Stickhandling Skills 6: Carrying Ball with Vision and Change Direction

EXPLANATION:

• Xs each start with ball on line, and begin carrying the ball forward on the coach’s signal/whistle.
• Coach stands on the opposite side, prepared to give visual direction to players.
• Players look up and watch coach. Coach signals to carry left (arm out to side), right (arm out to side), and straight forward (arm directly up in the air). Coach can also signal stop (hands out directly in front of him).
• Players change direction according to coach’s directions, until through to the opposite end.
• Coach then moves to opposite side, and drill is repeated in opposite direction.

VARIATIONS:

• Coach can add in different signals for ball control variations, for example:
• -accelerating/decelerating
• -pulling the ball back to forehand/reverse stick side
• -lift/3-D move
• -other skills of specific emphasis 

COACHING POINTS:

• Each player carries ball out in front, where he can
• The fewer touches on the ball, the better. The fewer times X looks down to make stick contact with the ball, the more time he can keep his eyes upfield.
• Although using few touches on the ball to keep it moving, X should keep stick close to ball, just behind it. Ball should be in option position as much of the time as possible, so that in a game X can make an effective pass quickly. Keeping the stick close to the ball will also allow the ball carrier to protect the ball if opponent tries to tackle.

EVALUATION:

• Players should be able to move at normal ball-carrying speed, and change direction quickly on the coaches signal (within one or two steps).
• Players should move comfortably in both directions (right to left, and left to right). If necessary, isolate and practice the weaker move.