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Hockey: Quick Hit

Excellent, used the drills at our first training session today with...

Shane, Hockey Coach

DESCRIPTION

HITTING TECHNIQUE

It is difficult to define the ÂcorrectÂ technique; if a player is quick and highly successful, a teacher should question whether to change a playerÂs style. However, it is recognized that only the flat, German style hit is effective on a water-based pitch, as other techniques tend to make the ball rise. It is highly desirable to teach the following:

COACHING POINTS

Bringing the hands together quickly not necessarily right at the top of the stick.

Hold stick firmly.

Body should be side on, left shoulder pointing in the direction of the hit.

A minimal back swing is required to enable the player to make a quick hit or shot at goal.

Head remains still - eyes move only.

Weight is transferred from back foot to front foot in the action of hitting, this provides much of the power.

Keep wrists firm in follow through.

Encourage players to practice hitting on the move at a target with a ball each Â perhaps to the side of the pitch to get plenty of practice as hitting in pairs to start with tends to result in lack of accuracy and less attempts.

Encourage players to experiment with shooting off either foot.

Players should push the ball slightly ahead as they prepare to shoot just before the D.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

The Hit:

Video Techniques

scoring with the sweep shot:

Video Techniques

Push:

Grip: Hands apart but similar 'double V grip' to the hitting technique.

Head: The head should be positioned over the right foot as the player starts to push the ball. The head will finish well over the left foot once the follow through has been completed.

Ball: Almost a full stick length away from the body. The ball should start in front of the right foot and will be released when it has passed the left foot. Keep the stick in contact with the ball for as long as possible.

A good follow through technique will see the head of the stick pointing at the intended target.

On the move: Players should use the 'cross-over' step where the penultimate step is the right foot crossing behind the left foot. This motion allows the player to stay in a low position throughout the push. Keeping both feet on the ground when in contact with the ball will help the player stay balanced throughout the pushing technique, and will help the transfer of weight from right foot to left.

Passing & Receiving