Girls practice protective cradling while changing direction without exposing the stick.
SET UP
Set cones in a zigzag every 5–7 yards for 25–30 yards. Players start with a ball, cradle through the weave, and finish with a pass to a coach or a shot on an empty cage.
For U8–U10, use a vertical cradle and allow walking pace first.
For U12–U14, require a change of hands at the second and fourth cones and add a passive defender shadowing from 3 yards away.
Send the next player when the previous reaches the third cone.
COACHING POINTS & PRINCIPLES
- Keep the stick on the far side of the body from pressure—“protect the candy.”
- Change direction with the feet first; the stick follows the hips.
- Soft top hand so the cradle stays quiet and the ball does not pop out on cuts.
