Field Hockey: Style of Play and Skills
Share
Here’s a brief overview of field hockey style of play and key skills:
_________________________________________________________________________________
Style of Play
-
Field hockey is a fast, skillful game played on grass or artificial turf.
-
It emphasizes precise stick work, quick passing, and strategic positioning.
-
Players rely on teamwork to control the ball, create scoring opportunities, and maintain possession.
-
Unlike ice hockey, physical contact is limited, focusing more on skill and speed rather than body checking.
-
The game flows continuously, with players covering a lot of ground through running and quick transitions between offense and defense.
Key Skills
-
Dribbling: Smooth control of the ball with short taps to maneuver past opponents.
-
Passing: Accurate and varied passes (push, hit, slap) to move the ball efficiently.
-
Receiving: Stopping or controlling the ball cleanly to maintain possession.
-
Shooting: Powerful and precise shots including hits, flicks, and pushes to score goals.
-
Tackling: Using the stick to legally dispossess opponents without fouling.
-
Positioning: Maintaining proper field positioning for defense and attack.
-
Fitness: High endurance and agility due to continuous play and large field size.
- Penalty Corners: Specialized set plays requiring precise coordination and technique.