¶ Block 3 – Attacking, Defending and Mini Games
This block introduces basic attacking and defending roles while developing awareness of teammates and opponents through simple game play.
Linked Individual Fundamental:
Moving in the Water
– Players use surface, mid-water, and bottom movement to reposition and support attacking and defending roles.
Role Introduction
- Attackers
- Defenders
- No limitations on where players may be in the court
Linked Drill:
Guided Mini Game
Coach Note: This section is primarily a coach-led explanation and demonstration before players apply roles in play.
Defensive Concepts
- Get between puck and goal.
- Slow attackers.
- Limit forward movement.
Linked Drill:
Numbers Game
Attacking Concepts
- Move toward goal.
- Keep the puck safe.
- Help the team score.
Linked Drill:
Support Movement
Mini Games
- Short playing area.
- Two teams against each other.
- Frequent resets.
Linked Drill:
Guided Mini Game
Full drill descriptions available in the
Attacking and Defending Drill Library
.
¶ Exit Standard
By the end of this block players should demonstrate the following during mini game play:
Attackers aim to move the puck toward the goal while maintaining control and working with teammates.
- Move toward the goal
- Keep the puck safe and close
- Look for simple passing options
- Support teammates in possession
Attacking Rule: Move forward, keep control, support your team.
Linked Drill:
Support Movement
Defenders aim to slow down the attacker and protect the goal by positioning effectively.
- Get between the puck and the goal
- Slow the attacker
- Limit forward movement
- Avoid chasing the puck without control
Defending Rule: Protect space, slow play, stay between puck and goal.
Linked Drill:
Numbers Game
¶ Support and Awareness
Players begin to recognise where they should be in relation to the puck, teammates, and opponents.
- Stay close enough to support teammates
- Avoid all players chasing the puck
- Adjust position as play changes
- Recognise when to attack or defend
There are no fixed positions, but players should always look to stay connected to the play.
Linked Drills:
Support Movement,
Guided Mini Game
- Know your role
- Move toward goal
- Get between puck and goal
- Do not chase
- Support your teammate
- Look around
- Surface early
- Players recognise when they are attacking or defending
- Attackers move toward goal with control
- Defenders position between puck and goal
- Players spread out instead of chasing the puck
- Teammates support each other during play
- Mini games are played safely and with awareness
- All players chase the puck
Cue: Spread out and support.
- Defenders do not protect goal space
Cue: Get between puck and goal.
- Attackers lose control moving forward
Cue: Keep it close.
- Players unaware of surroundings
Cue: Look around.
- Players stay underwater too long
Cue: Surface early.
- Keep games small, simple, and structured
- Reset frequently to reinforce roles and positioning
- Encourage awareness over speed or competition
- Reinforce safe play and proper surfacing habits