Defensive Zone Clear Relay
Clearing
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Practice clearing the ball from a defensive setup to a specific zone using correct technique in a relay format.
What you need
- field hockey sticks
- field hockey ball
Your focus
Relay format increases reps while keeping players engaged. Practicing from a defensive setup reinforces spatial awareness of where to clear in game situations. Team scoring builds communication and shared accountability for clearing quality.
Set up a small defensive arc with a ball for each player; mark two target zones wide on the pitch.
On signal, first player in line clears the ball to either target zone.
Next player immediately goes; team scores a point for each clear that lands in a target zone.
Run 3 rounds; discuss how footwork and direction affect clearing accuracy.
Goal
You're there when every player in the relay clears to the correct zone on the first touch, the ball exits danger quickly every time.
Helpful cues
- Clear wide, not straight ahead
- Plant your non-stick foot pointed at your target
- Use a full swing for distance
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Let players place the ball before clearing.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a passive pressing player who approaches after the clear.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.