1v1 Ground Ball – Poke & Protect is a competitive ground-ball drill for developing through advanced players that teaches the lead player to protect their hands and secure possession while the trailing player learns to disrupt the scoop with a well-timed poke check.
SET UP
Set up two players in a line toward a loose ball, with the first player given a slight advantage and the second player trailing from behind. On the whistle, the lead player attacks the ground ball without turning to find the defender, focusing on getting low in and low out while keeping the bottom hand offset near the knee and thigh for protection. The trailing player times a poke check to the bottom hand as the lead player attempts to scoop. If the lead player secures possession, they run to daylight, free their hands, and make a pass. If the poke disrupts the scoop, the trailing player gets into the opponent, boxes them out, and gooses the ball into open space before pursuing and securing it.
COACHING POINTS & PRINCIPLES
- Ball First: If you have the advantage, don’t turn around looking for contact—attack the ball, stay low, and use your body to protect your bottom hand.
- Time the Poke: The trailing player should avoid ineffective slap checks and instead time a poke to the exposed bottom hand as the opponent reaches for the ball.
- Box Out & Goose: If the ball becomes trapped around players’ feet, establish body position first and move the ball into open space rather than trying to scoop it in traffic.
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