Week starting Mon 16th


Create 2 v 1's, and you will win your hockey game






WARM - UP

Choose your own pulse raiser, fox and rabbits, roller ball, tig or tag......etc..

DYNAMIC STICK AND BALL

Continue with the 4x4, however, make sure you are strict with the number of touches and the execution of the technical component.









Creating 2v1 situations in field hockey is a strategic approach to manipulate the game's dynamics, providing the attacking team with a numerical advantage and increasing their chances of success in bypassing defenders or creating scoring opportunities. Here are the main principles to effectively generate and exploit 2v1 scenarios:



1. Spatial Awareness

  • Recognise Space: Players must be constantly aware of the space around them, including where teammates and opponents are positioned. Recognising open spaces or mismatches can lead to opportunities to create 2v1s.
  • Positioning: Effective positioning is crucial. Attackers should position themselves such that they force the defender to make a decision, either to commit to the ball carrier or cover the supporting player.

2. Timing and Communication

  • Timing of Runs: The off-ball player must time their runs intelligently to remain open for a pass. This involves reading the play and anticipating the ball carrier's movements and the defender’s position.
  • Verbal and Non-verbal Cues: Good communication helps in orchestrating 2v1s. This can be verbal calls or non-verbal signals like eye contact or body orientation, indicating the intent to pass or encouraging a teammate to move into open space.

3. Skillful Ball Handling

  • Dribbling Skills: The ball carrier needs excellent dribbling skills to maintain control under pressure and to draw the defender effectively.
  • Quick Passing: Once the defender commits to the ball carrier, quick and accurate passing is crucial to exploit the numerical advantage. This requires not only technical skill but also the ability to execute under pressure.

4. Decision Making

  • Choosing the Right Moment: The ball carrier must decide when to pass and when to keep the ball. This decision should be based on the defender's actions—if the defender commits to the ball carrier, it’s usually the right moment to pass.
  • Read the Defender: It’s important to read the defender's body language and positioning. A slight over-commitment by the defender can be the trigger to execute the pass and create a clear advantage.

5. Effective Use of Width and Depth

  • Stretch the Play: Using the full width of the pitch makes it more difficult for defenders to cover all potential passing options, thereby increasing the likelihood of creating successful 2v1 situations.
  • Depth in Attack: Having depth in the attacking line, such as a player ready to receive a back pass or positioned for a diagonal pass, adds layers to the attack, making it harder for the defence to predict and intercept plays.

6. Practice and Repetition

  • Structured Drills: Regular practice through structured drills that simulate 2v1 scenarios helps players understand the dynamics of these situations and improve their execution.
  • Game-like Situations: Incorporating 2v1 setups in scrimmage and game-like situations during training helps players apply these principles under conditions that mimic actual games.

7. Coach's Role

  • Strategic Planning: Coaches should emphasise the importance of creating and exploiting 2v1s in their game strategies and training programs.
  • Feedback and Analysis: Providing feedback and analysing game footage can help players recognise missed opportunities and improve their decision-making in future games.

By mastering these principles, teams can effectively manipulate and capitalise on 2v1 situations, enhancing their offensive tactics and overall gameplay.



FINAL SUP





Basically, we have a continuous 3 v 2.

  1. Set up a playing area of at least 23m x 15m.  Bib up players accordingly.
  2. The objective is to score in one of the small goals.
  3. Aim to create as many 2 v 1 situations as possible during the game.
  4. Award 5 points for every 2 v 1 situation successfully created.
  5. When the team of three scores, they leave the field and return to the starting position.  Two players from the same team step in to defend.
  6. The two initial defenders are joined by a third teammate to form a new attacking trio aiming at the opposite goal.
  7. If the defenders gain possession at any time, the three attackers immediately exit the field and are replaced by two new players to defend the goal for their team.  The two players are then joined by a third, forming a new attacking group.
  8. Keep the game pace fast. Play for 5-6 minutes, then pause for a brief discussion lasting about 1 minute.  Keep a selection of balls at hand to feed to keep the intensity.  Score from anywhere.

Creating a reflective practice for hockey coaches can greatly enhance your ability to deliver effective training sessions and support their ongoing development. Here’s a structured approach that could be implemented:

1. Pre-Session Reflection

Objective: To set clear intentions and objectives for the upcoming session.

  • Questions to Consider:
    • What are the main goals for today’s session?
    • Are there specific skills or tactics I want to focus on?
    • What did I learn from the last session that I can apply today?

2. In-Session Observation

Objective: To monitor the session actively and make real-time adjustments.

  • Tools to Use:
    • A checklist of key skills and tactics to observe.
    • A feedback form that can be filled out by an assistant coach or a peer.
  • Questions to Consider:
    • How are the players responding to the drills?
    • What is working well, and what needs adjustment?
    • Am I communicating effectively?

3. Post-Session Reflection

Objective: To analyse the session’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

  • Methods:
    • Journaling: Write a brief summary of what happened during the session, including successes and challenges.
    • Video Analysis: Review video recordings of the session to observe coaching behaviours and player engagement.
  • Questions to Consider:
    • Did the session meet its goals?
    • What were the most effective parts of the session?
    • What would I do differently next time?

4. Feedback Collection

Objective: To gather insights from players and other coaches.

  • Tools to Use:
    • Surveys or questionnaires for players to fill out.
    • Informal discussions or formal feedback sessions with coaching staff.
  • Questions to Consider:
    • How did the players perceive the effectiveness of the drills?
    • What feedback do other coaches have about the session?

5. Professional Development

Objective: To continuously improve coaching skills and knowledge.

  • Activities:
    • Attend workshops or seminars on sports coaching.
    • Read recent articles or books on hockey coaching techniques.
    • Engage in peer coaching or mentorship programs.
  • Questions to Consider:
    • What new coaching techniques can I learn and integrate into my sessions?
    • Are there any areas where I need more knowledge or skills?

Implementation Tips:

  • Regular Schedule: Set a regular schedule for reflection, such as after every session or weekly.
  • Use Technology: Leverage apps and tools designed for coaching sports to organise and analyse player data and session feedback.
  • Community Engagement: Join coaching forums or local coaching communities to share insights and learn from others.

This reflective practice framework can help you systematically evaluate and enhance your coaching strategies, leading to more effective training sessions and better player development.

 











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