Triangle Passing Drill: Split Dodge
One of the most most fundamental passing and catching drills out there, the Triangle Passing Drill is great way to get your players' heads up and feet moving toward the ball. By adding in the Split Dodge, your players get to practice their moves and work on catching and throwing on the run.
Like the traditional Triangle Passing Drill, this variation is easy to set up and doesn't require much space on the field. If you expect your players to Split Dodge past their Defender in a game, they better practice this move with plenty of repetitions on both sides to build muscle memory.
A Split Dodge is one of the basic moves every player needs to know, like a cross-over dribble in basketball. Head and shoulder fake like you are moving one direction, then change speed and direction to go back the other way. Switch hands when you change direction to keep the stick in the outside hand, away from the Defender.
Check out this great video of Paul Rabil talking Split Dodge mechanics here.
Here's THE DRILL:
Figure 1. Set up 3 cones in a triangle. The cones should be roughly 10 to 20 yards apart from each other. You can shrink the distance if necessary, depending on your players' stick skills.
Put all of your players inside the triangle behind the three cones. Lining the other players up inside gives your players more space outside to get open and practice their dodges. Plus, this is more realistic for game situations.
Be sure to mix offensive and defensive players together. Everybody on your team needs to be able to run, catch, and throw with both sides.
If you have more than 20 players at practice, create multiple sets of cones to ensure your players get the maximum repetitions in your drills. There's no reason your players should come to practice to stand around waiting in line.
PRACTICE TIPS:
- Switch directions halfway through the drill- move the ball clockwise, Split Dodge right to left and pass left-handed.
- Time Your Drills for your players' age and attention span. Move on to something else once a drill or game becomes unproductive.
- Stick in the outside hand- Beginning players need to practice both hands equally. Keep the stick protected, away from the defender.
- Challenge your players- add a second ball into the drill to keep things moving quickly and keep your players focused.
VARIATIONS:
- Play Defense at each cone. Make the Split Dodge work. Have the next player in line throw some poke checks at the dodger.
- Put the cones closer together for faster passing and even more reps. Try 5 or 10 yards apart.
- Roll Dodge-Teach your players to roll dodge after a catch, then get the ball out quickly and accurately.
Try it at your next practice. Let us know if you have any great Triangle Passing Drills of your own!
