Field Hockey
Fundamentals

Learn the fundamentals

World class hockey players can often look flashy, but what you're actually seeing are the fundamentals – executed with great speed and precision.

A 9-session junior development program

Jim Irvine

Created under the guidance of coaching legend Jim Irvine, ex Olympian and Kookaburras coach.

  • Who is it designed for?

    Players aged 13 to 17 who know the basics and aspire to play at the elite level.

  • How do I use the program?

    It’s designed for clubs to run in the off-season, with everything explained in the session plans below.

  • Does it cost money?

    No. Access to the entire program is free – it’s here to help the hockey community.

Coaching methodology

This program is built around learning, not performing. It's designed so players feel comfortable trying new things, making mistakes, and ultimately learning faster.

Learning through small games

This program focuses on learning a skill, then applying it in a small game. You learn technique first, then you learn when to use it. Small games recreate the randomness of hockey, letting players practise new skills in match situations without the pressure of getting it right.

Rules that embed the teaching

Many drills use specific rules to teach. A two-goal game might encourage players to switch the play, or a game without talking might force players to look off the ball before receiving. These rules help embed learning concepts without needing a coach to direct players.

Small groups to increase participation

Groups of 6 players with 1 coach are ideal. This allows skills to be taught with patience and purpose, and no waiting around in long lines or rushing to the next drill. It also means lots of touches for everyone, and the perfect numbers for 3 v 3 small games.

Program outline

  1. Session 1: Passing
    • Passing off the wrong foot
    • Passing with deception (both sides)
    Session plan →
  2. Session 2: Elimination
    • Dragging (right to left)
    • Dragging (left to right)
    Session plan →
  3. Session 3: Receiving
    • Receiving on the move (both sides)
    • Open receiving (both sides)
    Session plan →
  4. Session 4: Tackling
    • Tackling in field play
    • Tackling inside the circle
    Session plan →
  5. Session 5: Passing over distance
    • Slapping & hitting over distance
    • Overheads over distance
    Session plan →
  6. Session 6: Attacking an outnumber
    • 2 v 1
    • Ghost leading
    Session plan →
  7. Session 7: Creating an advantage
    • 2 v 2
    • Attacking the back defender
    Session plan →
  8. Session 8: Attacking on breakaways
    • 3 v 2
    • Getting the ball to the middle player
    Session plan →
  9. Session 9: Receiving when marked
    • Receiving behind a defender
    • Receiving next to a defender
    Session plan →

Where this comes from

Hi, I'm Michael Trounce, a passionate hockey person from Melbourne, Australia. I've created this program under the guidance of coaching legend Jim Irvine (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab) to help young players become world class.

If you have questions or feedback, feel free to get in touch.

Michael Trounce