engages the attacker, the attacker should make the pass.
If the other attackers in the far end zone have made a good lead run into space, play the ball into them if possible.
However, players should be encouraged to turn back out if there is no forward pass on.
Progression 2
Set a goal up at each end with a goalkeeper.
All the defenders (1, 2, 1), except the one in the far end zone, should attack the goal at that end when they legitimately break down the play in the game. All of the attackers, except the two in the far end zone, should defend.
This is a good exercise to improve reaction times when play is broken down and to focus on work rates to get back and defend.
Working with large groups. Multiple "channels" can be set up to run concurrently so that players should be involved all the time.
Lets practise!
This newsletter we thought that we would test some of you slightly. This has been taken from our advanced library of drills.
As you will see, the concepts are the same - simple basic hockey. You should try this practice as the third or fourth exercise of the session. The first couple of exercises should look at the first touch and moving the ball away from a defender to allow you to do something with the second touch. Try the exercise below as a stepping stone exercise for posession, movement and passing.
The Concepts of the Exercise
Passing: short sharp passes. The passes should allow the receiver to move, do something productive with their first touch and go away from the defender. The area is small, so you don't have much time to hold onto the ball. The longer the player keeps the ball, the less space they have to make the pass and the less space the receiver will have.
Click here to see video
Receiving: receive the ball on the move. Never be flat footed when the ball comes to you. This will give you an advantage. Given the small area, it is important to make the most of all that you have. You should move the defender for you to create space for you to move into in which you can receive the ball. This also means that you will not stand still and wait for the ball to arrive, rather move towards the ball. The first touch should control the ball and put it where you are able to do something with the second touch, be it making a pass or executing a skill to exploit space.
Defending:get into position between the goal (in this case the receiver of the pass) and the origin of the pass and the attacker. The exact positioning and how close you are will depend on how good the attacker is, how comfortable you feel, and where on the pitch you are located.. The attacker should not have enough space to be able to exploit, be this by making a pass or executing a skill. Preferably step in front of the attacker to take the ball before the attacker receives the ball. If this is not possible, do not get caught in no-man's land. It is better to hang back rather than getting over-committed and giving the attacker an easy route through.
Defend in pairs. One high, one deep, communicating the whole time. The primary goal is to prevent the ball being played through the box, i.e. defending the space behind you.
The Exercise
The practice below will focus all of these concepts into one exercise. The channel is deliberately restricted so that players have to concentrate on their close skills. This forces the first touch to be good and to allow the player to do something with their second touch of the ball.
The Basic Exercise
Set the practice up as shown in the diagram.
This is essentially a 6 v 4 split into 3 sections. In the 2 end zones play 2 v 1 and a 2 v 2 in the middle section.
Initially, players in each section cannot go into neighbouring sections.
The aim is to move the ball down the channel without losing possession.
The only other restriction is that players cannot hit the ball.
Players are free to, and should be encouraged, to pass backwards. This should be used to maintain possession and manoeuvre the defenders.
Players should never be standing still, as they should be constantly involved in either moving the defenders to make space in which to attack, or else defending.
Balls straight through the middle section are allowed, but possession must not be given away.
Rotate the players on each side and in the different areas.
There is no rush. If a pass is not on, move the ball back to the end section. In these sections possession should not be conceded as there is a 2 v 1. By playing the ball between the 2 the team mates in the middle section attackers have time to draw the defenders to create space to move into in which to receive the ball.
In the end zone, the attackers should play the ball to the attacker in the middle zone when they make a sharp move into space.
The attackers should be encouraged to make a forward movement with the ball when they receive the ball. This must be done by creating space in which to move with the ball, and should therefore rely on a good first touch.
Click here to see video
Progression 1
Players can move between zones, but the 2 v 1, 2 v 2, 2 v 1 pattern must remain, i.e. if one player switches, then another player must take their place.
Players running from the end zone into the middle section now control a huge advantage. By moving forwards, they force a defender to make a decision about what to do.
The defender should make their decision based on how close to the other end zone they are and where the other attacker is. The defender should back off until they reach the critical point. At this time, the defender should step to meet the on-coming player, closing them down quickly and keeping the attacker's head down to deny them access to options.
The first goal of the defender should be to force the ball to go back to the originating end zone. If the attacker makes a mistake, it is then that the defender should think about stealing the ball.
Attackers in the middle section should not crowd the area that the attacker from the end zone has to run into, i.e. do not move towards the player coming forwards. If the attackers do this, they lose the forwards advantage that they will have. Extra space is created by one of the attackers in the middle zone replacing the attacker from the end zone. When the defender ceases backing off and starts to engage the attacker coming forward, or when the other defender engages the attacker, the attacker should make the pass.
If the other attackers in the far end zone have made a good lead run into space, play the ball into them if possible.
However, players should be encouraged to turn back out if there is no forward pass on.
Progression 2
Set a goal up at each end with a goalkeeper.
All the defenders (1, 2, 1), except the one in the far end zone, should attack the goal at that end when they legitimately break down the play in the game. All of the attackers, except the two in the far end zone, should defend.
This is a good exercise to improve reaction times when play is broken down and to focus on work rates to get back and defend.
Working with large groups. Multiple "channels" can be set up to run concurrently so that players should be involved all the time.
Lets practise!
Moving off the ball
These are three level of practices for your players to learn to move into space to support the player on the ball or to receive the ball in space.
Moving off the ball into space to help the player on the ball for beginners
Example: Pass and Move
Players have to pass the ball around the outside of the square with only 3 players. To make this possible, the player after the pass has to move to the empty corner (any direction).Click here to see video.
Moving into the space to support the player on the ball for intermediate players
Example: Switch and Pass
Player 1 dribbles across the square forcing player 2 to switch in order to receive the square pass from 1. Then 2 starts etc (pass from right to left and then from left to right).Click here to see video.
Example: Creating Space to Receive the Ball
Moving to create space to receive the ball for advanced players
Description:
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. Again 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.Click here to see video.
Receiving the ball on the move
on the reverse stick side running into space.
Click here to see video.
Lets practise!
Moving off the ball into space to help the player on the ball for beginners
Example: Pass and Move
Players have to pass the ball around the outside of the square with only 3 players. To make this possible, the player after the pass has to move to the empty corner (any direction).Click here to see video.
Moving into the space to support the player on the ball for intermediate players
Example: Switch and Pass
Player 1 dribbles across the square forcing player 2 to switch in order to receive the square pass from 1. Then 2 starts etc (pass from right to left and then from left to right).Click here to see video.
Example: Creating Space to Receive the Ball
Moving to create space to receive the ball for advanced players
Description:
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. Again 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.Click here to see video.
Receiving the ball on the move
on the reverse stick side running into space.
Click here to see video.
Lets practise!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Passing, Receiving and the First Touch
In this edition we go back to basics - the first touch and passing.
Whether it be the start of the season or mid way through; for advanced or grass roots players, the first touch and the pass are of key importance to hockey.
With a good first touch, you can gain a metre of space, beat a player, make a pass, or set up to make an accurate and strong pass or shot.
Similarly with a good pass you can make space for the receiving player, move the defence out of position, cut the defence apart or simply build an attack.
The Pass
A good pass is one which enables the receiving player to do something productive with their first touch. Players should be reminded of this when they are practicing.
The receiving player should not have to think about controlling a bobbling ball, stretching for the ball, having to alter their run because the pass is too early or delayed, or having to move too far towards the ball for an underhit pass.
A pass should be:
* accurate
* of the correct pace; and
* well timed
Mastering these aspects of the pass should be built into every session, whether through simple drills purely concentrating on un-pressured passing, through to advanced conditioned games that require advanced passing under pressure of time and space and from other players.
Coaching Points:
* Use simple passing drills to warm up
* Encourage players to keep the pass simple and to think about how they would want
to receive the pass
* For the timing of the pass players should visualise what the receiving player is
going to want to do with the ball - what space they wish to attack, where the
next pass will go to - and make the pass accordingly to enable the receiving
player to do what they want to do with minimal effort.
Receiving a Pass and The First Touch
Before a player receives the ball they should know exactly what they want to do with it. This should include the space that they want to move the ball into with their first touch, where the next pass is going to go, or what space that they are going to exploit.
How to receive a pass:
* Know what you want to do with the ball before the pass is made.
* Make a run, whether a few steps or several metres to create space for you to
receive the ball in.
* Move towards the ball when the pass is made.
* Know where the defenders are around you before you / the ball meet.
The First Touch
By knowing what you want to do with the ball, and where the defenders are around you, you are in a position to move the ball into space with your first touch. The space may be to your left or right, in front of you or behind you.
The first touch of your stick on the ball should control the ball and at the same time move the ball in the direction where you have identified the space.
In the same motion, you should move your feet and body into position to be able to execute the skill that you intended, be it a pass, shot or driving into space.
Try this practice to develop accuracy of passing, awareness of the space, first touch, and subsequent pass.
Lets practise!
Whether it be the start of the season or mid way through; for advanced or grass roots players, the first touch and the pass are of key importance to hockey.
With a good first touch, you can gain a metre of space, beat a player, make a pass, or set up to make an accurate and strong pass or shot.
Similarly with a good pass you can make space for the receiving player, move the defence out of position, cut the defence apart or simply build an attack.
The Pass
A good pass is one which enables the receiving player to do something productive with their first touch. Players should be reminded of this when they are practicing.
The receiving player should not have to think about controlling a bobbling ball, stretching for the ball, having to alter their run because the pass is too early or delayed, or having to move too far towards the ball for an underhit pass.
A pass should be:
* accurate
* of the correct pace; and
* well timed
Mastering these aspects of the pass should be built into every session, whether through simple drills purely concentrating on un-pressured passing, through to advanced conditioned games that require advanced passing under pressure of time and space and from other players.
Coaching Points:
* Use simple passing drills to warm up
* Encourage players to keep the pass simple and to think about how they would want
to receive the pass
* For the timing of the pass players should visualise what the receiving player is
going to want to do with the ball - what space they wish to attack, where the
next pass will go to - and make the pass accordingly to enable the receiving
player to do what they want to do with minimal effort.
Receiving a Pass and The First Touch
Before a player receives the ball they should know exactly what they want to do with it. This should include the space that they want to move the ball into with their first touch, where the next pass is going to go, or what space that they are going to exploit.
How to receive a pass:
* Know what you want to do with the ball before the pass is made.
* Make a run, whether a few steps or several metres to create space for you to
receive the ball in.
* Move towards the ball when the pass is made.
* Know where the defenders are around you before you / the ball meet.
The First Touch
By knowing what you want to do with the ball, and where the defenders are around you, you are in a position to move the ball into space with your first touch. The space may be to your left or right, in front of you or behind you.
The first touch of your stick on the ball should control the ball and at the same time move the ball in the direction where you have identified the space.
In the same motion, you should move your feet and body into position to be able to execute the skill that you intended, be it a pass, shot or driving into space.
Try this practice to develop accuracy of passing, awareness of the space, first touch, and subsequent pass.
Lets practise!
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