Equipment Needed
- Sticks
- One ball per player
- Cones
Mark the dodge point
A set of cones makes it easy to mark a consistent dodge point so every rep is a fair comparison.
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- Set a cone to represent a defender roughly 8–10 yards from the starting line.
- Players approach with the ball cradled, one at a time.
Instructions
- Approach the cone at a controlled jog, cradling the ball normally.
- As you reach the cone, pull the stick sharply across the front of the body to the opposite hand.
- Plant the outside foot and change direction sharply away from the cone.
- Accelerate away from the "defender" after completing the dodge.
Coaching Points
- The stick needs to stay protected and close to the body throughout the pull-across motion.
- A strong plant step and change of direction matter as much as the stick movement itself.
- Accelerating AFTER the dodge is what actually creates separation — a dodge without a speed change doesn't lose a defender.
- Practice dodging to both hands so players aren't limited to only one direction.
Variation
Add a live, gently-pursuing defender once the footwork is solid, or chain the face dodge into a shot on goal.