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Identify when the PC shot is a drag or a hit

When the PC shot is identified as a drag, it seems the defenders should veer away, else suffer the penalty shot if they get a body hit high? Whereas if it is instead identified as a hit, run straight, then if it hits feet, another PC, or if it is higher then it is turnover and maybe pain?

If so, I guess the expert defenders are used to quickly deciding whether it is a drag or a hit, so whether to veer off for the drag, or to stay on track for the hit, protect feet, or if the hit is higher then take some pain for the benefit of the team?

I am coaching young girls at present, where the penalty shot is not used yet. I dont play hockey myself, but the Olympics shows these events. Although the replays, sunlight reflection and the angles were a bit dissapointing.

Hockey CoachCoach

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ANSWERS

Hockey CoachCoach

Most runners run to the left of where the ball is intended to be stopped so their stick has a chance of getting the way(not their body). They shouldn't run directly at where the ball stops as they greatly increase their risk of injury - broken foot/toes being the usual injury.

No1. player safety SHOULD be applied first - if a defender has to take evasive action it SHOULD be a free hit to the defence. However, IF a player deliberately runs directly down the path of the intended shot - knowing that a drag flick is occurring they are causing the danger, this was a tactic used a few years back tostop drag flick specialists scoring.

HTH

I believe showing anyone who isnt an international 'how' spain/Germany/holland etcetc do a skill will not help them as these players have natural talents and train for 20+hrs a week to play at that level