Top 5 Hockey Drills to Try on Your Lokflor Skills Mat
Published: August 2025
Author: Lokflor Team
Introduction
Consistent practice builds confidence, control and match-winning skills. A Lokflor Hockey Skills Mat gives players a reliable surface for focused training — indoors or outdoors. Below are five targeted drills to sharpen technique, increase speed and boost on-field performance.
1. Ball Control Circuit
Set up a 2–3 metre circuit on your skills mat and work on keeping the ball tight to the stick while moving in different directions. Focus on close touches, soft wrists and smooth transitions. The Lokflor surface provides consistent roll and grip for precise ball control.
2. Dribbling Through Cones
Place cones in a zig-zag or slalom pattern across the mat. Dribble through at varying speeds, emphasizing change of pace and body positioning. This drill boosts agility, stick handling and the ability to evade defenders in tight spaces.
3. Short Passing & First Touch
Pair up or use a rebound board. Practise short push passes and receive with a controlled first touch. The predictable bounce on Lokflor mats helps train accurate passing, softer trapping and faster ball circulation — essential for team play.
4. Reverse Stick Repetition
Use repeated reps to build muscle memory for reverse-stick plays: receiving, dribbling and flicking with the reverse side. The consistent surface feel on Lokflor mats makes practicing advanced techniques more effective and safer.
5. Reaction & Speed Drill
Have a partner randomly feed balls or call directions while you react and control. This simulates match unpredictability and improves reflexes, decision-making and recovery speed under pressure.
Why Train on a Lokflor Skills Mat?
- Durable & weather-resistant: built for long-term use in South African conditions.
- Portable & easy to install: set up training zones at home, school or club.
- Consistent ball roll & grip: replicate match-like conditions for reliable practice.
- Perfect for all levels: from youth development to elite skill work.
How to Structure a 20-Minute Practice Session
- Warm-up (4 minutes): light footwork and stick handling.
- Drill block 1 (6 minutes): Ball control & dribbling through cones — 3 sets.
- Drill block 2 (6 minutes): Passing/first touch & reverse stick repetition — 3 sets.
- Reaction speed (4 minutes): partner feeds and quick recoveries.
Finish with a short cool-down and stretch to reduce injury risk.
Get Your Lokflor Skills Mat
Ready to level up your training? Shop our Hockey Skills Mats or explore our full range of sports surfaces and contact us for bulk or school packages.
