Simple Clear to Target
Clearing
Legend
- player
- cones
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Introduce young players to the basic mechanics of hitting a ball out of a defensive zone toward a target.
What you need
- field hockey stick
- field hockey ball
- cones
Your focus
Learning to clear the ball early gives young defenders confidence and a reliable technique for removing pressure. Hitting toward a visible target develops directional awareness. Repetition at slow speed builds muscle memory before pressure is added.
Place a ball 10 yards from a large target cone (4 feet wide).
Player approaches the ball from behind, sets their stance, and strikes toward the target.
Emphasize stepping into the ball and following through.
Complete 10 attempts, tracking how many hit the target zone.
Goal
You've got it when the ball reaches your target zone, a clean hit that actually clears the danger area, not a weak chip that goes nowhere.
Helpful cues
- Step toward the target
- Keep your eye on the ball at contact
- Follow through in the direction you want the ball to go
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Use a stationary ball teed up on a cone.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Have a partner roll the ball in for a moving 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.