Propelling The Ball
The Push
The push is used in situation where it is not possible to or required to have a full hit of the ball. Often the player is under pressure and the need for accuracy is high.
- Basic grip.
- Player body position low.
- Head and eyes steady until completion of pass.
- Balanced transfer of weight from right to left foot as the pass is made.
- Hands well apart on stick, shaft of stick low to ground for strength.
- Stick on ground and in contact with the ball until the pass is made.
- Ball should be able to be passed from any position
NB - It is often seen in less experienced players that they commonly push with the left shoulder forward in the direction of the pass with the ball midway between the feet – but passing in all directions is to be encouraged sideways on - not chest on.
The hit is undoubtedly the fastest and most effective way to get the ball round the pitch. Done properly it can turn defence in to attack in one move.
- Double “V” grip .
- Hands together, this can be either at the top or further down.
- Early body and stick preparation.
- Turn body sideways, have left shoulder facing goal, cross over step right foot behind left .
- Weight on right foot transfers to left foot as the shot is made.
- Head over ball, eyes on ball until shot completed.
- Low back swing, firm wrists on follow through.
- Ensure face of the stick is square to the ball and in the direction of the hit.
- Ball position ahead and to the right of player, level with front foot for flat hit.ack to top
The long handled sweep
A core skill on water based Astroturf pitches, which requires a flat movement of the ball. Water based pitches can result in a bounce which if the receiver has to control the ball would reduce speed of movement.
- Double “V” grip.
- Body position low.
- Head and eyes steady until completion of pass.
- Balanced transfer of weight from left to right foot as the pass is made right to left.
- Hands near the top of the stick.
- Stick on ground, starts away from the ball and slaps through the ball on an arc in contact with the ground, making this a quicker more powerful and faster action than the push.
- Ball should be well away from the feet to the right, able to be moved from any position.
- Hands rotate as ball is swept away.ck to top
The Flick (aerial ball)
Watch any international hockey match, especially one with the Netherlands playing, and you will see some of the best exponents of the aerial pass in the world. Defenders often “throwing” the ball 50 – 60 metres, converting defence into attack.
- Prepare early.
- Body weight lower and balanced.
- Sideways on to the ball.
- Knees well bent.
- Generally left foot forward if open flick; Generally right foot forward if reverse flick.
- Ball generally behind or level with front foot on open stick side and level with front foot on reverse stick side.
- Stick at 45% or lower with face upwards.
- Lift underneath the ball with right hand, through and forward. Push down and back with left hand pulling towards body at the same time.
- Transfer weight to front foot on completion of flick
