First-Touch Clear Under Pressure
Clearing
Legend
- player
- defender
- cones
- ball
How it works
Clear the ball on the first touch after receiving a pass from a partner, developing speed and decisiveness under mild pressure.
What you need
- field hockey sticks
- field hockey ball
- cones
Your focus
In games, defenders rarely get to set their feet before clearing. First-touch clearing develops the ability to clear quickly and accurately under time pressure. Pairing it with a pass simulates the most common game scenario for a clearing opportunity.
Defender stands at the top of a small circle; partner stands 10 yards away.
Partner passes the ball firmly to the defender.
Defender takes one controlling touch, then clears the ball wide to a target cone 25 yards away.
Rotate after 8 reps; discuss which direction of clear was most effective.
Goal
Success is getting the clear away cleanly on the first touch, no second touch needed, no dithering under mild pressure.
Helpful cues
- Angle your first touch to set up the clear
- Clear on the second touch, don't take three
- Make it strong and wide
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Allow two touches before clearing.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a time limit of 3 seconds from receiving to clearing.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.