8m Shot Progression

Drill Setup:

• Participants: 2 crease attackers positioned for a free position shot at the 8m mark, 3 defenders, 1 goalkeeper.

• Positioning: Two additional attackers are stationed beyond the 50-yard line, spread wide across the field.

Drill Execution:

• Start: The coach initiates the drill with a whistle. The focus is on the crease attackers taking a free position shot.

• Goalkeeper Action: If the goalkeeper saves the shot, they clear the ball to an open defender. This defender is typically the one positioned behind the shooter who moves out to receive the clear. An alternative clearing option is to pass to a low defender who is not marked.

• Transition Play: Once the ball is cleared to one of the two attackers waiting at the 50-yard line, the play transitions into a 4v3 fast break towards the cage.

• Attackers' Role: If the goalkeeper makes a save or if the defense stops the ball, the attacking players must immediately pressure the goalkeeper and mark up man-to-man. The crease attackers are required to ride hard, focusing on marking the closest defender to disrupt the clear.

Defensive Objectives:

• Clearing Under Pressure: Defense must work diligently to clear the ball back to the 50-yard line under the attacking pressure. This involves strategic movement and quick decision-making to avoid turnovers and maintain control.

Reset Conditions:

• Scoring: If the shooter scores, the drill resets with a new shooter ready for another free position shot.

• Continued Play: If the defense successfully clears to an attacker at the 50, the scenario continues in the same field area with the existing players.

Drill Focus:

• This drill emphasizes goalie clears, defensive breakout strategies, and transition offense with a numerical advantage. It also enhances the attackers' ability to apply pressure and the defenders' capability to effectively clear the ball under duress, mimicking game-like conditions of offensive pressure and defensive response.