4v4 Slide and Recover Drill

Setup:

• Teams: 4 defenders (D) vs. 4 attackers (O)

• Formation: Set up the offensive team in varied shapes, such as a diamond, box, or a triangle with a crease player.

• Area: Use half of the field or a designated area that suits the 4v4 setup.

Quick Description:

• The offense works to identify and isolate a dodger who attempts to penetrate the defense.

• As the dodge occurs, the defensive team must react by sliding to help, recovering back to their original positions, and bumping the sliding defender back into place.

• The offensive players will continuously change their shape and dodger to challenge the defense’s ability to communicate, slide, and recover efficiently.

Focus:

1. Recognition: Defenders need to quickly recognize the dodger and understand who will initiate the slide.

2. Communication: Constant verbal communication is essential. Defenders should clearly communicate who is sliding, who is recovering, and who is bumping back into position.

3. Slide Angle: Focus on the correct angle of approach when sliding to the dodger. The slide should be direct, closing down the space quickly while keeping an eye on potential passes.

4. Recovery to Crease: After a slide, defenders must recover back to the crease or the most dangerous area near the goal to ensure there are no easy scoring opportunities.

5. Bump Back to Even: Once the immediate threat is neutralized, defenders need to “bump” back to even, which means repositioning to ensure balanced coverage of all offensive players.

Drill Execution:

1. Start the drill with the offense passing the ball around the perimeter.

2. On a signal or at the coach’s discretion, one offensive player will dodge towards the goal.

3. The designated defender slides to help, while the rest of the defense adjusts by sliding and recovering according to the dodger’s movement.

4. After the slide, defenders should communicate effectively to bump the sliding defender back into their original position and ensure they are even again.

5. Continue to change the offensive shape and identify different dodgers to keep the defense adapting and communicating.

Coaching Points:

• Encourage defenders to stay low and agile, ready to move quickly in any direction.

• Highlight the importance of clear and concise communication to ensure all players know their roles.

• Reinforce proper slide angles to cut off dodgers effectively while maintaining balance in the defensive formation.

• Emphasize quick recovery to the crease to prevent easy goals and maintain a strong defensive presence in front of the net.

• Make sure defenders understand the concept of “bumping back” to prevent any offensive advantage after a slide.

This drill develops essential defensive skills, such as recognition, communication, and effective sliding and recovery, all of which are crucial for a cohesive defensive unit.