RECOVERING DEFENDER HELPS GOALKEEPER TO DEFEND 1-ON-1 COMING INTO THE CIRCLE
PLAYERS
3+ PLAYERS (INCLUDING GK)
SPACE
30m TO GOAL & CIRCLE
EQUIPMENT
5+ BALLS
EXPLANATION:
Coach passes the ball to attacker X to initiate play.
X receives and attacks the circle, attempting to score by shooting, or eliminating the GK 1-on-1.
As soon as ball is passed, defender O begins recovery run. O attempts to apply pressure on the attacker from behind.
Goalkeeper comes out of the goal, and either steps out to play the attacker 1-on-1, or gets set for the shot if X tries to shoot.
If Gk delays X, O steps in to make a tackle.
VARIATIONS:
X can start with the ball herself, and start carrying the ball.
Change the angle of approach to the circle, from a 45 degree angle on either side.
COACHING POINTS:
O should immediately choose which side to apply pressure from (R or L), and try to get back as quickly as possible to affect the attacker’s skill execution.
Once in a position to pressure, O should keep feet moving and pressure from a balanced position with a controlled stick - she must make sure that she does not swing with her stick or commit a foul from behind, which is likely result in a penalty stroke.
If X is going to shoot, O should look to apply pressure to make X rush the shot. If X is going to carry and try to eliminate the GK, O should look to block one side, so the attacker can only go to the opposite side. This will make it easier for the GK to anticipate and make the save.
EVALUATION:
Goalkeeper and defender must work together. If O is able to recover quickly enough to pressure the attacker, GK can stay in goal and wait for the shot. If O is clearly eliminated, GK must come out to narrow the angle, and attempt to delay long enough for the O to get back in the play and help.
For the drill to develop good defensive decision-making, the ideal starting distance between the attacker and recovering defender will be such that GK and defender have to deal with different situations, depending on the X’s first touch on the ball and speed carrying the ball.
-X has a clear path to the GK if she moves the ball with her first touch and accelerates quickly with the ball.
-X is under tighter pressure if her first touch is poor, or she is slow to move towards goal.
