Indoor hockey
In developmentShift a three-player block
Close central lanes together without everyone chasing the ball.
6 players · 10 min · 18 × 24 m
The animation shows one played situation with a decision and response, not a required pattern. Regains and restarts are marked schematically; stop unsafe pressure. Use grounded passes and low pushes; do not force a closed block or board route.
Organisation
Three against three. A starts deep and attacks two end gates. B defends at two depths: one presser and two players diagonally behind.
Execution
A scores with a pass through an end gate. B scores after an interception with a controlled pass to a teammate. On a backward pass B changes presser while the others recover cover. Restart deep on out-of-bounds. Swap attack and defence every minute.
Coaching
- The far defender guards central depth.
- Shift without forming a flat line.
- Call who takes pressure on a return pass.
Easier
Keep A at fixed width positions for the first round.
Harder
A may carry forward; B adjusts pressure and cover.
What to observe
Count central passes conceded and safe follow-up passes after B regains.
Equipment
Sticks, one active ball, spare balls outside the area and cones; mini-goals where drawn. Use a safe indoor floor and suitable boards. Dimensions and duration are adaptable starting proposals.
Sources and creator
doHockey exercise · doHockey
- Game Understanding
England Hockey · England Hockey
Background principles. Background for the stated principle. Rules, wording, setup and animation were authored by doHockey; not a federation drill or endorsement.
- Playing with the boards
Heino Knuf · German Coaching Committee · FIH
Background principles. Background for the stated principle. Rules, wording, setup and animation were authored by doHockey; not a federation drill or endorsement.
Published version 1