8 Best Field Hockey Drills to Evaluate Players

Looking for field hockey drills to help your athletes develop greater speed, strength and efficiency? We have rounded up the top 8 field hockey drills guaranteed to enhance overall athletic performance.

Whether you are approaching a big game and want to sharpen your players’ skill level or are gearing up for tryouts, we’ve got you covered!

Get your pen and paper ready to take notes. Let’s dive in!

Field Hockey Shooting Drills

1. Running Shots

Set up:

• Line up players in a single-file line at the center line.
• Each player will have a stick and a ball.

Execution:

• On your whistle, the first player in line will run toward the shooting circle.
• Upon reaching the shooting circle, they will execute a quick release shot (either a slap shot or snap hit).
• Run the drill until each player has had three turns.

2. Cone Target Shooting

Set up:

• Place at least three targets inside the goal. *Targets can be positioned in the corners and at low, mid, or high height levels.
• Line up players in a single-file line just outside of the shooting circle.
• Each player will have a stick and a ball.

Execution:

• With the first player in line, call a specific shot you would like them to hit.
• Players can either execute a slap shot, snap hit, flick (no backswing), or hit (full backswing).
• Count each target a player hits and keep track to add a level of friendly competition.

Field Hockey Passing Drills

3. Partner Pass Drill

Set up:

• Pair up players.
• Set up one pair of players on the field to start (refer to the diagram below for placement).
• Player A will have a stick and a ball. Player B will just have a stick in hand.

Execution:

• Player A will run through the pylons, maintaining close ball contact, and pass off the ball to Player B.
• Player B will receive the ball and complete a backhand strike.
• Players will switch positions and run through this drill once more.
• Move on to the next pair of players.

4. Cone Maneuver

Set up:

• Place two lines of cones in a zig-zag pattern side-by-side.
• Pair up players. *Each pair will be behind a line of cones to start.
• Each player will have a stick, only Player A will have the ball to start.

Execution:

• Player A starts with the ball, weaving through their set of cones and executing controlled stickwork.
• Player B will mirror Player A’s movement (except without a ball).
• Once through the cones, Player A will pass the ball to Player B.
• Player B weaves through the cones and then passes the ball back to Player A.

Field Hockey Defence Drills

5. 2 vs 2 Drill

Set up:

• Two attackers will be placed at the center line.
•  Two defenders will be placed at the 25-yard line.

Execution:

• On your whistle, the two attackers must try to get the ball past the defenders.
• Defenders will work on closing space, channelling, and tackling to protect the goal.

6. Tackle Drill

Set up:

• Place two cones 10 yards apart on the 25-yard line.
• One defender will stand between the cones.
• The attacker will start on the center line.

Execution:

• On your whistle, the attacker will attempt to score a goal.
• Defender will need to perform the tackle (or combination of tackles) they believe is most effective
• Block- When the defender is face-to-face with the attacker, who is not moving at a high speed, they will execute a low/flat stick to block the ball.
• Jab- When the defender is approaching the attacker, they will poke the ball away to disrupt control.
• Lunge- If the attacker has pushed the ball slightly too far beyond the shooting circle, the defender will lunge forward to intercept the ball.

Field Hockey Goalie Drills

7. Rapid Fire Shots

Set up:

• Line up your players in a single-file line just outside the shooting circle.
• *The first player should be between 5-10 yards from the goalie (this distance can change throughout the drill).
• Each player in line will have a ball to allow for quick resets.

Execution:

• On your whistle, each player will take turns firing a series of shots, alternating between high/low & left/right shots.
• *Goalie will not know ahead of time what shot is being executed and will have to think quickly on their feet.

8. Sliding Drill

Set up:

• Line up your players in a single-file line on the center line.
• Each player in line will have a ball to allow for quick resets.

Execution:

• On your whistle, the attacker will run towards the goalie and attempt to make a shot.
• When the attacker is close enough to the goalie, the goalie will execute a slide.
• Tips: For a strong slide, the goalie must:
  • Push out with their strong leg
  • Angle their hips
  • Stack pads on top of each other
  • Extend the bottom arm out and keep the upper body square (for max coverage)

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