IMPROVE DEFENSIVE FOOTWORK AND REACTIONS TO ATTACKER’S BALL MOVEMENT, MAINTAINING STRONG DEFENSIVE POSITION
PLAYERS
2+ PLAYERS
SPACE
15m x 15m
EQUIPMENT
1+ BALLS, 2 CONES
EXPLANATION:
X starts with ball on line, O is in defensive position, in Engaging Distance in front of X.
X moves ball laterally along line, changing directions to left and right, trying to get separation from O.
X wins a point if she stops the ball under control at one of the cones and O is more than 2m away (meaning that X has created separation from the defender).
O moves with the ball, trying to maintain good engaging distance from X and stay within 2m of the ball.
Play for 45 seconds, then switch turns and keep score.
VARIATION:
X moves ball laterally and tries to either extend and stop the ball under control at either cone, OR to a find an opening to put the ball onto O’s foot.
O moves with the ball, staying within Engaging Distance, but also protecting feet with stick.
JAB GRIP VS BLOCKING GRIP
Defenders can hold the stick in different ways: 2 effective options:
Jab grip: this technique does not require the defender to bend down too much, and so allows more mobility. This grip is effective in open spaces, good for protecting the feet, and also “jabbing”, reaching out to dislodge the ball from the attacker’s control. (see photo 1)
Blocking grip: this technique requires that the defender bend down to put the left hand next to the ground to present the full flat stick on the turf. Because this position means less mobility, this grip is effective in tighter spaces, blocking flat passing lanes and protecting feet. (see photo 2).
COACHING POINTS:
Mobility and change of direction speed are the keys for successful 1-on-1 defending. This relies on good FOOTWORK and BODY POSITION (see photo 1)
Knees should be bent and center of gravity low. Feet shoulder width apart and offset (not squared up with attacker).
Defender should watch the ball, and not the stick/body of the Attacker, to avoid getting thrown off-line by fakes, feints, etc.
EVALUATION:
For the drill to work best, the attacker should change speeds as well as changing direction. A slow move followed by a fast move will challenge the defender.
To help with mobility, defender can hold stick in one hand, especially if presenting a low, flat blocking position
