Teaching kids about running the ball vs passing

It's the ever returning decision in field hockey : do I run or do I pass the ball? Let's explore possible ways to teach U16 and U12 players.

It’s the second half of a tightly contested U16 match. Your team is building an attack from midfield, and the ball carrier has two options: pass to a teammate making a lead run down the right flank or carry the ball forward into open space. The player hesitates, unsure of the best choice, and ends up passing too late. The defender intercepts, and the opportunity is lost.

Now imagine the same scenario, but this time the player scans the field early, recognizes the space ahead, and decides to run with the ball. By drawing the defender toward them, they create a 2v1 situation, slip a perfectly timed pass to the forward, and set up a scoring opportunity. The difference? Decision-making. Knowing when to run with the ball and when to pass is one of the most critical skills in field hockey, especially for youth players learning to navigate the fast-paced transitions of the game.

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The Problem: When to Run and When to Pass

One of the biggest challenges for youth players is understanding when to run with the ball and when to pass it. At its core, this decision depends on three factors:

1. Space: Is there open space ahead to exploit? If so, running with the ball might be the better option.

2. Pressure: Are defenders closing in quickly? If yes, passing to a teammate in a better position might be the safer choice.

3. Support: Are teammates available and positioned to receive a pass? If not, carrying the ball might be necessary to maintain possession.

As Robert Noall highlighted in his workshop on decision-making,

“Pre-scanning is great when you have time, but in dynamic moments, players need to make decisions on the fly. It’s about reading the game and reacting to what’s in front of you” .

This is especially true in transition moments, where the speed of decision-making can make or break an attack.

For U12 players, the challenge is often recognizing these factors in real time. They may lack the game awareness to scan the field effectively or the technical skills to execute their decisions under pressure. For U16 players, the challenge shifts to refining these skills and making faster, more precise decisions in high-pressure situations.

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The 3 Phases of Decision-Making

To help players master the art of running vs passing, we can break the decision-making process into three phases: Scanning, Decision-Making, and Technical Execution.

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1. Scanning: Seeing the Bigger Picture

The first step in making the right decision is gathering information. Players need to scan the field to assess the positions of their teammates, opponents, and available space.

Key Actions:

• Pre-Scan: Before receiving the ball, players should look around to identify their options. Are there open spaces to run into? Are teammates in good positions to receive a pass?

• Continuous Scanning: Players should keep scanning as the play develops. Situations change quickly, and constant awareness is crucial.

• Communication: Encourage players to communicate with their teammates. A simple call like “Time!” or “Man on!” can provide valuable information.

Coaching Cues:

👉 “Check your shoulder before the ball comes.”

👉 “Scan twice—once before receiving and once after.”

👉 “Talk to your teammates—help them see what you see.”

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2. Decision-Making: Choosing the Best Option

Once players have scanned the field, they need to decide whether to run with the ball or pass it. This decision should be based on the three factors we discussed earlier: space, pressure, and support.

Key Considerations:

• Run with the Ball: If there’s open space ahead and no immediate pressure, carrying the ball can draw defenders and create opportunities for teammates.

• Pass the Ball: If defenders are closing in or a teammate is in a better position, passing can maintain possession and keep the attack flowing.

• Combination Play: Sometimes, the best option is a combination of both—running to draw a defender and then passing to exploit the space created.

Coaching Cues:

👉 “If there’s space, attack it.”

👉 “If you’re under pressure, find the pass.”

👉 “Draw the defender before you pass.”

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3. Technical Execution: Making It Happen

The final phase is executing the decision. Whether it’s running with the ball or making a pass, the technical execution must be precise and efficient.

Key Actions:

• Running with the Ball: Players should keep the ball close to their stick, maintain a low body position, and use their vision to scan for options as they move.

• Passing: Passes should be accurate and weighted appropriately for the situation. Encourage players to use push passes for short distances and hits or slaps for longer passes.

• Receiving: If the decision is to pass, the receiving player must be ready to control the ball and continue the play.

Coaching Cues:

👉 “Keep the ball close and your head up when running.”

👉 “Pass with purpose—know where you’re sending it.”

👉 “Be ready to receive—stay low and balanced.”

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Technical Coaching Points

Here are three key coaching points to always fall back on when teaching running vs passing:

1. Scan Early and Often:

   • Teach players to scan the field before receiving the ball and continue scanning as they move. This helps them anticipate the next action.

   • Coaching Cue: “Eyes up—see the whole field.”

2. Make Quick Decisions:

   • Encourage players to decide their next action before the ball arrives. This reduces hesitation and keeps the play flowing.

   • Coaching Cue: “Know your move before the ball gets to you.”

3. Execute with Precision:

   • Focus on the technical skills needed to run with the ball or make an accurate pass. Consistency in execution builds confidence.

   • Coaching Cue: “Be sharp—every touch matters.”

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Coaching Strategies for U12 vs U16

U12 Teams: Building Awareness and Fundamentals

At this age, the focus should be on developing game awareness and basic technical skills.

• Small-Sided Games: Use 3v3 or 4v4 games to create more opportunities for decision-making. For example, play a game where players can only pass forward, encouraging them to scan for space and make quick decisions.

• Guided Discovery: Ask players questions like, “What did you see before you passed?” or “Why did you decide to run with the ball?” This helps them think critically about their choices.

• Praise Effort: Celebrate good decisions, even if the execution isn’t perfect. This reinforces positive behavior and builds confidence.

U16 Teams: Refining Skills and Speed

For older players, the focus shifts to refining their decision-making and executing under pressure.

• High-Pressure Drills: Create drills that simulate game-like pressure, such as 5v4 counterattack scenarios. This forces players to make quick decisions in transition moments.

• Video Analysis: Use video clips to review decision-making in matches. Highlight good examples and discuss areas for improvement.

• Game-Specific Scenarios: Practice specific situations, like breaking out of a press or attacking the circle, to help players apply their skills in context.

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3 Actionable Takeaways for Coaches

1. Incorporate Scanning Drills: Start every session with exercises that train players to scan the field before receiving the ball. For example, set up a passing drill where players must call out the number of cones in a specific area before making their pass.

2. Use Decision-Making Games: Play small-sided games with specific rules, like limiting the number of passes or requiring players to run into space before passing. This encourages players to think critically about their choices.

3. Focus on Transitions: Design drills that emphasize quick transitions from defense to attack. For example, play a 4v3 transition game where the attacking team must score within 10 seconds of winning the ball.

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Teaching players when to run with the ball and when to pass is about more than just technical skills—it’s about developing their ability to read the game and make smart decisions under pressure. By focusing on scanning, decision-making, and execution, you can help your players become more confident and effective in transition moments.

So, how are you currently coaching this with your team? Are there specific challenges you’re facing, or strategies that have worked well for you?

Let’s dive in a bit deeper on some possibilities for these small sided games and drills we spoke about earlier. The next part  ↓  is for our paid subscribers only…