Centre pass: first and second phase

Setup

1. C in the centre circle; WA and GA in the goal third on the transverse line; GS in the circle. wd, gd and gk mark them and c starts in the centre third.
2. Before each whistle the coach names the first option, the second option and the side.

How it runs

1. First phase: on the whistle the first option drives to take the pass in the centre third. The second option works a different line as the back-up.
2. Second phase: the player who didn't take the centre pass re-drives off the first ball, to the circle edge or the pocket, so the ball is on the circle edge within two passes.
3. Play on to a shot. 8 centre passes per group, 30 s between reps, rotate the defenders after 8.
4. Score 2 points for a goal within 3 passes, 1 point for a goal after more.

Coaching points

• Start close to the transverse line and move the defender before the whistle without crossing early; drive hard on the whistle.
• First option: a straight, strong line with hands out early. Second option: the opposite line and later timing, never the same space.
• The second phase starts while the first ball is in the air, not after it is caught.
• C: pass on the whistle, then drive into the space the first option left as the next back-up.

Common mistakes

• Breaking into the centre third before the whistle and giving away a free pass.
• Both drivers peaking together, so the second phase has no one to hit.
• The second-phase lead running straight at the circle edge where the defender is already sitting.