Flat stick syndrome

Objective – Prevent players running into flat sticks

To do this you need to focus on:

1. Spatial awareness
2. Decision-making
3. Ball control under pressure.
4. Head up dribbling – to read defensive positioning.
5. Change of pace – to beat flat sticks with acceleration.
6. Use of angles – rather than driving straight at defenders.
7. Encourage players to visualize the defender’s “tackle range” and stay outside it.

1. Game
   1. Set up small gates (cones about 1m apart) across the pitch.
   2. Position defenders with flat sticks in fixed areas.
   3. Attackers must dribble through as many gates as possible without being tackled.
2. Actions
   1. Attackers work in pairs or individually.
   2. Defenders can only tackle within their designated area.
   3. Attackers are encouraged to change direction, use lateral movement, and protect the ball.
3. Coaching Points
   1. Head up while dribbling to spot space.
   2. Use body positioning to shield the ball.
   3. Focus on quick changes of direction to bypass defenders.

1. Game
   1. Three attackers face two defenders with flat sticks in small playing area
2. Actions
   1. Attackers aim to maintain possession and move the ball to a target zone.
   2. Defenders pressure with flat sticks, forcing attackers to change angles or pass.
3. Coaching Points
   1. 1. Emphasize passing ahead of the defender’s flat stick.
      2. Encourage quick ball movement rather than driving directly at defenders.
      3. Use V-drags, pull-backs, and dummy passes to manipulate the defender.

1. Game
   1. Mark out a 10m x 10m square.
   2. One attacker inside the square; two defenders on opposite sides.
2. Actions
   1. The attacker must move to a free side of the square without losing possession.
   2. Defenders can only tackle with flat sticks and must keep their stick on the floor.
3. Coaching Points
   1. Encourage body feints and deceptive stick skills (e.g., V-drags or Indian dribbles).
   2. Promote explosive acceleration to escape defenders.
   3. Focus on ball protection using the player’s body.

1. Game
   1. Create narrow channels (2-3m wide) along the pitch.
   2. Place defenders with flat sticks in designated defensive zones.
2. Actions
   1. Attackers must move through the channel without being tackled.
   2. Defenders can only tackle within their designated zone.
   3. Attackers are rewarded for using lateral movement or feints to bypass defenders.
3. Coaching Points
   1. Keep their eyes up to read defensive positioning.
   2. Promote the use of quick lateral drags to escape congestion.
   3. Emphasize scanning the pitch before receiving the ball.