Hockey Session (Senior): Close Finishing/Defending Focus

CMM in front of goal (10 mins)

• Lots of balls in the middle of the 23
• Players queue where player X is
• Player 1 and 2 start on the throwdown/P spot
• Player X passes into grey area (not to a specific player)
• Once ball is played in by player X, whoever has/gets the first touch of the ball is trying to score and the other is defending
  • No set attacker and defender before you start
• Defender stays in until they get to the ball first

CHANGE IT:

N - 1v1 becomes a 2v1 when the feeder joins once ball has been played in 

Looking for:

• Winning the physical battle, win the ball before the receive by being in a better position than the other player
• Stick low, not at waist height, lowers centre of gravity, makes change of direction easier
• Use legs to widen stance on receive and make it harder for other player to get in front

NB:

All 3 D's (A, B and C) can all go at once, same thing in each D.

If less than 3 GKs, still use 3 goals, reps of receiving under pressure is the focus, shooting is added bonus

Wide circle entry (25 mins)

Note:

This can be player over half a pitch in both directions (i.e. the same thing happening towards both goals at the same time with different players)

Make it competitive, keep scores constantly and tally end v end & team v team



Rounds 

• Round 0 = 0 defenders (practice first-time finish) do for 2 to 3 minutes, lots of reps
• Round 1 = 1 defender per attack (6 mins). 6 defenders in bibs (total - both ends)
• Round 2 = 2 defender per attack (6 mins). 10 defenders in bibs (total - both ends)
• Round 3 = 3 defender per attack (6 mins). 10 defenders in bibs (total - both ends)

How the game works: 

Lots of balls on the middle of the 23 line. 

• - 1 passes to 2
• - 2 carries around the cone towards the baseline
• - Ball is live once 2 carries around the red cone. 
• - Players 1, 2 and 3 are attacking, player A is defending
• - Defender aiming to carry out the circle or pass back to the centre 
• - Once over, play to the opposite side (i.e. to player 4 and new attackers and defenders join)
• - Any PCA's won are tallied up and played out at the end of the round as shuffles (individuals to keep count)

Progression:

- 2 defenders and then 3

Coaching points:

• - Ball on stick in the circle, always ready to pass
• - Off ball players come towards the ball (or sink to space)
• - Looking for first or second touch finishes wherever possible (reward with double points)
• - Forehand defending for as long as possible

High Transfer into the Circle (20 mins)

Looking for CMM

If free, hold hotline first (line to goal) and step to wide play along it