Excellent Coaching Drills for Field Hockey

It does not matter the members of a field hockey team are wearing the top of the line equipment and carrying the most expensive sticks. The team will not win a field hockey game if one key element is missing, a good coach. In order for a team to be successful, the members have to have a good coach. Not only does he motivate and inspire the team, he helps develop the team players and their skills. Whether it is with goaltending, playing defense or playing offense, a coach needs to involve the players in drills to improve their performance as a team.

One drill is to improve on the goaltender's skills. Spread players around the scoring circle and have each drive hard shots at the goal on at a time. When the goaltender makes a save or miss, the next ball should be coming at her. This rapid fire drill teaches the goaltender to be alert. It also in turn gives the player chances to improve their shooting skills.

Another drill is a positioning drill. This teaches the players to know where they are to be on the field. This helps them improve on their forward shots and helps them to move quickly in a small place. Set up a place about five yards in front of the goal. One player stands with her with her back to the goal. The other players stand about tend yards in front of her and pass balls one at a time to her. When the player gets the ball she first hits the ball to her scoring position. Then she shoots the ball towards the goal.

The third drill helps the players take advantage of awarded free hits. Have one player take the free hit. Four other players stand around the goal. The player passes the ball and one player attempts to score a goal. By not using defenders in this drill, the goaltender has to work harder to make a save. Therefore, this drill is also great for the goaltender.

An individual does not help a field hockey team win a game. Even if the team has one player who is a pro at her sport, the game will not be won without teamwork. Drills that promote team play are a must. By running up and down the field passing the ball to each other, is an excellent drill. By doing this, they learn when to pass and when to shoot.

Tackling drills are a must. The team members can gain possession of the ball during the game by properly using their hockey sticks to snatch it away from the opponents. In this drill, divide the team into groups of two. One person is the attacker and the other is the defender. The groups run up the field, with the defenders trying to grab the ball with the hook. After a successful tackle, the other person becomes the attacker. This is a great drill for the goaltender to practice, since they can play the field.

It is important to practice before each game. By doing drills, the team is not only building on their skills, the members are learning to play as a team. As in any sports, a good coach using drills, are the key to winning many field hockey games.