Field Hockey: skill training

What are the key skills in individual defending and what are the best ways to practise them?

I have been given my first team ever!! They are 11 year old girls and I wanted guide/ recommendation on how I should structure my one hour sessions? E.g. how long should I spend on a warm up, drill etc. .Cheers,Freya

I really have a big problem with my u/15 girls.  They just can't play as a team. Any advice please. There's always a fight between someone. Mariette

Hi,I perhaps naively, expected to have most of our team from last year carry over and only have a few new comers to integrate and get up to speed with the rest. However meeting the team at our first practice last night i find I have five players still at school from last year and the rest all new comers, most of whom had not held a hockey stick at all till practice.This being only my second season coaching (year 9 to year 13 boys) has left me feeling a little blindsided, and feeling quite unsure how to prepare practices that target both groups of boys. Do i lump them both groups together, keep them separate? What drills/exercises to best bring the new comers up to speed.I don't want to neglect either group, keep practice worthwhile for the experienced boys, but also bringing the new comers up to a level were they can mix in with the others and learn organically from them while practicing as a team. David

Hi all,I've got my level 2 assessment coming up on Sunday and I just wanted to quickly check whether there's a 'recommended' structure to the session plan.Btw, this is a level 2 practical assessment and is with juniors (U14s).One coach has suggested a 3 part approach:1) techniques and skills required2) unopposed 3) opposedThe theme I'm choosing, which is a bit of a generic one, is defending in a channel (as I'm a defender and it's pretty straight forward).I'm not really looking for info on what exactly to include (i.e. theme specific) but rather general structure or whether E.H. have an approved structure to sessions?My session's on Sunday, so a quick reply would be awesome.Thanks,Gary

Anybody got any ideas on how to get 14-15 year old girls to treat a first time coach as a coach and not just a friend?

Can someone help with a clarification on the difference between a skill and a technique

My team are constantly allowing oppositions to score from penalty corners we do 1st runner 2nd runner amp; 2 players on the post, what can I do.

Does anyone know any good team-bonding games? I have a small team, of Under 12 Juniors, both boys and girls, with an extremely diverse range of personalities. I'm struggling to get them to co-operate, and I want them to get to know each other and build friendships between each other, in the hopes that they'll stop arguing so much, and perhaps pay a bit more attention to me when I try to explain drills. It has to be relatively simple, and fun. 

I coach a team of U18 Boys. The team consists of the typical skill level variations but we manage that by modifying the formation to support those that need support. The team has performed well and they are on the top of the ladder. We are half way through the season and there seems to be more individualism in the team than I would have liked. Some of our more skilled players are failing to utilise the entire team which has a negative impact on the game plan. What strategies do you suggest we engage to bring the team together for the run to the finals?

I sometimes worry my drills are too difficult for my players and I worry that they become discouraged and not want to come back again. What drills are appropriate for certain age groups?

Any tips or drills for improving 'soft hands'?

Hi all,I coach a school boys teams, ages 12-18.Late last season after a disappointing loss, one of the younger boys made the comment 'Its all xxxx's fault that we lost'. This was made at the end of the game while I was packing away our gear and most, but not all, of the boys had already departed. XXXX wasn't there to hear the comment. Being dumbfounded by this comment, I let it go at the time and have stewed on it during the our off season. I'm of the opinion that this type of comment is unacceptable and should result in disciplinary action of some kind. My thinking at the moment is that I would be remove the player from the game ( if made during the game, even if it leaves us short), pass them on to the school for whatever punishment is deemed appropriate with a request to remove them from the team. Am I being too harsh or unreasonable in my thinking? Are there any strategies that I could employ to stop this kind of commentary? I'm going to discuss it with the school when we get back together before the season starts.

Good dayDo you have any helpful drills for goalies.I have 2 one hour fitness sessions and 2 one hour skill sessions with six goaliesAnything will help.Kind regardsJoalize Saayman

How to coach fast attackers to control the pace of the ball as they accelerate? At higher speeds, the players' touch on the ball needs to be "softer" but this requires hands and feet to work at varying intensity. I see a lot of speedsters push the ball too far ahead of themselves, the faster they go. The outcome is often a failed shot at goal because the ball runs out of reach or out over the back line.

Hey guys how long should you spend on warm ups, dyamic stretches and specific hockey drills. First time coach of XI girls. I have played before at Prem level snd Representative 17 years ago back then 10-15m warm up etc . Your thoughts anyone Thanks Ann Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Hello, I am working with my hockey coach of younger age groups in Turkey. can you help with training planning and technical tactical work

I'm new to coaching and i'm coaching a team that barely knows how to even hold a stick properly. Where can i start with improving there skills and hockey kowledge ?

Hi! Im Martina, I am 25 years old and I am in charge of a weekly training session for a Mens Seniors team. They are a mixed group, from 17-60 years old. Im finding it a bit hard to find a balance for all the players as there are young but also experienced ones. I want to make the trainings fun and dynamic, so any help with drills is appreciated!Thank you