How To Score A Goal In The First 24 Secs Of a Game
Have you ever played a hockey game when the opposition scored early in the game (i.e. first 5 mins)?
It usually takes a few minutes for hockey players to settle into a game, so it can be quite unsettling when you get caught on the back foot and go a goal down early in the game.
On the flipside, what if we could start the game straight out the gate and put the opposition team on the back foot by getting a head start early in the game, while they are still settling.
In the video below we look at an example of keeping possession, valuing the ball, playing the ball into space, preparation before entering the circle and beating the keeper.
How To Score A Goal In The First 24 Secs of a Hockey Game
This clip comes from the semi-final of the over 45 Women's Masters Hockey World Cup in 2022, between England and Germany. What a way to start a semi-final match!
Here's a summary of some of the key points:
#1: Value The Ball
In a game of hockey the ball is precious, so value it and keep it out of contact, without forcing passes that aren't on. Move the ball around and transfer it to change the channel.
#2: Use Your Stick To Win The 50/50
You can win the 50/50 balls even when you are behind your player, simply use the length of your stick to get a touch on the ball first, either to hit the defenders foot or to change the angle of the ball.
Once you've won possession of the ball, get your head up and assess your options.
#3: Move Your Body To Create Space
Use your body and feet around the ball to deceive the defender of what you're going to do next, by shaping to pass one way and then going the other way.
#4: Use Lifted Passes In Tight Spaces
If the defender closes down your space quickly with a flat stick, use a lifted pass to get the ball over their stick and towards an open team mate.
#5: Be Strong On The Receive
When making a post up lead, get in front of your defender to receive the ball before them and have a strong base to secure the ball, especially when it's bouncing.
Once you've secured the ball, roll out on your strong side and get your head up to look for open space.
#6: Use Waited Passes Into Space
Don't just pass to where players are in that moment, think about where they will be by the time the ball reaches them.
Aim to pass and receive on the move, a great way to do this is to play a waited pass into space for your team mates to run onto, especially when their feet are already going towards your attacking goal.
#7: Prepare Before Your Get Into The Circle
When there is space, head to the circle and go as direct as you can. Accelerate to try cut out any defenders and if there is some pressure then position your body between the defender and the ball to deny them the chance to tackle you.
Before you get into the circle, think about what you might do and do your preparation early, such as your footwork, body position or backswing to get ready to take a shot or make a pass.
Want more in-depth training like this or personalised feedback on your game that could make the difference for you?
Click Here to Apply For Our Mentorship Program where I work with you to help you reach the next level in your game.
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I've put together a FREE 20 min training video sharing the 4 Steps To Get Noticed In Hockey, including how to avoid the same mistakes that I made (and that many others make too) when striving to reach a higher level in hockey.
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How To Score A Goal In The First 24 Secs Of a Game
Have you ever played a hockey game when the opposition scored early in the game (i.e. first 5 mins)?
It usually takes a few minutes for hockey players to settle into a game, so it can be quite unsettling when you get caught on the back foot and go a goal down early in the game.
On the flipside, what if we could start the game straight out the gate and put the opposition team on the back foot by getting a head start early in the game, while they are still settling.
In the video below we look at an example of keeping possession, valuing the ball, playing the ball into space, preparation before entering the circle and beating the keeper.
How To Score A Goal In The First 24 Secs of a Hockey Game
This clip comes from the semi-final of the over 45 Women's Masters Hockey World Cup in 2022, between England and Germany. What a way to start a semi-final match!
Here's a summary of some of the key points:
#1: Value The Ball
In a game of hockey the ball is precious, so value it and keep it out of contact, without forcing passes that aren't on. Move the ball around and transfer it to change the channel.
#2: Use Your Stick To Win The 50/50
You can win the 50/50 balls even when you are behind your player, simply use the length of your stick to get a touch on the ball first, either to hit the defenders foot or to change the angle of the ball.
Once you've won possession of the ball, get your head up and assess your options.
#3: Move Your Body To Create Space
Use your body and feet around the ball to deceive the defender of what you're going to do next, by shaping to pass one way and then going the other way.
#4: Use Lifted Passes In Tight Spaces
If the defender closes down your space quickly with a flat stick, use a lifted pass to get the ball over their stick and towards an open team mate.
#5: Be Strong On The Receive
When making a post up lead, get in front of your defender to receive the ball before them and have a strong base to secure the ball, especially when it's bouncing.
Once you've secured the ball, roll out on your strong side and get your head up to look for open space.
#6: Use Waited Passes Into Space
Don't just pass to where players are in that moment, think about where they will be by the time the ball reaches them.
Aim to pass and receive on the move, a great way to do this is to play a waited pass into space for your team mates to run onto, especially when their feet are already going towards your attacking goal.
#7: Prepare Before Your Get Into The Circle
When there is space, head to the circle and go as direct as you can. Accelerate to try cut out any defenders and if there is some pressure then position your body between the defender and the ball to deny them the chance to tackle you.
Before you get into the circle, think about what you might do and do your preparation early, such as your footwork, body position or backswing to get ready to take a shot or make a pass.
Want more in-depth training like this or personalised feedback on your game that could make the difference for you?
Click Here to Apply For Our Mentorship Program where I work with you to help you reach the next level in your game.
FREE TRAINING FOR HOCKEY PLAYERS
I've put together a FREE 20 min training video sharing the 4 Steps To Get Noticed In Hockey, including how to avoid the same mistakes that I made (and that many others make too) when striving to reach a higher level in hockey.
Get the 4 Steps To Get Noticed FREE Training HERE
For more hockey tips and training DOWNLOAD OUR FREE mobile app using the buttons below