Ground Ball Domination: A Complete Practice Plan
### **Objective:** Develop elite ground ball skills through technical drills, high-intensity battles, and game-like scenarios. Players will improve their ability to win 50/50 balls, react under pressure, and convert scrappy plays into game-changing possessions
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### **00:00 – 00:15 | Warm-Up & Fundamentals**
- **Agility Ladder + Sprint Reaction Drills**
Enhance footwork and explosive starts
- **Ground Ball Basics**
Demonstrate proper scooping technique: low stance, stick angle, and running through the ball
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### **00:15 – 00:40 | Technical Drills**
- **Static Ground Ball Pickup (7 minutes)**
Place 8-10 balls on the ground; players practice scooping with correct form
- **Ground Ball Pickup on the Move (10 minutes)**
Players perform relays, scooping balls while running to simulate game speed
- **Ground Ball Pickup Under Pressure (5 minutes)**
Simulate game-like pressure by having one player pick up the ball while another applies light defensive pressure
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### **00:40 – 01:10 | Competitive Drills**
- **3-Man Ground Ball Elimination**
Three players compete for a ground ball; the player who gains possession stays on, promoting continuous competition
- **Hungry Hungry Hippos**
Teams collect as many ground balls as possible from the center area, emphasizing quick decision-making and teamwork
- **5v4 Midfield Ground Balls**
Coach initiates play with a ground ball; teams transition quickly between offense and defense, focusing on communication and positioning
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### **01:10 – 01:40 | Game-Like Scenarios**
- **Full Field 2v1 Ground Ball into Fast Break**
Players compete for a ground ball, then transition into a fast break situation, reinforcing quick decision-making
- **2v2 Ground Ball Challenge**
Pairs compete to gain possession and complete a pass to the coach or into a designated goal area, emphasizing teamwork and strategy
- **Ground Ball Scrimmage**
Controlled scrimmage focusing on ground balls; play is frequently reset with ground ball situations to provide ample practice opportunities
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### **01:40 – 01:50 | Cool-Down & Reflection**
- **Static Stretching**
Focus on hamstrings, quads, shoulders, and back to aid recovery
- **Team Discussion**
Reflect on the day's drills, discuss improvements, and set goals for future practices
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### **Why This Practice Plan Works**
This session blends mechanical precision, competitive fire, and live-game scenarios to build confidence and consistency in ground ball situations. By focusing on technique, competitiveness, and application, players become more effective in securing possession and creating scoring opportunities
