Field Hockey: swing

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Right-Wing Position

My daughter plays U13 hockey in the position of right wing.She gets different advice from her school coach and her club coach.I want to make sure that she is getting the right advice as she is passionate about her hockey. Firstly, exactly what is the full function of a right wing at this level of hockey (she will be going to U15 club hockey and U14 school hockey next season) She has a good understanding of the game and appears to me to read it well (I only played school level many years ago and things change) When her team is in the offensive position in the “D” she mostly waits at goal post to deflect ball into goal.  She appears to not be involved.  Comments from spectators have been made as to why she just stands there. There is a very skilled player in her team who hits the ball EXTREMELY hard.  I believe that at this level of hockey these extremely hard hits/passes do not achieve anything, they just keep going out. However, please can you advise on how to stop and control these very hard passes (that is if one can get to them) in order to move on with the game. Lastly, can you send some drills/exercises to get her eye in as well as positioning her body correctly for goal shooting.  The “hard hitter” and my daughter seem to be the main goal shooters of the team. Many thanks Lynne

Archived User Coach

Should we play differently on real grass?

Playing field hockey on real grass not turff. Any advice as to good tactics, more running with the ball rather than passing game?

Bruce Walgren Coach, Canada

"Outside the box" formation ideas?

To John Royce: Formations Hey John just wondered your thoughts have taken over ane A1 Womens Side was trying to think a bit outside the box thought of trying a 1-1-3-4-2 formation or 1-1-3-3-3. had any success or heartache with either. Have varying degrees of age in this team which make it a little for younger ones to comprehend. Regards Ian Manhire Newtown A1 Womens Coach

Ian Manhire Coach, Australia

What are the most effective goalie drills pre-season??

I am helping a good, strong goalie in east mids prem at the moment. Can you suggest the best drills for the pre season please?

Jack Rhodes Coach, Wales

Swinging stick in the air when passing ball

One of my players constantly swings her stick in the air when passing, or making a tackle. i have explained technique many times but it is not working. how can i help her?? May injure someone and also gets blown up for stick tackle.

Aurelie Charles Coach, England

Balance of player when taking shots at goal

Hi All. I am coaching a senior ladies side this year and have one player, who is a provincial player, that after practically every second shot at goal she is flat on the turf. She is extremely fast and very accurate with her shots but has more turf roasties than skin on her knees and elbows. Thanks. Bev

Bev Koch Coach, South Africa

How to deal with high hanging strikers?

How do I defend two High hanging strikers?

Karin Barnard Coach, South Africa

Problems Clearing the Circle

I'm in the U.S., coaching a team of 11-12 year olds, with 1-2 years of experience. Defending the circle, when the ball is loose, my players are not getting control of the ball to hit out of the circle. It's congested with opponent and my team's players. If my players get control, they lose it quickly. If the opponent has control, my players aren't very good at taking the ball or stopping the opponent from taking a shot. Luckily we have a good goalie but she can only do so much. (Full disclosure: I didn't play FH but have a decent understanding of the game. No one else in my community would step up to coach so it's fallen to me.)

Brandon Cowart Coach, United States of America

Striking ball on the reverse side

My players never seem to be able to execute a successful reverse stick shot when in the D. What are the key coaching points/technique for this skill that I should be highlighting to them?

Paul Furlong Coach, England

gymnast with amputated arm

Bar routine for gymnast with amputated arm

Mandi Smith Coach, United Kingdom

The new rules - what will UK c...

The new rules - what will UK coaches be focussing on most? (Living in NZ, we're playing them now!)

sue shelswell Coach, New Zealand

teaching presses on free hits ...

Hi allI am looking for advice on how to implement processes in my girls school hockey team. processes of setting up presses, defensive structures and counter attacking thinking. I have 14 players in the team from 15 years old to 18. we train twice a week. only a few play club hockey as well. We either play a 3-1-4-2 or a 3-1-3-3.I find it difficult for example, when you want to teach a press on the opposition 16, to simulate gameplay with only 14 players (if they are all at training). I can have my halves setup for taking the 16 and then get my strikers and links to setup, but then I still want defenders to see things from the back but they are taking the 16? Also when taking the 16 they then don't have any support in the drill because everyone else is setting up a press?I know we need to work on our basics in order for the other tactics and skills and game plans to work. However I find it frustrating with this team that on counter attacks for a few reasons which I am struggling to mend;- they only head forward. No one holds up the ball to wait for support.- they run straight and don't use angles- they pass too late and get tackled - they don't have the vision to see an early pass or pass into space- players without the ball do not run into useful positions and angles and get caught out by the person with the ball who then makes a pass to no one and it runs out of play.So suggestions please for;- open, creative but simple counter attacking- teaching processes for presses on free hits and 16s- coaching how to take 16s and work your way out- coaching vision and expecting your players to be in support. RegardsMatt

Matthew Lydall Coach, South Africa

How to lob/chip in a hockey sh...

im twelve, i play for my school team and i am going for a trial at southgate hockey. I  play up front, and i can shoot pretty well but i cant lift it over the keeper. any tips would be much appreiciated

Archived User Coach

how do i do a really good reve...

how do i do a really good reverse hit?!

Coach, Scotland

How do you hit a reverse stick...

In field hockey, how do you hit a tomahawk flat and accurately?

sarah taylor Coach, Northern Ireland

What is a dangerous hit called...

What is a dangerous hit called? Is it when the stick swings higher than the shoulder? On the follow through after the hit? Or is it only when a defender is in proximity? Is it only when not having a shot at goal? Or is it when the ball is in the air close to a defender? Does it depend on age? I am coaching young girls. Is there a handy reference to these rules, or is it a players learning resource that a new coach can procure?

Archived User Coach

Please tell me about strong pa...

My team's players don't have strong pass. So our pass is hard to arrive for FW. Please tell me way to pass (push, sweep, hit) strong.

Archived User Coach

Tackling from wrong side | Spo...

How do I teach kids to get body around to tackle from correct position? Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Deirdre lithgow Coach, New Zealand

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