15 Fun Field Hockey Drills Fit For Your Skills

Setup:

• Form a triangle with three cones or markers, spacing them about 5-10 yards apart.
• Position three players at each cone, with one player at each corner of the triangle.

Execution:

• The drill begins with Player A passing the ball to Player B using a push pass or hit.
• Player B receives the pass, controls the ball, and then passes it to Player C.
• Player C receives the ball, controls it, and passes it back to Player A to complete the triangle.

Setup:

• Set up a straight line of cones on the field, spacing them approximately 3-5 feet apart. The number of cones can vary.
• Each player needs a field hockey stick and a ball.

Execution:

• Players start at one end of the cone line with a ball and a stick.
• On the coach's signal, players begin dribbling the ball through the cones.
• Emphasize close ball control, quick changes of direction, and using both the forehand and backhand sides of the stick.
• Players should navigate through the entire line of cones while maintaining control of the ball.

Setup:

• Place a goal in the center of the field.
• Set up cones to mark specific shooting positions at various distances from the goal.
• Have a supply of balls near each shooting position.

Execution:

• Players start at the first shooting position, facing the goal.
• On the coach's signal or whistle, the player takes a shot on goal.
• After taking the shot, the player retrieves the ball and moves to the next shooting position.
• Repeat the process from each shooting position, practicing different types of shots.
• Encourage players to focus on accuracy and vary their shooting techniques.

Setup:

• Divide the players into groups of three: two attackers and one defender.
• Use cones or markers to create a starting point for the attackers and a target area (goal or designated zone) where they aim to score.
• The defender starts in the middle between the attackers and the target area.

Execution:

• The drill begins with one attacker passing the ball to the other, initiating the 2v1 situation.
• The defender must work to prevent the attackers from reaching the target area and scoring.
• Attackers aim to cooperate by passing the ball quickly and making use of their numerical advantage.
• The defender's goal is to intercept passes, block shots, or force the attackers into making a mistake.
• After each attempt or turnover, rotate players, allowing everyone to experience both offensive and defensive roles.

Setup:

• Choose a flat and open area for running, such as a field or a track.
• Set markers or cones at designated intervals to mark the running distance.
• Ensure players have proper footwear and are adequately warmed up before starting the drill.

Execution:

• Players start at a designated starting point.
• On the coach's signal, players sprint to the first marker or cone. Upon reaching the marker, players slow down to a jog or walk to the next marker.
• At the next marker, players sprint again.
• Repeat this process for a set duration or a specific number of intervals.
• Allow for a sufficient rest period between sets or after completing the desired number of intervals.

Setup:

• Divide players into smaller teams (e.g., 4v4, 5v5, or 6v6).
• Adjust the size of the field based on the number of players and the available space. A smaller field encourages more touches on the ball and
• increased involvement.
• Use cones or markers to define the boundaries of the playing area.

Execution:

• Players engage in a game with reduced team sizes, adhering to the rules of field hockey.
• Encourage quick decision-making, ball movement, and effective communication among players.
• Allow for continuous play with minimal stoppages to maintain the flow of the game.
• Depending on your coaching objectives, you may introduce specific rules or conditions, such as limiting the number of touches, emphasizing a particular skill, or restricting certain areas on the field.

Setup:

• Find a flat and open area with a sturdy wall.
• Equip each player with a field hockey stick and a ball.
• Players can perform this drill individually or pair up if working in pairs.

Execution:

• Players stand about 5 to 10 feet away from the wall.
• The player with the ball initiates the drill by passing the ball against the wall.
• After passing the ball, the player gets into position to receive the return pass from the wall.
• Upon receiving the rebound, the player repeats the process, focusing on passing accuracy and controlling the return pass.
• Encourage players to use both forehand and backhand passes during the drill.

Setup

• Place several cones in a straight line, with about 1-2 meters between each cone.
• Each cone should have a ball on top of it.

Execution

• The player starts at one end of the line of cones.
• On the coach's or teammate's signal, the player sprints down the line.
• As the player reaches each cone, they must react quickly to the direction the ball is rolling.
• The player can use their stick to control the ball, change its direction, or perform a specific move (e.g., dribble around the cone).
• Continue down the line, reacting to each cone until reaching the end.

Setup:

• Divide players into two groups: attackers and defenders.
• Set up a rectangular playing area, scaled to the number of players involved.
• Place cones or markers to represent the goals on either end of the playing area.

Execution:

• The drill begins with one of the attackers (Attacker 1) passing the ball to the other attacker (Attacker 2).
• Simultaneously, the defender in front of Attacker 1 starts to run on an overlapping path to create an offensive overload.
• Attacker 2 can either pass the ball back to Attacker 1, who continues the play or dribble towards the defender near the goal.

A full-field scrimmage in field hockey is an excellent drill to simulate real-game situations, encourage teamwork, and allow players to apply various skills in a match-like setting.

Setup:

• Divide the players into two teams with an equal number of players.
• Use the entire field, including the shooting circles, to create a realistic game environment.
• Ensure that goalkeepers are present for each team.
• Depending on the skill level and fitness of the players, you can set a specific duration for the scrimmage (e.g., 15-20 minutes).

Setup:

• Set up a playing area that mimics a small section of a field hockey field.
• Place targets at various locations within the playing area.

Execution:

• Divide the players into pairs or small groups, depending on the number of participants.
• Each pair or group should have one ball and one field hockey stick.
• Players take turns passing the ball to each other while aiming for the targets.
• Emphasize the importance of using the correct passing techniques.
• Players should focus on accuracy and control, trying to hit the targets with precision.
• Rotate the players regularly so that everyone gets a chance to practice passing and targeting.

Setup:

• Use cones to mark a playing area that is suitable for one-on-one encounters (approximately 15x15 meters).
• Each player should have a stick and be wearing their usual field hockey gear.

Execution:

• The attacker starts with the ball in the center of the playing area.
• The defender positions themselves a few meters away, ready to engage.
• The defender's primary goal is to prevent the attacker from getting past them and reaching a designated scoring zone
• The attacker aims to use their dribbling skills to maneuver around the defender and reach the scoring zone.

Setup:

• Divide your team into pairs.
• Each pair needs one field hockey ball, and players should have their sticks.
• Place cones or markers in a circular pattern around each pair. The markers should be at varying distances from the players, creating a peripheral passing zone.

Procedure:

• Have the pairs stand facing each other in the center of the circular area created by the markers.
• Instruct players to focus on their partner while using their peripheral vision to be aware of the markers around them.
• Players should pass the ball to each other using quick, accurate passes.
• Emphasize using both forehand and backhand passes during the drill.

Setup:

• Divide your team into two groups.
• Use cones to mark the boundaries of a smaller playing area suitable for 4v4 gameplay.
• Set up small goals or markers on opposite ends of the playing area.
• Initially, position players in their respective halves, with one team in each half of the playing area.

Execution:

• Begin the drill with one team having possession of the ball. The other team starts on the defensive.
• The team in possession attempts to move the ball forward, working together to create scoring opportunities.
• The defending team aims to regain possession and counter-attack.
• After a goal is scored or the ball goes out of bounds, the team that was defending becomes the attacking team, and vice versa.
• Quick rotations to maintain the continuous flow of the game.

Setup:

• Divide your team into three attackers and two defenders.
• Use cones to mark a rectangular playing area, with a width of about 20-30 meters and a length of 30-40 meters.
• Set up a small goal or markers on one end of the playing area.

Procedure:

• Begin with three attackers positioned outside the playing area and two defenders inside, near the goal.
• One of the attackers starts with the ball and enters the playing area, initiating the 3v2 situation.
• The attackers aim to create scoring opportunities and score goals.
• The defenders focus on preventing the attackers from scoring and regaining possession.
• Rotate players frequently so that everyone gets a chance to be in both attacking and defending roles.