Give-and-Go into the Circle

A one-two to beat a defender and attack the circle. The attacker draws the defender, plays it off a support player and sprints past for the return, then carries into the circle and finishes. Runs at both ends at once.

Setup:

• A line of attackers with balls about 40 yards from goal, a support player in the wide channel, a defender at the 23-yard area and a goalkeeper in each goal.

Execution:

• The attacker carries at the defender to make them step up.

• As the defender commits, the attacker passes to the support player and sprints past the defender's stick side.

• The support player returns it first time into the space behind the defender.

• The attacker collects on the run, carries into the circle and shoots before the defender recovers.

Coaching points:

• Keep the ball out in front so you can watch the defender as you approach.

• Pass when the defender commits, not before.

• Accelerate the moment you release the ball. The run beats the defender, not the pass.

• Support player: play it into space, not to feet.

Progressions:

• Make the defender fully live from the start.

• Give the attacker the choice of the one-two or a 1v1 elimination.

• Add a second defender covering the circle.