Hockey: Changing direction with the ball

Players can use this technique when passing or shooting at goal. Hold the stick with your palms facing upwards and turn the stick so that the flat side of the hook is facing the sky. The back swing should be short and remain close to the ground. Place your weight onto your right foot, with the ball slightly in front. For a pass/ sweep shot ensure you get low and hit the middle of the ball. For a controlled lifted shot players should hit into the back of the ball.

- Performing the aerial pass in pairs - Stand around half a stick length away from the ball - Step into the movement with left foot in line with the ball - Keep head still and over the ball - The head of the stick should come underneath the ball, using a pushing motion at a 45 degree angle - Hand position should be similar to an upright push pass  

- Lifting the ball up and over the opposition on the move, off of the right foot - This is an advanced skill, and should only be practised once players are comfortable with the standard aerial

- Lifting the ball up and over the opposition while the ball is moving - This is an advanced skill and should only be practised by players who are comfortable with the standard aerial

Practice moving the ball with the first touch to escape an imaginary defender and then shoot with the ball in line with the back foot, giving the keeper little time to see the ball, particularly in a crowded circle

Run to the ball and shoot on the turn.  Also known as utilising the 'backspace' A useful skill for strikers working on getting away from a defender, especially from free hits outside the circle.

- Using a reverse stick block challenge to gain possession of the ball

- Performing a block stick challenge in an 1 v 1 situation

- Carrying the ball in different position - Working on footwork - Playing position from red to blue cone - Sharp roll/turn at first red cone - Move feet around the ball at second red cone

Adopt a 'ski position' in possession allowing vision of the ball and the receiving players Look at Player 1 "visual dummy" and pass "under the arm" to player 2 Start the ball's travel in the direction of player 1 - Open stick face Change the direction of the ball from player 1 to player 2 as you slide the ball across the surface

Adopt a ski position' in possession allowing vision of the ball and the receiving players Look at Player 2 "visual dummy" and pass "away" to player 1 Butt of the stick level with the kneecaps Place stick behind the ball and push it there should be NO NOISE on contact Start the ball's travel in the direction of player 2 Change the direction of the ball from player 2 to player 1 as you slide the ball across the surface

The first defender over commits to the forehand side to make the player in possession turn away. The second defender closes down the space so that the player in possession runs the ball onto the defenders stick when turned

Place the ball on the penalty spot. Sit down on both knees (slightly ahead of the ball). Drag the ball from this position into the goal.

Place the ball on the penalty spot and sit down on one knee and stretch the left leg out towards the target.

Place the ball on the penalty spot. Start with both feet behind the line. Left foot steps level / beyond the ball. Right foot crosses behind the ball (sometimes the hop step), the left foot then steps out towards the target and then the ball is drag-flicked.

Hold your stick with hands slightly apart turn your top hand anti clockwise

Lastly practice the cross over step also used when throwing a ball on the move.

Coach's objective : To teach the drag from right to left followed by a change of direction and movement back to the right to find space Purpose : To exploit space on an opponent's reverse stick as a result of the defender denying the ball carrier the opportunity to cut back Structure : Players work on their own.

- Perform the indian dribble whilst moving the body to the opposite side of the cones

- Perform the indian dribble outside of the right foot