Goal: improve sweep hit, focus on half circle movement stick
Exercise
* make 2 teams: A and B
* have 2 different color balls, each for a team so they can recognize it's there turn.
* divide 4 team members over the 4 corners.
* after pass they stay in same corner.
* ball travel around between the cones of the circle and over the midline.
* first practice, then end game where the teams compete against each other who's ball is first round (or 2x round).
If less than 8 players
* work with 1 team. Divide the team over the 4 corners.
* ball goes around and after sweep hit they follow their pass.
* If you have 6 then work with 2 balls who start at same time.
* still end game possible like how many rounds in 2 minutes? What time do you think you need for 3 rounds etc.
Sweep hit/ slap hit
* 2 hands together top of stick (if ball goes high always grip problem)
* ball levels with the front left foot, feet in running position
* left foot 1 stick length away from ball
* stick on ground, hands 20/30 cm above ground.
* stick describes half circle around body = the sweep when ball is being played.
* ball being played with shaft of stick.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
The first weeks of the season decide whether a junior or new player sticks with adult hockey. Here is how to keep them safe, give them a clear job and build their confidence from the very first bully.
Most tackles are lost before the stick goes down. Teach your defenders to channel, wait and choose the right tackle, and you will win more ball and give away fewer cards.
England Hockey's rule guidance for 2026/27 takes effect from 1 September. Here are the changes that will actually alter how you coach, and how to brief your squad in one pre-season session.