Defense Drill #2: Monkey In The Middle (“Sticks Up”)
BEGINNER
- Demo (1 min): Sticks Up
- Arrange players into groups of 3, in a straight line, with the outside players approximately 15 metres apart.
- *Variation #1 (10 min): The player in the middle runs continuously back and forth, with their "stick up," trying to knock down and/or pick-off passes being made by the outside players. The middle player should also mix in different footwork patterns at the coach's discretion: running forward (Variation #1A), “side-shuffling” both directions (Variation #1B) and "back-pedaling" (Variation #1C).
- Note: The purpose of this drill is for the defender to practice "knocking down" passes, therefore the outside passers should deliberately try to pass the ball through the defenders stick (no lob passes permitted).
- For the back-pedaling variation, the player in the middle should stop 2-3 metres short of the players on the outside, and those players should only pass the ball once the player in the middle has started back-pedaling.
- Each player should take two turns in the middle, at 30 second intervals. Encourage outside players to mix up their “release points” and throw the ball on different angles (side-arm & underhand, etc.).
*Most common error = players not keeping their stick in the passing lane while approaching the ball carrier.
Would you like to share your thoughts?
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Would you like to share your thoughts?
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
0 Comments