Teaching the hockey basics

1. First touch

It is important that you have a great first touch and move the ball in the direction of where space is available.

An example of a good touch is being able to receive and move the ball to either right or left, which will indirectly create space between you and a defender. This will give you time to scan the field and identify your next move.

To work on creating a great first touch, work on receiving the ball from different angles and spots on the field.

2. Leading

Leading is a great skill to have when trying to get into a good position on the field. Understanding the player on the ball and anticipating where the ball might go will increase your ability to lead better on the field, while also creating space between you and the defender.

3. Passing

No matter the position, having accurate passing can lead to crucial plays during a game. You may want to work on different styles of passing most commonly found during your position. For example, a striker will want to work on a one-touch pass, while a midfielder will want to work on passing off the right or left foot.

4. Hit

Having a powerful hit is a great skill to have in your position. Many factors go into having a powerful and accurate hit such as head, foot, body, and ball position. It is important that when during a hit to make sure your hip is rotating, your body weight is transferring forward, and your head is on top of the ball. This will help your hit be more accurate and powerful.

5. Flat stick tackle

Having a clean flat stick tackle is what every field hockey player should make on the field. Committing too early to the tackle and being flat-footed can cause you to make a bad tackle, which can result in injury or being carded. Just be patient, wait for the right moment, and make sure to keep your stick down to make clean tackle.