Possession Game, 3-D Skills

EXPLANATION:

• Even-numbers possession game with normal rules of play. DIAGRAM 1. Goal is scored by lifting the ball over a line of cones.
• Team can score a goal either by a player dribbling the ball over the cones herself, OR by passing to a teammate over the cones.
• Team cannot score twice consecutively on the same goal. 

COACHING POINTS:

• Attacking team looks to change direction to find open space and open goal.
• Ball should be lifted just high enough to get over cones (or defending flat sticks in a game) - no higher than knee height.
• Receiving a bouncing pass: if possible, it is helpful to move backwards in the direction the ball is going to receive the pass. If the reception is not clean, receiver is still moving with the ball to recover. 

EVALUATION:

• Players should have the skill to control the lifted ball.
• 3-D dribble: ball should stay within reach of the ball carrier, preferably staying on the player’s stick, so ball can be controlled again when on ground, or redirected in the air.
• 3-D pass: pass should be at a controlled height and speed that is not directly through a defender. 

PROGRESSION:

• LTT: At the Learn to Train stage (and possibly at the Train to Train, depending on skill level), play with smaller numbers (3-on-3) in a slightly smaller space SEE DIAGRAM 2. Still keep 6 or more “goals” (lines of cones) to score by lifting over. This gives more options for the ball carrier and should give more time to execute 3-D skills.