Indoor hockey

In development

Shift 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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

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