BECOME PROFICIENT AS INDIVIDUAL BACKS AND ALSO AS A UNIT AT MOVING THE BALL WITH SPEED AND CONTROL
IMPROVE BALL SPEED, ACCURACY
PLAYERS
5/6+ PLAYERS
SPACE
HALF-FIELD (OR FROM 35/40 TO ENDLINE)
EQUIPMENET
1+ BALLS, STOPWATCH
EXPLANATION:
Ball can start with any back, and should be passed across as a backfield transfer.
Ball should be touched by each player, transferred across to within 5m of the opposite sideline, then transferred back through the midfield.
Time the rotation from when the ball leaves the first player’s stick to when it returns.
Number of backs and mids can vary (depending on system team plays). Just be consistent with timing.
Once time is set, repeat to beat time.
Reverse direction and compare times.
COACHING POINTS:
Ball speed is key. But also critical is transition time from a player receiving to releasing a pass. Good preparation footwork is important, and quick foot and body adjustments after the first touch.
Vision/Pre-Scan - make sure you know exactly where the next pass is going to before you receive.
Players should focus on a good first touch when receiving, to put the ball in controlled position to make the next pass.
PROGRESSION:
LTT: Basic passing competition (race with another team).
TTC: Introduce “Skip” Passes and 1-time passing when ball coming from right to left at appropriate speed/control.
TTW: Develop reverse stick passing skills to speed up release. Also 1-time “Slide” Pass or deflection on left to right pass.
