Overlap and Combine Grid
Communication & Teamwork
Legend
- player
- coach / parent
- movement path
How it works
Combine verbal communication with coordinated team movement by practicing overlap runs and combination passes.
What you need
- field hockey sticks
- field hockey ball
- cones
Your focus
Overlap combinations require two players to communicate and time their movements precisely. When executed well, they break defensive lines efficiently , a core tactical skill. Communication enables the timing that makes the combination work.
Set up a set distance channel; Player A has ball, Player B starts beside them.
Player A dribbles forward; Player B makes an overlap run calling 'overlap' as they go.
Player A passes to Player B when B has cleared the channel.
B finishes with a shot or pass to target; reset and swap roles.
Helpful cues
- Call 'overlap' before you start the run, not after
- Ball carrier, listen and time the pass to the call
- Support angles: run wide, not straight
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Walk through the movement first; add pace gradually.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a passive defender who pressures the ball carrier.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.