March 14 & 15, 2026
Week two was finally outdoors on the astroturf at Brown. While it was cold and windy (my lips still have yet to recover from the wind burn), both the surface and hockey were a lot of fun to work on. It’s time to share a few reflections from the weekend — this time more centered around how players are receiving, moving, and supporting the ball.
Receiving & First Touch Under Pressure
Observation:
Many players are receiving near their left foot with their left hand on the ground — they are using the indoor habit of using the low left hand to protect the left board in outdoor. Where there is no board, and you’re very stuck if it doesn’t work.
This leads to:
Being too planted due to the nature of such an honestly poor reception in outdoor hockey. The slower ability to get upright and make the next decision not only invites immediate pressure, but if you mistrap or bobble you’re easily beaten.
Players are also often receiving with their eyes down and their back partially to the field, limiting what they can see and where they go next.
Development Point:
The more you pop up and drop down to play the game, the higher your margin for error. Trapping upright allows you to make the next play more quickly and effectively. From the first touch you can carry or pass, which makes you much more of a dynamic threat.
Players need to:
Receive in a position that allows them to stay mobile with good vision. Where you receive the ball in relation to your body, defenders, the pocket, and your position, matters just as much as how. Stationary receptions don’t force the defense to make any difficult decisions, and give them more time to organize and maintain their shape. Consider taking the ball with you to new space in order to be more threatening.
Passing & Its Impact on Teammates
Observation:
Errant passes are forcing teammates into reverse receptions, which pulls their eyes down, slows the game, and increases mistraps, which in turn limit next options.
At the same time, off-ball players are often stationary — receiving and pulling the ball back toward themselves instead of moving into new space. This is a theme I have noticed and corrected in both weekends now.
Development Point:
A pass doesn’t just move the ball — it shapes the next action. We want to pass the ball where our teammates need it, so their touch can be efficient. We know passing quickly makes it hard for the defense to maintain their shape and/or plan, so we want to make it easy for our teammates to do so ( and thus difficult for our opponents).
Players should aim to:
Pass to space at times, not only to a teammate stick-to-stick. Leading them to the space they are already heading with a crisply timed or sometimes weighted pass can be great options. Help teammates receive on the forehand and in the direction of their momentum in order to keep the play and game moving.
Off the ball:
Movement must continue after the pass. Players should create new angles and options, not wait. The more quickly you carry or pass, the more urgent/uncomfortable the defense feels, and the more likely they are to step to pressure you and pull out of their shape. No threat? No step.
Understanding Space: Pockets & Seams
Observation:
There appears to be a limited understanding of how to use space — specifically within pockets and on seams — and the why behind our attempting to stretch the field.
Development Point:
When we stretch the field, we create…
➡️Larger pockets (larger space to play with and within)
➡️Long seams (easier to break them; manipulate defensive shape)
➡️Clearer decisions (at times less pressure on the ball carrier to scan and see the field)
Players need to understand:
🤍where space exists, and where it can exist
🤍how to move in and out of it
🤍how their movement creates space for others
This is what allows the game to be played quickly — not only speed, but also spacing.
Off-Ball Movement & Support
Observation:
After passing, many players become spectators. There is limited off-ball movement — especially lacking are:
👉overlaps (we love to run directly next to the ball carrier)
👉supporting angles (play the angle, don’t get closer)
👉backfield support (pivot)
Development Point:
Players need a clearer plan for what to do without the ball.
Key ideas:
Cutting, leading, shifting, and switching
If a defender follows → space is created for a teammate
If a defender holds → you are open
Support Behind the Ball:
Holding behind the line of the ball provides a safety option and helps maintain possession. Also helps prevent backfield breaks.
After Passing:
Don’t admire the pass — solve the next problem. “How can I help my teammates right now?”
Decision-Making & Awareness
Observation:
Players are still very frequently carrying with their head down and playing directly into pressure. They are also missing opportunities to use deception, which is likely due in part to said lack of vision.
Development Point:
Better decisions start with better awareness.
Players should:
✌️scan early and often
✌️recognize pressure before receiving
✌️use deception (eyes, shoulders, body; eyes tell lies, shoulders shift.)
✌️what you show the defender matters.
Game Understanding: 6-Second Regain
Observation:
There is limited understanding of the purpose behind the phrase, “6-second regain.”
Development Point:
Players need to understand why we pressure the ball carrier immediately after losing the ball.
How quick regains prevent organized defense.
How “double turnovers” create attacking opportunities.
This is urgency with purpose — not just chasing.
Closing
Players are navigating all of this in real time — often under pressure and still learning what to recognize. These aren’t just technical gaps. They’re awareness and understanding gaps. I fear some of the player gaps stem from coach understanding gaps, thus the reason for this reflection.
For coaches:
Where is this showing up in your team?
And are your players being taught how to see these moments — or just being asked to run through drills?
Because this doesn’t change with more instruction alone.
It changes when the environment demands better spacing, better support, and better decisions.
Take this into your next session.
Watch how your players receive, move, and support — and what they’re actually recognizing.
Want more? Be sure to explore the “Practice with Purpose Reflection Tool” in my coach resources.
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