Cradling Drill #2: The Gauntlet (“Ball Protection”)
BEGINNER
- Divide the floor in half with an imaginary line lengthwise (or by using pylons) and have the players in spread out groups of 3-5 players, 2-3 metres from the side-boards and 3-5 metres from each other.
- Players should be spread out in the line such that they cannot touch anyone within a minimum of stick-length away (preferably further). The lines can be on opposite sides in the same "end," opposite ends, or on both sides in both ends (using the full-floor).
- For beginners, players can also match up against one other player, instead of going against a line of multiple players (build up the intensity from 50% to 100%). Further, if a player is not physically fit for contact, they can be pulled aside to work 1-on-1 with a coach.
*Variation #1 (7 min): "No Balls." The player at the front or back of the line steps back from the group and aligns themselves between the 2-3 metre gap left between the players still in line, and the boards. This player takes their time working through the gauntlet (3-5 players), taking a check from each of their teammates in line.
Any player who takes a penalty during the drill needs to run a lap of the box, and get back in their position in line. Everyone gets a turn running through the gauntlet, taking three reps each overall (1st rep - slash, 2nd rep - body check, 3rd rep - cross check).
*Variation #2 (7 min): "With Balls." Same as the above variation except the player running through the gauntlet is now carrying a ball.
*Most common error = players being too aggressive while checking the player in the gauntlet
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