Is it too late for me to get involved in hockey?

Lee-annes NetballCoach, Australia

its never too late to take up any sport!  just find a club and start.  i was 14 when i started gymnastics, and i competed (badly...lol), but still got a lot out of it.  i wanted to learn front saults after i turned 40...and so i did.  i started riding mototbikes in my mid 30s, started coaching all kinds of sports, and some i have never done myself, and took up hockey myself (i played for a few years from 10-14) in my mid 20s.  dont let age, or really anything stop you trying new things.  hope you have some fun.

Butch BablerCoach, United States of America

Never to late just get alot of touches on the ball every chacnce you get.

Alain PaumenCoach, Belgium

Hi Mikaela,

Although Hockey is a very technical sport, you can learn it at all ages.  I've successfully learned people to play and enjoy hockey that were well into their 30's and 40's.  In Belgium we have parents of kids that play hockey, that become interested in the sports and start then very late.

Important, find some-one that knows the techniques very well and will spent some time with you practicing one-on-one, practice on a smooths surface (astro turf if possible).  Important to check & correct constantly the techniques.

My basic steps in a novice trainingsschedule (max 30 minutes per session & 1 topic per session)%3A

1. how to hold your stick

All standing still, stationary%3A

2. How to push & how to stop a ball (Basic same grips)

3. How to hit with a sweep in forehand

4. How to hit with a normal hit

6. Use of backhand to control the ball%3A  Move ball from left foot to right foot and back by using your backhand.

Bring in movement (walking, later running, start first in straight line, later add changes of direction)%3A

7. How to move the ball with a forehand drive

8. Indian dribble on the go

9.  Pushing while moving (Forward - to the left - to the right (in that order due to complexity)

10. Hitting while moving (see pushing)

Those are the basics and from their yoy can move to more complex techniques.

Work with your coach on this, with a regular hockey ball.  Then practice moving with the ball at home, but use a tennis ball instead of a hockey ball.

Don't get frustrated if it doesn't work the first time, focus and you will soon enjoy the sport,

Alain.