Set Up
Create a playing area using cones, that has 3 sections roughly 10 yards x 5 yards each. You will put 3 players in each box, giving you 9 players total. The middle 3 players will be playing defensive, and the 2 outside boxes will be playing keep away from the inside group. The defensive players in the middle, can leave the box to put pressure on the offensive team, but the offensive players cannot leave their box. We want the defense to work on keeping their sticks up in the passing lane, trying to intercept or knock down passes. When the ball is in 1 box, the offensive team can make 2 passes max in their box, but will then need to find a teammate on the far side. It’s similar to monkey in the middle type game. Play for 3o seconds or a turnover, which ever happens first. Bumper players over one box, and send a new group of 3 in on the offensive side.
Coaching Points and Principles
- Defensively – Keep sticks up in the passing lanes / Head on a swivel so you can see players in both boxes to try and put yourself in a position to knock down or intercept passes / pressure the offense approach with stick up and follow through on hands
- Offensive – Find and move to open space / Efficient short and long passes / Be deceptive by using no look passes, pump fakes, etc..
Progressions
- Make filed smaller to make it harder for the offense
- Limit how long a player can hold ball for – 2-3 seconds
- limit passes in each box/zone
