Counter-Attack Speed Drill
Speed & Acceleration
Legend
- player
- coach / parent
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Develop game-specific acceleration by sprinting into a counterattacking run with the ball after winning possession.
What you need
- field hockey sticks
- field hockey ball
- goal
Your focus
Counter-attacking speed is the most valuable expression of acceleration in field hockey. Players who transition from defense to attack at full speed create the most dangerous counter opportunities. Practicing the full sequence , win possession, accelerate, finish , makes it automatic.
Player starts at a defensive position (30 yards from goal).
Coach passes a loose ball; player wins it and immediately counter-attacks at full speed.
Player dribbles 30 yards and finishes on goal.
Rest 30 seconds; repeat 8 times. Time the full counter-attack sequence.
Goal
Success is arriving at the ball ahead of the imaginary defender on the counter, first to it, then on goal in one motion.
Helpful cues
- Win it and go, no hesitation on the counter
- Build speed progressively across the first 10 yards
- Keep the ball ahead of you on the run, don't carry it
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Coach places ball in position before the drill starts.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a chasing defender who starts 3 yards behind and must catch the attacker.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.