Hookin2Hockey · Ages 5-12
Hookin2Hockey drills for kids aged 5-12
Hookin2Hockey is non-contact and built around one rule: every kid touches the ball, constantly. Here's how to structure a training session and the drills that build stick skills fast.
The Hookin2Hockey philosophy
Hookin2Hockey is Hockey Australia's entry-level program for kids up to age 10, built on modified rules and a smaller playing area. It's strictly non-contact, and the focus is dribbling, passing and basic stick skills rather than structured positional play.
One detail worth knowing as a coach: the ball is the same standard size at every age group. It's only the stick that changes — length scales up with the child's height, not the ball they're hitting.
Hockey positions: where kids are heading
Hookin2Hockey has no fixed positions. Hockey Australia's program is built on small-sided games, from 2v2 up, where kids simply attack and defend and everyone rotates. These are the positions on a full pitch, which kids meet later in junior club hockey. Here is one team attacking towards the left-hand goal, with left and right from the team's point of view.
- GK
- Goalkeeper: the last line of defence, in full protective gear.
- RFB
- Right fullback: defends the goal on the right and starts attacks from the back.
- LFB
- Left fullback: defends the goal on the left and starts attacks from the back.
- RH
- Right half: links defence and attack down the right side.
- CH
- Centre half: the engine room. Does the most running and links the whole team.
- LH
- Left half: links defence and attack down the left side.
- RI
- Right inner: feeds the forwards and shoots from inside the circle.
- LI
- Left inner: feeds the forwards and shoots from inside the circle.
- CF
- Centre forward: the main goal-scorer, in the middle of the attack.
- RW
- Right wing: stays wide on the right and sends the ball into the circle.
- LW
- Left wing: stays wide on the left and sends the ball into the circle.
Rotate everyone through attack and defence. Team sizes and pitch sizes vary by association. As one example, Hockey Victoria's under 10 competition is 5-a-side on a quarter pitch, with goalkeepers optional, so check with your association.
Four drills that work well
1. Dribble gates
Set up narrow cone gates across the training area. Kids dribble the ball through each gate in turn, focusing on close stick control rather than speed. Easy to run with the whole group moving at once.
2. Partner passing lane
Pairs stand a few metres apart and push-pass the ball back and forth along a line. Focus on a flat stick and hitting the target, not power. Builds the fundamental skill almost everything else depends on.
3. Shooting stations
Set up 2-3 small goals or cone targets so multiple kids can shoot at once, rather than one shooter facing a queue. Coaches rotate between stations giving quick technique tips.
4. Small-sided modified game
Split into small teams for a 3v3 or 4v4 game on a reduced area. Non-contact rules enforced throughout. This is where the earlier drills come together, and usually the part kids enjoy most.
Structuring a 1-hour session
A simple structure that keeps every kid moving:
- 5 min warm-up — running and stick-carrying games
- 15 min dribble gates — everyone involved at once
- 15 min passing lanes and shooting stations — run as parallel stations so no one waits
- 20 min small-sided game — putting it together
- 5 min cool down
The biggest mistake to avoid
Running one long line of kids waiting their turn with the stick is the fastest way to lose a group of young kids. Wherever possible, split into smaller groups running parallel stations, so every child is doing something every few minutes, not standing and waiting.
These drills are general suggestions — always adapt them to your group's age, ability and the conditions on the day.
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