Set pieces in the attacking 23m zone, whether free hits or long corners, are pivotal moments in field hockey. They offer structured opportunities to create chaos for the opposition and carve out high-quality circle entries. But as any experienced coach knows, success in these scenarios isn’t about luck, it’s about precision, intent, and training the right principles.
Let’s explore the key principles behind set pieces in the attacking 23m zone, how to train them effectively, for youth teams as well as performance teams. Along the way, I’ll share insights from some of the best minds in hockey coaching, like Alyson Annan, Shane McLeod, and Ric Charlesworth, to ground these ideas in real-world expertise.
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Principles of Set Pieces in the Attacking 23m
Before diving into training methods, let’s establish the core principles that should guide your approach to set pieces in this critical area of the field.
Intentionality Over Improvisation Alyson Annan once said, “We pass the ball to create time and space in the circle. That’s our main objective” . This principle applies directly to set pieces. Every pass, movement, and decision should be intentional, aimed at creating a scoring opportunity or drawing a penalty corner. Random hits into the circle rarely yield results, instead, focus on purposeful play.
Space Creation and Exploitation The attacking 23m zone is all about manipulating the defense. Use your set pieces to stretch the opposition, forcing them to shift and open gaps. As Ric Charlesworth emphasized, “Being unpredictable to the opposition while remaining predictable to your own team is critical” . This balance comes from rehearsed patterns and clear communication.
Quick Decision-Making Set pieces often demand split-second decisions. Whether it’s a self-pass, a quick transfer to the other side, or an aerial, players must recognize opportunities and act decisively. Shane McLeod highlighted the importance of training players to “move through situations quickly, from ball win to counter” . This applies equally to set pieces—train your team to think and act fast.
Variety and Adaptability Predictability is the enemy of effective set pieces. Mix up your approaches: short passes, long aerials, quick self-passes, to keep the defense guessing. As Ric Charlesworth noted, “You always have to be willing to try things while learning from the past”.Encourage creativity within a structured framework.
Training Set Pieces: Practical Approaches
Now that we’ve established the principles, let’s look at how to train set pieces effectively. These methods are designed to instill the principles above while building technical and tactical proficiency.
1. Free Hits: Earning Circle Entries
Free hits just outside the circle are golden opportunities to create danger. Here’s how to train them:
