10 Session Curriculum Guide

sponsored by
Fundamental Field Hockey is a youth development initiative
to expose the sport to thousands of children nationwide by
providing free equipment and emphasizing fun physical
activity! Kids across the nation will have the opportunity
to play and be exposed to field hockey in their physical
education class, at their local YMCA, or possibly in a parks
and rec league. After their Fundamental Field Hockey
program is completed, the kids will have the option to
continue to play with their local club. Our goal is to provide an
avenue to play field hockey and more importantly, have fun!

Fundamental Field Hockey coincides with USA Field

Hockey’s long-term strategic plan and commitment
to enhance sport development by increasing
playing opportunities for boys and girls, ages
7-11. The program will emphasize fun and will
involve playing small-sided games on any flat
surface with a small or large group of children.

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Field Hockey
+ You = Fun

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 The box contains:
24 Sticks (34”), 24 Balls, 12 cones and a 10-session curriculum guide
(Review prior to each session)

COACHING THOUGHTS: basic fundamentals of the sport and a great successful your session is. We understand
YOU HAVE THE TOOLS, NOW WHAT? It guide for teaching points. Keep it simple that there will be varying levels and
is important that you prepare your session and safe, and you will be a huge success numbers of players you will be dealing
according to the age-level, experience with your young athletes. This is the first with. Every day will present a new set
and physical ability of your players. The go ‘round. Over time, the curriculum of challenges. Your ability to adapt to
curriculum is designed to be an effective will be improved upon, by your feedback, the challenges smoothly is what makes
guide, not a mandatory script. You may interaction, and your athletes’ excitement . coaching exciting. We invite you as the
find things that work well and others that SUCCESS IS UP TO YOU: It is your coach to practice the skills yourself as you
don’t. Feel free to pick and choose what responsibility to ‘bring’ this curriculum to will gain vital teaching experience as you
works best for your program. Mix it up and life, showing your personality, energy and participate in the FUN!
keep it fresh, new and fun. It’s up to you... enthusiasm for the sport. Your main job NOTE: Further useful information will be on our
Remember, each session is unique and you is to get these kids to ‘want’ to continue FUNdamental Field Hockey Website. It is imperative
that you access this site for further explanations,
are the eyes and brains of the operation to play. If you make the session fun and photo’s, videos and fun games. Field Hockey is a
that is trying to develop a program that engaging, they will ‘fall in love’ with the technically challenging sport to teach, especially if
addresses hockey to a wide range of ages, sport and that’s what this program is you don’t have visual samples to watch and learn
maturation levels, physical abilities and aiming to do. Be prepared, know the drills from. Once you understand the technique of any
ability to understand such a technique and how to explain them quickly! Your sport, teaching will be easier, as long as you keep
based sport. If you are new to the game, your feedback, simple!
smooth and efficient transition between
study the core concepts as they are the one drill to the next will be crucial in how Please visit us at www.funfh@usafieldhockey.com/youth

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 Safety is #1
Preparing for your session

n DO NOT allow swinging of sticks at any time! Stop the play n Indoor Facility: make sure any obstacles (extra cones,
with your whistle and explain to everyone that when tackling water bottles and clothing are removed from playing area).
or battling for the ball, you must keep the stick in contact Also, too many electrical cords in a nearby outlet could create
with the ball. NO SWINGING! Show what is acceptable and a health hazard. If you have any extra requirements of your
what is not! facilities, ensure they are catered for by a
suitable professional.
n Warm-up with a fun game and make sure kids cool down and
stretch after every session. n Tennis court: if nets are removed, place cones near the poles
and make sure drills are safely away from area. If a ball
n Always check the weather conditions prior to leaving
travels near the poles, be sure to have a method to stop the
for the session!
play (“stop” or “whistle the play dead”)
n Check the grounds upon arrival for potential hazards.
n Know where the first-aid kit is and how to get help if there is
n Outdoor Field: broken glass (remove carefully), holes in field an emergency.
(fill), any obstacles that players could run into (move), are
n Record the medical history of your athletes. Make sure you
there other players playing close to your field (flying balls,
know which ones have a health issue or prior injury you need
obstacles) and weather (know what to do and where to go in
to be aware of. Ensure you have emergency contact details of
case of lightning or torrential downpour)
parents / caregivers / family.
n If necessary, match the athletes’ physical skills and abilities
to provide balanced competition.

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 THE ART OF COACHING
Some Simple Coaching Philosophy, by Terry Walsh —USA Technical Director for USA Field Hockey
“Coaching is about asking questions, and listening”
n We are not trainers, we are teachers. Organize your session n Develop Feedback Strategies. Feedback should be timely.
with this in mind. You can be “corrective” but be specific...make it fun and
enjoyable for the players to give and receive feedback. Gain
n Create a “STOP” Signal for your players that is consistent
trust between you and each player.
throughout each session. On your “STOP” signal, all players
stop what they are doing and make eye contact with you to n Provide high rates of instructional and motivational
await further direction. Example, “1…2…3…and…FREEZE!” feedback. Ensure positive student interactions outnumber
corrective ones.
n Create a “GO” Signal for your players that is also consistent
throughout each session. This establishes a routine to keep n Challenge them through competition (small games / skill rep’s
order and allow for smooth transitions. under time pressure and repetition (simple patterns)
Example, “READY…AND…GO!”
n Be prepared for every scenario. Brainstorm what could
n Show by your body language and voice inflection, that you are happen and sort out a calm solution. Examples: Environmental
excited, when someone tries something you’ve taught, and be (weather), kids (late), someone gets injured and you are the
specific as to why. “Ask a question, “Excellent reception, Matt. only coach at the site, etc.
Why do you think it was so successful?” A reply might be,
n Establish a system of helpers to set up and
“because I had my stick on the ground?” Teacher replies,
put away equipment.
“Yes, Now, let’s set a goal to get 3 in a row, okay?”
n Be line conscious! Be aware of how long children are having to
n For 7-11 year olds, fun ‘hidden learning’ games that teach the
wait for their turn. Divide students into smaller groups, use
basics will be key. Feel free to think of fun games that can be
more equipment, set up activity / drill stations.
used with stick and ball.

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 CCOORReeCCooNNcep
cepTTs
are
Basic Rules, Proper Grips & Posture,
Ball & Stick Control, Tackling, Receiving/Trapping,
Passing, and Fun Skills.

The “CORE CONCEPTS” are the skills

you will be teaching to the kids during the session.
Not ALL technical feedback needs to be given in too much detail.
You may pick and choose a couple of the points, after players have tried them.

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 From Our Experiences…
I have gathered some helpful feedback from PE Teachers and coaches that have
experienced working with the younger age group that we can all learn from.

EXAMPLE: Sample Curriculum GOALS: Make verbal corrections as they practice (players who are
Keep it simple. doing it correctly, use as examples).
Get the kids playing as quickly as possible! Keep the kids busy but on task with the skill.
We must make it fun first and teach second. If done right you can Practice a skill then put them in a drill/challenge with that skill.
do both at the same time. Use fun games that develop footwork and stick skills
Core Session Objectives: I always finish the session with a real game.
Introduce a skill and a rule or two each day and revisit the
following practice. A Warning: The problem I am running into is the individual
player’s skill levels are becoming more and more separated.
Split them up and play by the end of each session. Players who are younger or develop slower are intimidated by the
Sessions are only an hour as time goes by quickly. players who are aggressive and catching on faster. This gets tricky
Get them involved in a drill/competition & correct skills on the spot. if you don’t have a way to divide them or if you have a large age
difference in your group. We hold advanced and beginner classes
Between drills, we address the class with a quick skill correction to adjust. Having extra coaches can also help, but may not be
something that you see most of them doing wrong. A quick demo of accessible at all sites.
that correction and on to the next fun drill usually works best.
Our #1 Curriculum Tip: The sooner they start playing the faster
Be prepared and flexible to adjust your session according to the they get the hang of the sport. I am very relaxed on the rules
make-up/experience of your group. at first, but each week I start to call more and more fouls…It is
Session Breakdown: “The Ways of the Wise” important to have the coaches participate if possible to keeping
Start the first class with the grip of the stick, turning the stick the ball distributed more which speeds up the game and promotes
in your hand and the flat side rule. I feel this is the most needed player involvement. We must make it fun first and teach second.
skill and hardest for players to develop. We start with this at the If done right you can do both at the same time.
beginning of every practice. “Desired Outcome”: If done properly, kids will be begging to play
Show them a technique and let them immediately practice it. their favorite game and that is when you blow their mind and
Too much feedback will kill the fun! introduce them to a new and exciting challenge/drill.

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 Basic Rules…
The 6v6 Game
The rules are in place to keep the session SAFE! • Initially, allow some fouls to “play-on”,
If in doubt blow the whistle. On the flip-side, be by stopping the play less you encourage
aware not to over-use the whistle early on with movement and FUN!!!
excessive calls. Find the balance of stopping the
play to explain and keeping the game fun and DURING THE FIELD OF PLAY
flowing. Field Hockey is a non-contact, finesse
• If the ball runs over the side line, it is then
and technical sport. placed on the spot where the ball rolled out.
• All players (including defenders) must be 5
BASIC FOULS =
yards from any free hit after a whistle or out
Calls For Instant Whistles and of bounds play. If a player self-starts and the
Loss Of Possession defender is less than 5 yards away, STOP the
• Foot - the ball hitting a player’s foot play and set them up correctly. Be strict about
• Dangerous swing - Stick rising above their waist this rule.
at anytime on Attack or Defense • The “Self-Start Rule” - To keep the flow of the
• Hacking - hitting another player’s stick with play going and more exciting, the ‘self start’ rule
your own stick came into effect two years ago. During a dead
ball situation, that attacking player…can start
• Obstruction (any body to body contact / cannot * Size of field will depend on the number of players
the ball him or herself to begin play and attack
block or hold a player or their stick from the ball) you have available to play and their age / experi-
accordingly.
• Wrong side of the stick (ball can only be played ence level. If the game is becoming too north /
1. Must first make sure the ball is stopped where south, feel free to play a four-goal game. This will
the with the flat side) the foul occurred allow for more east-west play and the ability to add
2. Is then allowed to start the next play by another element to the game
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
dribbling into space and attack towards the goal.
• A rising ball in the air should be an instant
3. Has the option of passing first to a teammate
whistle if it presents DANGER to ANY player on
that is at least 5 yards from the ball.
the field.
• Most aggressive play will occur when two
kids are ‘going after’ the same ball, or when • A goal is scored when the entire ball travels over
playing individual defense against an attacker. the goal line.
Prevention is key! Make sure you are • If there is a ‘stand-in’ goalkeeper, keep that player
emphasizing the correct way to approach and safe by making sure players are not ‘bunched up’ in
tackle. Stick must be on the ground! the circle! Be ready to stop the play!

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 Hockey Grip/Athletic Stance

Hockey Grip Athletic Stance

q Firm left hand grip at the top of the stick q Wide Base - Feet shoulder width apart
q Turn Stick like opening a door q Knees slightly bent, slight squat
q Right hand well down the stick q Elbows comfortably away from your body
q Forefinger and thumb form a “V” q Head on a ‘swivel’, not looking down!
q Relaxed right hand acts as a guide
q Used to dribble, trap the ball, and push passing

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 Hockey Grip to Pull Ball

Pull the ball from side to side

q Firm left hand grip at the top of the stick q Right hand well down the stick q Relaxed right hand acts as a guide

q Turn Stick like opening a door q Forefinger and thumb form a “V” q Get used to dribble, trap the ball, and push
passing

Close up of hands

fore/back hand

weight over knees

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 Grip & Posture

Dribble (Use Forehand)

- No Side to Side Movement
q Left hand at top - Firm grip
(V grip off-set and center w/ back of stick)

Hand Position
q Right hand - loose grip
(two grip swivel from reverse to forehand)
q Left Elbow Bent - Right Elbow Extended
q Dexterity of wrists

Body Position
q Feet shoulder width apart
q Knees bent, hips lowered
q Weight on left foot/ball on left side
q Weight on right foot/ball on right side

Ball Position
q Ball position is away from feet.
q Elbows away from body NOTE: The dribble is the hardest skill to learn and must be practiced. The proper left
hand grip is key to this skill. With new players encourage them to practice their dribble
q Shift Weight every session as much as they can. Remind them to look up as much as possible so they
are aware of their surroundings.

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 Tackling Skills

INDIVIDUAL DEFENSE Mirroring, Channeling, Flat Tackle

SAFETY IS #1, when performing this skill! or Guiding q ONLY FLAT TACKLE when the opponent
HAS NO SPEED!
q Pick up the correct Line: Attacker’s Right
#1 RULE: Shoulder - Defender’s Right Shoulder - Goal q This is when you put your entire stick on
q No hacking or back swing allowed the ground while in a crouched position
q Always with one foot forward in a balanced
to block the ball from hitting your foot,
and strong position - usually left foot for-
Tackle Distance ward. NEVER cross legs
or tackle an opponent who is coming
q In freeze frame, the player should just be towards you
able to stretch forward and touch the ball q Create correct tackle distance and match
with an outstretched “jab” tackle opponent’s speed to maintain this tackle The Jab
distance q “Snake strike” tackle, jab in and out, to
q The players should jab and retreat at the
q Once speed and vision are reduced, close reduce vision and speed of opponent
ball with a ‘snake strike’ action
down the space with quick and short foot- q Can use two hands, starting point: stick
work patterns to reduce control and space pointing towards belly button
q Once vision, space and / or control have
been lost - TACKLE

Flat Tackle

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 Receiving & Trapping
Skills
Forehand Receiving Body Position
q Athletic Stance
Receiving Hand Position q Line up right of center, in line with the
q Dribbling grip with a vertical stick and left
incoming ball
hand away from body
q Handshake grip with hands split - right Skill Execution
hand can be more than halfway down the q Form a triangle between feet and stick head,
stick, but not too low flex the knees and create a ‘pocket’ into
q Left elbow should be as high as your which the ball will be collected
shoulder in front of your body q Your left foot slightly forward of your right.
q Your thumb is pointed down towards the Angle stick forward (the left hand should be
ground, angled stick, forming a trap further away from your body than the stick
head)
q Pick up the line of the ball
q “Soft Hands” as ball contacts stick

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 Push Pass Skills

Body Position Ball Position

q Athletic Stance q Ball position in line with back leg with right
arm extended and left elbow bent
q The body position should be side on, toward
the intended target
Skill Execution
Hand and Stick Position q Stepping action with left foot
q Hands apart q Open left foot toward target
q Hands and stick are away from the body and q Transfer of weight to front leg - Keep your
the toe of the stick should follow through feet moving through the pass AND have
low and towards the target your weight moving at the target
q Follow through leading with left elbow
Stick Position
q Stick on ball - no back swing q Push the ball using the flat side of the stick

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 Fun Skills
Air Dribbling
For Eye-Hand Coordination

The Grip
q Stick grip should be similar to dribbling position
but in the air
q Discourage players from rearranging grip for
comfort, many will reverse their regular grip
q Reinforce right hand offering a touch on the ball
q Stick guides ball back over the ball towards feet
q Ball is ‘picked up’ off the ground and controlled

Try some
of these Tricks:
1. Bounce the Ball on the Stick as many times
as possible
2. Balance Ball on Stick for as
long as possible
3. Try these tricks with motion:
walking and running

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 THE SESSIONS
10 Sessions are included in this packet.
n
The first 6 sessions cover all of the ‘core concepts’
and contain “hidden learning” games.
n
Session 7-10 introduces more small game concepts,
culminating in a ‘skill-circuit’ and ‘tournament-style’ competition.
n
EXAMPLE: If you are running a 6-week session, the first 4 can be chosen
from sessions 1-6, the last two sessions can be from sessions 7-10,
because they are more game / competition-based.

REMEMBER: KIDS LOVE TO PLAY!

NOTE: Further useful information will be on our FUNdamental Field Hockey Website. It is
imperative that you access this site for further explanations, photo’s, videos and fun games.
Field Hockey is a technically challenging sport to teach, especially if you don’t have visual
samples to watch and learn from. Once you understand the technique of any sport, teaching
will be easier, as long as you keep your feedback, simple!
Please visit us at www.usafieldhockey.com/youth

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Introduction to Fun Field Hockey
Introduction 3 Start jogging around with the ball - Keep in con- GAMES
trol of your ball and body, encouraging a change
Introduce yourself and your staff. Get them ex- of direction, using footwork. Objective: Running without the ball,
cited for the session/program. Tell them a little dribbling with vision and control
bit about field hockey. Olympic sport for men and 4 On “whistle” - Girls, stop - Boys circle around
women. Check website for fun facts. Girls - Boys, stop, circle around girls. (Also Red-light, Green-light
use color of shirt or hair color for different Everyone on end-line. Back to players or cover
prompts) eyes, call out “red-light”, everyone must stop
WARM-UP 5 Briefly show how they can push pass and
under control (or you must go back to start,
“green light”, everyone can start to dribble. 1st
receive. While dribbling around, on “whistle”, player to cover 20-25 yds. under control, wins...
STATIONARY SKILLS make eye contact with someone, call their
1 The Grip - Show them how to hold the stick. name and pass to partner. Exchange balls Dog and Bone
Teach the Flat-side rule and how to turn the with 5 different people. 20 kids, 19 balls in the middle - 1 kid will come
stick over properly for dribbling. Get them to back empty-handed. Spacing of the balls important
Teaching Reminders - Barrier in the middle, so they don’t run into each
immediately practice! «To get them to dribble with vision becoming other. Of course, you can adapt this game to the
2 Practice stationary “Yard Stick” pulls left to comfortable with stick and moving. number of players you have. Put one less ball in
right, right to left. «Show them how they can stop the ball with the middle.
3 Show them how to dribble. Get them to move stick almost covering the ball
with the ball.
Teaching Reminders
«Get them used to holding the stick and adjust-
ing their grip to move the ball left to right.
«Correct any HAND GRIP ISSUES, remind
students not to use the ROUND SIDE of the
stick, and NO USE OF FEET.

ACTIONS
ON THE MOVE - DRIBBLING SKILLS
Objective: To get them to dribble with vision
becoming comfortable with stick and moving.
1 Walk with the ball with vision - Keep it on your
forehand. If balls moves to left side of your body,
use a drag to get it back to the right.
2 “Indian” dribble while walking

SESSION 1 17
The 6v6 Experience
GAME
The 6v6 Experience
1 6v6 - 4-goal game with no more than 6 players per team, so they
can experience the game (Depends on readiness of players)
2 IF you have too many numbers and limited space, use extra
players on the side line only. Sideline players can move (their
body) 1 step in either direction along the sideline only and
not into the court of play.
Teaching Reminders
«Start Match with a Bully and
after a goal or point is scored
«Encourage use of the shave and jab tackles
«No feet
«A point if they dribble the ball over the back-line or shoot into goal
within 5 yards (your call).

NOTE: Since it is their first ‘experience’ with play-

ing, stop the play when you need to, in order to
explain the rules (do’s and don’t’s). SOON, they will
start to understand, and the game will start to flow.

CLEAN-UP & REVIEW

Get the kids excited for the next session!
Total Session Time = 60 minutes

SESSION 1 continued… 18
WARM-UP ACTION GAME
Stretch, partner pass and Divide the players into
work with you stick
Push and Trap (Receiving) 2 groups of 6 and give
1 In 2’s, passing through cones - 2 stick lengths them a number. The ball is rolled out by the coach
and a number is called.
ACTION apart - Pairs are 5 -7 yards apart and practicing
The black #’s must run through the goal on the
for technique only. The body position should be
Yard-stick/Dribbling with Vision side on, toward the intended target. right, and score into the goal on the left, while the
yellow #s must score into the goal on the right.
Teaching Reminders Teaching Reminders To score, the ball must be dribbled through your
«Make sure their right hand is not turning over «Explain/ show how to trap on the reverse stick opponent’s goal under control. Play continues
when using reverse. Right hand stays in the when the ball comes to the left side of the body. until a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play.
handshake grip with V’s at the top of the stick. Another number is called and the game continues.
«When changing speed, make sure ball is not too STOP… The teams keep track of how many goals they have
scored and after a set time limit the team with the
close. Can’t use their feet and can only use the
flat side of the stick.
2 GIVE AND GO PRACTICE - Have pairs most wins.
find their own personal space to begin. 3-5 yards
Variations: Call more than one number; start call-
apart. After the GIVE, GO into a new/ different ing two numbers, then three numbers!
GAME open space.
Players on the side can receive a pass then pass
Spread 10-20 cones out over a 15 yd x 15 yd area Always TRAP the ball before you give the next back to their players but they can not score.
10-15 players each with a stick and ball stand next pass. The player receiving the ball is always sta-
to a cone. Each player has 3 imaginary dollars tionary. Try to LEAD, your partner
(or whatever fun imagery) When the coach says with the pass. Or WEIGHT the pass,
“switch” the players have to dribble to a new cone. into the open space, for your partner
to run onto.
Extensions: Time limit to find a new cone or touch
multiple cones More Experienced?
IE: Dribble to 4 cones in 12 seconds, Can you trap/pass on the reverse
“switch!!!…12, 11, 10…” stick? Increase passing distance
to 5-7 yards and then 7-10 yards
Variations
• Different styles of dribbling
• Spin around cones, lift, pull right or left
• Make farm animal noises at each cone, name a
different fruit at each cone…
• When teacher counts down to ZERO, whoever
hasn’t reached their cone owes
teacher an imaginary dollar.
• Focus on vision and keeping
personal space for safety.
CLEAN-UP & REVIEW
Get the kids excited for the next session!
Total Session Time = 60 minutes

SESSION 2 19
WARM-UP ACTIONS:
Foxes & Rabbits Game %SBHT
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Description: Little Lifts
Make a circle with 2 entrances
GAME
In groups of 3
One player is the FOX!
3 v 3 (same teams, up to you)
Set up 1 - 3 cone drill for every 3 people
SIZE: 1/2 of a basketball court or 15 x 15
1 Drags LEFT AND RIGHT - Cone work - Drag right
or left - Continuous exercise 3-5 Minutes Progression:
•2 Passes = 1 Point
2 SPINS - Spin around cones - Left and right •Dribble over end-line under control
STOP... Show how to combine - Walk slowly to •Always attacking the same goal!
practice, then let them try it. •NO HACKING
•Encourage use of jab & shave / take-away tackle
Teaching Reminders
« Bend your legs Match 1
« See if you can see the next cone before Players score goals by running across their end
you get there” line while controlling the ball
« They can use the reverse stick to slow the ball
down, similar to “red-light, green-light” Match 2
(how to stop) Players score goals by making 2 passes.
Advance level — 3-4 passes for a point

All players must

move in counter-clockwise
direction around the circle dribbling their ball.
All players can pass through the ‘free zone or tun-
nel’ and be safe – the fox can only go around the
outside of the circle in ‘either’ direction.
The fox must tackle the rabbits (under control)
and once tackled (and ball pushed out of area), the
rabbits go and stand in the cage.
Give the fox 30 seconds-one minute to catch as
many rabbits as they can.
The winner is the fox who catches the most rabbits
in the time frame decided.

Variation: Have two foxes chasing the rabbits. CLEAN-UP & REVIEW
If a fox tackles a player, make the player tackled Get the kids excited for the next session!
the ‘fox’. Total Session Time = 60 minutes

SESSION 3 20
WARM-UP GAME
Fun Air Dribbling 4 v 4 • 4 Goal Game
20 x 20 grid
ACTIONS 4 v 4 Four Goal Game - Score through front or back of goal
Set up 1 grid for every 4 players Teaching Reminders
1 In 4’s grid - Knockout Game «NO HACKING
ALL 4 WITH A BALL - Holding possession, dribbling «Encourage use of jab and shave / take-away tackle
and using Jab tackle - MUST keep control of your ball «Encourage them to keep the ball on the move, while looking to pass to a teammate.

2 Sharks and Minnow’s Game Choose 1/4 without a

ball - One “Shark”, the other three are Minnow’s.

CLEAN-UP & REVIEW

Get the kids excited for the next session!
Total Session Time = 60 minutes

SESSION 4 21
WARM-UP
Pull right / Dribbles in 3’s or 4’s - Shuttle lines - forehand dribble
(change speed —walk to jog, walk to sprint), Pull right / left, little lift into dribble, etc

ACTION
Passing in 3’s on the move
1 Stationary

2 Moving Triangle

3 Monkey in the middle

Teaching Reminders
«Getting the players used to
moving after they pass.

«When a player moves, make sure stick

is on the ground when they ask for the
ball back, for example.

GAME
The Chess Game(Can have 7-10 players / team)
Objective: Varying numbers, Attack team verses Defense team, where both
teams choose how many players to attack or defend, 1-5.
1. Team A starts with the ball. They decide how many players they can send out
(between 1-5). Team B Defense team does the same.
Example: Team A sends 4 players out, Team B sends 3 players to defend and
try to get the ball from Team A. (Coach makes sure both teams are ready to play.
On the whistle, 1 player on Team A has a ball and starts to dribble or pass to a
teammate). They play out the 4 v 3! Coach decides on fouls, goals. If Team B comes
up with the ball, they can attack the goal, BUT, because they are down numbers, it
may not be wise to do this! Explain this. Teach them how to strategize.
*After a goal, Team A gets the ball, BUT, must choose
a different # of players to send out Can not repeat!

CLEAN-UP & REVIEW

Get the excited for the next session!
Total Session Time = 60 minutes

SESSION 5 22
WARM-UP ACTION
1. Aerial dribbling practice Pattern To Goal (end with shot)
2. Aerial dribbling contest – Last three Set up multiple example patterns 3-4 kids
standing win a prize. Champion gets
one arm lifted over-head by coach!
per exercise GAME
• You can choose any pattern that will
6v6 (OR less numbers depending on your group)
GAME Peaches & Peanuts work in the game
• Show them set-up - Explain positions
• You can park yourself in the circle and be a
‘passive’ defender to show the forward how • Okay to switch positions with a teammate
to move around the defense. • Avoid crowding into one another
• No swinging the sticks. Remind them of how to use
footwork and stick to defend. 2 strikers/forwards,
1 center midfielder, 2 backs — Encourage them to
interchange and make sure there is balance.
• Indoor basketball gym size playing area

ACTIONS
Divide players into 2 teams; Peanuts and Peaches
line up on the centre line in the middle of a 20 yard
squared area.
When the Coach calls “Peaches” they dribble their
ball to their safety line, the Peanuts chase them
and look to tackle cleanly before the player reaches
the safety area.
If a player is tackled, they join the other team. The
game is over when one group has caught all the
other team.
Variations:
The coach can trick the players by saying other
P words to get a false start, or by saying PEA…to
keep teams in anticipation for a few seconds
Once a player is tackled, they could become a
CLEAN-UP & REVIEW
‘floating tackler’ on either side of the centre line Get the kids excited for the next session!
Total Session Time = 60 minutes

SESSION 6 23
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WARM-UP GAME
Skill work – Whatever you choose Small Games can be played in any size area.
Use the existing lines of a tennis or basketball
court to play 3 v 3 or 2 courts for 6 v 6. If it
ACTION seems there are too many players on the court.
Have 15 students get into an area the size of a You can allow a few players to play on the
basketball court (approx. 100 feet. X 50 feet.) sideline only. They are only allowed to move up
Have students practice moving in that area freely, and down 1 sideline and can switch with there
keeping the ball close to the blade of the stick. teammates on the court, every few minutes.
Teaching Reminders Add the concept of make it and take it.
«Correct any HAND GRIP ISSUES, remind Eg. When a team scores a goal they get the ball
students not to use the ROUND SIDE of the stick, back and attack the goal that they were just
and NO USE OF FEET. Have players exchange previously defending. (Eg. Winners outs in
balls with a classmate that is within Half Court
5 feet, by passing the ball simultaneously.
Games can also be played keep away style.
Have students exchange balls with
5 -10 different classmates 3 v 3 on a basketball court (6 v 6 on 2 courts)
with 3 (or 5) uninterrupted passes=goal. Adjust
GAME the passing requirements to the skill level of the
players involved.
Sharks & Minnows
2 Goal Games are another way to, spread out small
Pick 4 players to be the, “Sharks.” They are games. Put 2 small goals (adjust goal size to the
the only ones allowed to knock out the skill of the individuals involved) at each end of the
“Minnows” balls out of a squared-off area of field. You can also allow players to score through
about 20 x 20 yards (depends on numbers). the front or the back of the goals.
Reinforce using the jab or poke tackle
technique only.
“Minnows” are protecting their ball only and
trying to stay away from the, “Sharks.” CLEAN-UP & REVIEW
“Minnows” can return to the game after Get the kids excited for the next session!
they have set their equipment down and Total Session Time = 60 minutes
completed 5 jumping jacks.
After 5-10 minutes, have the, “Sharks” pick a
“Minnow” to replace them. Restart the game.

SESSION 7 24
Skills Circuit For Points
WARM-UP GAME
Stick and ball, your choice - keep them moving 6v6 (OR less numbers depending on your group)
• Show them set-up - Explain positions

ACTION • Okay to switch positions with a teammate

• Avoid crowding into one another
Set up Circuit - Depends on number of teams - Pair them up. You could have
two teams of 4 of 5, who compete against the other team. 2 red teams, 2 blue • No swinging the sticks. Remind them of how to use footwork and stick to
teams for example. defend.
2 x 2 minutes depending on numbers • 2 strikers/forwards, 1 center midfielder, 2 backs

Try to improve scores • Encourage them to interchange and make sure there is balance.

Take highest score

1 Obstacle Course
2 Dribble Through Cones Course — Push to Goal
3 Dribble Through Cones Course — Slap to Goal

Teaching Reminders
«Make sure their hand is not turning over when
using reverse. Right hands stay in the handshake
grip with V’s at the top of the stick.
«When changing speed, make sure ball is not too close to feet,
when slowing down. Gradual Stop!
«Can’t use their feet and can only use flat side of stick

CLEAN-UP & REVIEW

Get the kids excited for the next session!
Total Session Time = 60 minutes

SESSION 8 25
Skills Circuit For Points
WARM-UP Teaching Reminders
Stick and ball, your choice - keep them moving «Vary duration of stations, time transitions and number of rounds
«You can also make it so that even the last team gets a point.
For 2 teams - 3 points for the winner, 1 point for 2nd place.
ACTION Example: If you have 4 teams - 1st place = 4 points, 2nd place = 3
points, 3rd place = 2 points and last place (4th place) = 1 point
Create teams of 3 players, 2+ teams
Spread older / younger players or better skilled players evenly on each
team DRILLS
Each team chooses a team name and team spokesperson Drills are on next page
Choose different skill drills that can be scored, EX. each rep is 1 point, Have PRIZES for the winners of the various skills & drills competitions!
each time through the dribbling circuit is 1 point or each ball scored in
the goal is 1 point.
Teams start at different drills and rotate through each drill. After each CLEAN-UP & REVIEW
2-5 minute round; team spokesperson will relay team score of that drill
Get the kids excited for the next session!
to teacher / coach, team rotates to next drill.
Total Session Time = 60 minutes
Team with highest score for a drill wins 3 points total.
After all 4+ drills have been completed by each team once,
total scores are tallied.
EXAMPLE:
Team 1 Team 2 Winner

Drill 1 7 Reps 5 Reps Team 1 gets 3 Points

Drill 2 11 Points 13 Points Team 2 gets 3 Points

Drill 3 13 Points 10 Points Team 1 gets 3 Points

Team 1 = 6 Points Team 2 = 3 Points Team 1 = The Winner with 6 Points

SESSION 9 26
Skills Circuit For Points
Competition 1 Competition 2 Competition 3
Taken from Session 3 Taken from Session 3 Same set-up as Competition 2
Drags Left and Drags Right Shuttle Lines Fun Relay Races

Count number of completed passes

in the 2-5 minute round
Variation Create 15 x 15 box and have players
pass on the move within the boundaries

Count the number of completed shut- Count number of player each players
tles 1-2 shuttles lines, even number of completed relays, add each players total
player, add each players total among among the team
the team Variation Change the style of dribble,
Variation Use different skills in each length of relay or using only strong
shuttle such as, drags, spins & lifts stick no reverse

SESSION 9 continued… 27
Tournament Style Competition
WARM-UP
Stick and ball, your choice - keep them moving

ACTION
Depending on numbers and size of filed 6 v 6 or
appropriate numbers Round Robin
Set up tournament - Round Robin Style

Teaching Reminders
«Proper Umpiring should be set-up.
«Continue to stop the play, if aggressive tendencies occur.
«Games should be 3-5 Minutes in length, depending on
how many teams you have

GAMES
Set-Up
• Teams of 6-8 players (make sure substitutes aren’t sitting longer than 30-45 seconds)
• Each team plays each other...if there are:
- 3 Teams; Each team plays each other twice @ 5 Minute Games
- 4 Teams; Each team plays each other twice @ 4 Minute Games
- 5 Teams; Each team plays each other twice @ 3 Minute Games
- 6 Teams; Each team plays each other once @ 5 Minute Games
- 7 Teams; Each team plays each other once @ 4 Minute Games
- 8 Teams; Each team plays each other once @ 3 Minute Games
Tie Break - Each team elects a representative- ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS, SHOOT!
Team that collects the most wins after round robin in completed, WINS SESSION 10!!!

CLEAN-UP & REVIEW

Congratulate the kids for their excellent effort completing the program!
Total Session Time = 60 minutes

SESSION 10 28
 Make The Session Fun
Excerpted from Spark Education Classes
www.sparkpe.org
n Physical education classes that are well paced and n Participate occasionally in a game or activity.
enjoyable “turn students on” to movement
n Encourage and praise often. Look for the “gold
n Be enthusiastic about physical activity and life! standard” and point it out when you see it.

n Create a class environment which fosters the success n Use game play; inclusive, low/no-competition
of all students. tournaments; and special events to provide new and
exciting variations.
n Prompt students, “We are going to have so much fun
today!!” n Before trying a new idea, see if it passes the “SEAD”
test: Is it Safe, Enjoyable, Active for all and Develop-
n Use “magic” numbers” to challenge students and
mentally appropriate? A yes response to all four
assist them in setting goals. “Today the magic number questions is a green light to field / test a new activity.
for the number of Yard-stick drags is ____!

29
 What’s Next?
n Report! Please report back to USA Field Hockey your most accurate
number of participants. You can find this online form at our website or e-mail
funfh@usafieldhockey.com! These number are extremely important to
monitor the program.
n Let’s do it again! This equipment and curriculum is yours to keep, so
why not run another session!
n Keep playing! Encourage your athletes to join their local club for year
round play!
n Join us! Become a member of USA Field Hockey to stay connected and
attend our national events! For more information visit our website.
n Browse! You can also learn a lot more about our sport and this program at
www.usafieldhockey.com. You’ll also find instructional videos, fun games,
and much more!
n Let us know! Your feedback is important to us. Please let us know how we
can help to improve Fundamental Field Hockey at funfh@usafieldhockey.com

Please visit us at www.usafieldhockey.com/youth

30
 Our Sponsor and Partners
USA Field Hockey would like to thank Harrow Sports for Sponsoring Fundamental Field Hockey!

Harrow Sports, a marketer and manufacturer of their own equipment and apparel prides itself on being connected to the
field hockey community at the most basic and fundamental levels. It has become a focus of the brand to take the excitement and energy
they see in kids playing our sport for the first time and use that passion to develop products for every one at every level.

USA Field Hockey would like to thank the following partners in helping to make Fundamental Field Hockey possible.
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Let’s Move!

Thank you to the following people who helped create this curriculum.
This project would not have been possible without their teaching expertise and unconditional passion for the sport:
Terry Walsh, Ben Maruquin, Chris Clements, Chris Pothier, Paul Lewis, Heidi Faith, Karen Marley, Kelly Balady, John Ginolfi,
Elzeth Hetzler, Kendra Lucking, Cyndie Slagle and the Youth Development Task Force.

Please visit us at www.usafieldhockey.com/youth

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Liz Tchou (1996 Olympian), Youth Development Manager
Simone Attles, Youth Development and Marketing Coordinator For additional information e-mail us at
Courtney Tavener, Youth Development Coordinator GVOGI!VTBmFMEIPDLFZDPN