Ealing HC Coaching Playbook

  ATTACKING FROM MIDFIELD - CONSEQUENCES FOR MISTRAP  WARM-UP Pulse Raiser - Rollerball with a handball-sized ball. Set a 23m x 23m playing area. Use 2 tall cones as goals - 1 at each end in the middle.  When you have the ball, you can't move. Score from anywhere. The ball must not leave the Astro. MAIN SESSION Use both sides of the pitch. Either feed the balls as the coach or hand over the starting hit with another attacker as a progression can join the play as a supporting attacker on a successful control in the box or as a jump-back defender once the ball is played to the opposition. Build the game up with the addition of players in key positions. REFLECTION Review and Feedback (5-10 minutes) Gather the players and briefly review what was learned during the session. Provide individual and group feedback, highlighting areas of improvement and reinforcing good performance. End on a positive note, encouraging players to reflect on their performance and set goals for the n...

  Outletting Drill Setup Arrange the drill as shown in the accompanying diagram. Field Layout Boxes : A, B, and C represent different areas where the press operates. Seams : 1, 2, 3, and 4 are pathways for breaking the press. Objective The goal is to pass the ball from one end of the field to the other, controlling it within each box before moving it on. When the ball reaches Box A or C, the receiving player should stop the ball and has the option to step out of the box to protect Seam 1 or 4 respectively. If a forward pass is not feasible, the defensive unit may reverse the ball to the opposite seam. However, each defensive player must make contact with the ball during this play. Scoring The Press earns 5 points for intercepting the ball. The Defensive Unit scores 5 points for successfully passing the ball through Seam 1 or 4 with the receiver controlling the pass. Progression Introduce decision-making elements into the game to enhance strategy. Defensive players are no longer req...

  WARM-UP - A few ideas to make training interesting.     SESSION SMALL UNIT PLAY (SUP) Drill 1: Basic 1v1 (10 minutes) Setup: Place a defender on the goal to ball line. Execution: The attacker starts with the ball and passes to the defender, who passes it back. Once the ball is returned, the play goes live. Focus: Encourage attackers to exploit space and use quick changes of pace. Drill 2: 2 Attackers vs. 1 Defender (10 minutes) Setup: Same as Drill 1 but add an extra attacker. Execution: The initial attacker passes to the second attacker (being marked). After receiving the ball back, the play is live. Focus: Improve quick passing and decision-making under pressure. Drill 3: 3v1 Challenge (10 minutes) Setup: Start as drill 2 add a third from the 23m line as the play develops. Execution: Begin the scenario with 2 attackers vs. 1 defender, then transition to 3v1. Focus: Developing overloads and creating scoring opportunities. Drill 4: 2 Defenders vs. 2 Attackers (10 minute...

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 d...

A dynamic warm-up is an essential start to any field hockey session, designed to prepare players physically and mentally for the activity ahead. Unlike static stretching, which involves holding a stretch for a period of time, dynamic warm-ups consist of movement-based exercises that increase heart rate, warm the muscles, and enhance flexibility, coordination, and joint mobility. Here’s why dynamic warm-ups are crucial at the beginning of a field hockey session: Increase Blood Flow and Muscle Temperature : Dynamic exercises raise the body’s core temperature and increase blood flow to the muscles. Warmer muscles are more pliable, which can enhance performance and make technical movements smoother and more efficient. Enhance Coordination and Agility : Many dynamic warm-up exercises mimic the movements used in field hockey, such as lunges, squats, side shuffles, and gentle sprints. This prepares the body for similar motions during the game and activates the neural pathways involved in coor...