Offensive Shapes

A drill to encourage fast ball movement in various shapes.

Description of Drill: For this drill, there are 4 attacking lines that you must number in the shape of a square and one defender line off to the side on one of the elbows. Each attacker will start with a ball in their stick and there will be one defender who starts in the middle of the 8 meter.  The coach will call out 2 numbers to start and the first number that is called will start with the ball and the second number will drop the ball and proceed to do a 2v1 to goal. The defender has to react and pick up the player with the ball and play out the 2v1 to goal. If the goalie saves the ball or the defender gets a caused turnover then the defender must clear the ball until the 30-yard line. This is a progression drill and will be a 2v1 then 3v2 then 4v3. Once the coach is happy with the 2v1 then you can progress to a 3v2 with 2 defenders in the middle. This drill is also fast-paced so all players should be ready at all times to go.

Equipment Needed: 4 cones for the attacking lines; lots of balls at each cone; a goal

Skills Emphasized: Fast ball movement, defensive breakdowns, fast breaks

Coaching Points of Emphasis: Fast ball movement, finding the open player, defenders reacting to find the ball and open players, defenders communicating to each other to pick up the ball or open players.

Diagram of Drill: