Quick answer
Good passing drills for team practice keep groups small, players moving and the ball rolling at all times. Start with pairs or triangles for technique, move to passing squares and give-and-go patterns, then finish with a rondo or small game where passing decides the result. A 25–30 minute passing block works well for most teams. Coach one key point per drill, such as receiving on the move or passing to the right side of a teammate. Use push passes for close work and save hits and aerials for longer drills on the pitch.
Key takeaways
- Groups of 3–5 players per ball keep everyone involved.
- Move from technique, to patterns, to pressure.
- Teach players to pass to the right side: lead the receiver into space.
- Receiving is half of passing. Coach the first touch too.
- Finish with a game where passing earns points.
Session plan
| Drill | Time | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs passing | 5 min | Push pass, receiving on both sides |
| Triangle passing | 6 min | Angles, body position, one-touch |
| Give-and-go | 6 min | Pass and move |
| Rondo 4v1 or 5v2 | 8–10 min | Passing under pressure |
Drill 1: pairs passing
Pairs stand 5–8 m (16–26 ft) apart, one ball per pair.
- 1 minute forehand push and receive.
- 1 minute receive on the reverse, carry to forehand, pass.
- 1 minute one-touch passes.
- 2 minutes "step and pass": receive, take one step sideways, pass.
Coaching point: low body, stick low, pass with the stick in contact with the ball, no backswing for push passes.
Drill 2: triangle passing
Three cones in a triangle with 8 m (9 yd) sides. One player at each cone, plus a fourth player waiting. Pass to the next cone, then follow your pass.
- Round 1: two touches, clockwise. 2 minutes.
- Round 2: anticlockwise, so players receive on the other side. 2 minutes.
- Round 3: one touch. 2 minutes.
Coaching point: open your body before the ball arrives so you can see the next cone.
Drill 3: give-and-go
A channel 20 m (22 yd) long. A wall player stands at the side. The player with the ball dribbles, passes to the wall player, sprints past an imaginary defender (a cone), and receives the return pass on the move. 4 reps each, rotate the wall player.
Progression: add a passive defender at the cone, then an active one.
Drill 4: rondo
4v1 in a 10 × 10 m (11 × 11 yd) square, or 5v2 in 12 × 12 m (13 × 13 yd). The outside players keep the ball away from the defenders using passes along the ground. If a defender wins the ball, the player who lost it swaps in. Rounds of 90 seconds.
- Count passes in a row. Ten is a good target for younger teams.
- Limit to two touches, then one touch for advanced groups.
- Reward split passes between two defenders with bonus points.
Longer passing on the pitch
For older players, add a drill with longer passes: two lines 25–30 m (27–33 yd) apart, passing with hits or slap hits to a receiver moving into space. Keep a safe distance between groups, make sure nobody stands in the line of a pass, and only practise aerials with a coach present and enough space. Check your league's rules on lifted balls for younger age groups.
Stations and self-running drills
With a big squad, set up stations so nobody waits. One station can be a Rebounder, where two or three players take turns at push passes and one-touch receiving while you coach the rondo. A wall works too if there's one near the pitch. For indoor hockey sessions in a sports hall, the same drills work in smaller spaces with push passes only.
Honest note: passing drills don't need special equipment. Balls, cones and bibs cover almost everything. A rebounder is a useful extra station, not a replacement for passing with teammates.
Common coaching mistakes
- Long queues: if more than two players are waiting, add another group.
- Static drills only: in games, players pass and receive on the move.
- Only forehand: plan for reverse stick receiving in every drill.
- No pressure: add a defender once technique is clean.
Adjust for age
- U8–U10: pairs and simple triangles, short distances of 3–5 m (10–16 ft), lots of praise.
- U12–U14: add give-and-go and rondos with passive defenders.
- High school, college and adult: one-touch, full pressure, longer passes and decisions.
FAQ
What are good passing drills for a field hockey team?
Pairs passing, triangle passing, give-and-go patterns and rondos like 4v1 or 5v2. Combine them in a 25–30 minute block.
How many players per passing group?
Three to five players per ball keeps everyone busy. If players are waiting in lines, split into more groups.
How do I make passing drills more game-like?
Add movement, a defender, a touch limit or a scoring rule. Players should pass and receive on the move, not from a standstill.
Should young players practise hits and aerials?
Focus on push passes first. Hits and aerials should be introduced on the pitch with supervision and enough space. Check your league's rules for younger age groups.
How long should a passing block last?
About 25–30 minutes, split into 3–4 drills, is enough for most practices.
Related articles
- Ball control drills for team practice
- One-touch passing drills for field hockey
- Field hockey practice plan template
In the US? The Rebounder, Skiller and Skills Zone are also available on Amazon.
