Walpole U13 demonstrates "The Star Drill"
No matter the level, coaches often use preseason practices to emphasize the fundamentals. Implementing drills that allow players to get multiple repetitions and limiting standing around are optimal for preseason drills, especially for youth players who might lose interest with periods of long downtime. Whether inside a gym or out on the field, the "Star Drill" is the perfect drill to warm-up your team while focusing on stick skills and team communication.
Set-Up
Place five (5) cones equidistant from one another in a star shape about ten yards apart. Distribute players equally behind each cone (usually 3-5 players). Place a few loose balls near each cone and ask an assistant coach to hold a few and feed any player in need.
The Drill
One player will take a ball and pass it to a teammate two lines to his right (if the team is throwing lefty, players will pass the ball two lines to their left). After throwing the pass, the player will follow his pass and run to the back of the line to which he just threw to. The player who just caught the pass will then throw to a teammate two lines to his right, and will also follow his pass to the new line. Each player will continue this pattern and the ball will eventually make its way back to the first line, completing the star.
Why This Drill Is Important
Unlike traditional line-drills, the Star Drill simulates a game-like situation as multiple players are moving through the passing lanes at once. This may cause possible confusion, furthering the importance of communication. Coaches should encourage players to practice calling for the ball. This is also a good opportunity for coaches to make sure players are getting the ball in-and-out of their sticks quickly, while moving their feet to catch and throw.
Variations
One advantage of the Star Drill is that is can be modified to present a challenged to the older, more advanced teams. One variation is to have players catch with one hand and switch to the other (lefty to righty or righty to lefty). Although it can
be difficult to practice scooping in the gymnasium, the Star Drill can incorporate ground balls once teams are able to
practice outside. Coaches should stress during this drill the importance of players getting into the habit of calling
“ball-down” when the ball hits the ground and “release” once the ball is scooped up.
For advanced teams, a challenging variation to the Star Drill includes passing and ground balls into one simultaneous drill. For this deviation, players are constantly alternating between having the ball be thrown and picking up a ground ball. For instance, if one player throws a pass, the player catching the pass will then roll a ground ball to another player, who will then complete the pattern with a pass (all while maintaining a star formation).
No matter what twist you add to the Star Drill, adding multiple balls is a good way to increase difficulty while allowing players to get more repetitions. Given the quick pace and multiple touches, the Star Drill makes this drill the perfect preseason warm-up drill for players of any age or playing ability.
Balls In
Featured Drill by Andrew O'Reilly
The Star Drill
The Scoop / Winter '15 31