Indoor hockey is an exciting format of the game we love. Russell Coates shared his insights in a presentation on offensive structures in indoor hockey, along with the Q&A session.
Training Attacking Structures in Indoor Hockey: A Workshop Summary
Today’s online workshop hosted by thehockeysite.com featured Russell Coates, who shared his expertise on training offensive structures in indoor hockey. The session, hosted by Ernst Baart, delved into various training drills, offensive tactics, and principles used by top-level teams. Following his presentation, Coates engaged in a Q&A session with the online audience.
Key Concepts in Offensive Structures
Coates began by emphasizing that indoor hockey is a unique format that demands specific training approaches. He highlighted the importance of starting training sessions with small-sided games to engage players and replicate game-like scenarios.
Small-Sided Games: Coates suggests a drill with two goalkeepers, where one plays in goal and the other acts as a defender. This drill encourages quick passing, finding openings, and working in tight spaces, which are all common in indoor hockey matches. He also recommends incorporating defenders to increase pressure and decision making.
Body Positioning and Angles: Players should be conscious of their body positioning to shoot without extra touches and to create shooting angles.
Restrictions for Skill Development: Coates suggests adding restrictions, such as only allowing backhand push shots or deflections, to challenge players and enhance their skill set.
Developing Attacking Structures
The presentation also focused on specific attacking structures, particularly emphasizing the differences between the left and right sides of the field.
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