Dummy Run and Break
Off-Ball Movement
Legend
- player
- partner / opponent
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Practice dummy runs as an off-ball movement tool to draw defenders and create space for teammates.
What you need
- field hockey sticks
- field hockey ball
- cones
Your focus
Dummy runs are intelligent off-ball movements that create advantages without receiving the ball. Players who run decoy routes open lanes for their teammates. Developing this selfless movement habit builds team intelligence and attacking effectiveness.
Three attackers vs two defenders; one attacker has ball.
One attacker makes a hard dummy run in one direction; defender must decide whether to follow.
Third attacker breaks into the space vacated by the defender following the dummy run.
Ball carrier delivers to the breaking player; complete 10 reps.
Goal
Success is your dummy run pulling a defender out of position and creating a real gap for your teammate to exploit.
Helpful cues
- Sell the dummy, commit to the run so the defender has to follow
- The break is only good if the dummy works first
- Selfless off-ball movement wins games
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Defenders passive, dummy run practice without pressure.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
4v3; two dummies required before the break.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.