It can be both exciting and overwhelming to start playing field hockey for the first time. A field hockey player should develop a variety of skills, so understanding where to start is crucial. These fundamental field hockey skills are an excellent approach to advancing a beginner’s game and are frequently taught by the club and high school coaches as well as at summer field hockey camps.
Here are some important skills for field hockey beginners:
First touch
It’s critical to make a strong initial touch and pass the ball in the direction of open space. Being able to receive the ball and shift it to the right or left, which will obliquely open up space between you and a defender, is an illustration of good touch. This will allow you some time to assess the situation and decide how to proceed. Work on receiving the ball from various positions and angles on the pitch to improve your first touch.
Leading and positioning
If a player wants to receive the ball, they must be able to position themselves well. When you lead successfully, you can focus more on the task at hand and come to better conclusions. There are many different kinds of leads you can generate, and they can change based on your situation.
A great leader is not fantastic until your timing is perfect, thus timing is an important component to take into account. Understanding the player with the ball and having the foresight to predict what will happen next are key components of effective leadership.
Re-leading must also be mentioned because, if the ball doesn’t come to you, you must do so to provide room for someone else. The difficulty for defenders is increased by this.
Flat stick tackle
Forwards and even goalkeepers should all be capable of making a clean flat-stick tackle. Bad tackles are typically made when you are caught off guard or at the wrong moment.
Poor body positioning, being caught off guard, and committing too soon are just a few instances of what can cause players to make poor tackles, which can result in either free hits in perilous positions or being carded and temporarily removed from the game.
Before making a tackle, you could try to direct the player into a less risky spot. By positioning yourself on the inside and driving them out wide, you can achieve this by blocking the direct path to the goal by keeping your stick down.
Hit
In your position, having a strong hit is a great talent to have. The position of the head, foot, torso, and ball are only a few of the variables that affect how strong and precise a hit is. During a hit, it’s crucial to make sure your head is on top of the ball, your hip is rotating, and your body weight is shifting forward. Your hit will be more potent and accurate as a result.
Passing
Accurate passing, regardless of position, can result in important plays during a game. You might want to practice the various passing techniques that are most frequently used in your position. For instance, a striker might like to practice one-touch passes, but a midfielder would prefer to practice passing with either the right or left foot.
Bonus tip
Given the wide variety of shapes, materials, and lengths available for field hockey sticks, many beginning players are unsure of which to purchase. The best Nike Field Hockey Camp instructors advise purchasing a wooden stick that reaches roughly your hipbone. Wood is a sturdy and flexible material that is useful for beginners in sports, and this stick will be the ideal length to start with before you decide on your on-field position.
