How To Win 50/50 Balls And Score More Goals In Field Hockey
How often do you win the 50/50 balls in a hockey game?
Being able to react first and jump on any loose balls will make a huge difference to your game, especially when you're in the circle as it could lead to scoring more goals in field hockey.
Let's look at a real life game example of winning the 50/50 ball which leads to a goal.
Here is a summary of the key points:
1. Draw Defenders Out To Create Space
The striker makes a lead out wide and the pass is made into space for the striker to run onto. This move helps to draw the defenders out, creating space in the circle.
2. 2 v 1 With Quick Pass Off Defenders Left Foot
Even though the attacking team (Ireland) are numbers down, the striker creates a 2 v 1 situation against the defender and eliminates him with a quick pass outside his left foot. He does well to keep the ball out of contact, although the pass was slightly too far ahead.
3. Get Stick In Front Of Defenders
When the ball is loose in the circle, the other striker is the first to react and manages to get his stick in front of the defenders to make contact with the ball (even though he is on his reverse).
4. Create A Ramp To Lift The Ball Over
The striker beats the defender by using his stick as a ramp to get the ball up and over the defenders flat stick. He lets his stick do the work by simply placing it at an angle that allows the ball to bounce ahead of him, putting the ball in a position to take a shot.
5. Quick Shot On The Bounce
Once the ball bounces he attacks the ball to get a quick shot away, keeping his backswing short and his hands stay apart on the stick, giving him more control of his placement. He has good awareness of where the space is and places it in the top corner.
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How To Win 50/50 Balls And Score More Goals In Field Hockey
How often do you win the 50/50 balls in a hockey game?
Being able to react first and jump on any loose balls will make a huge difference to your game, especially when you're in the circle as it could lead to scoring more goals in field hockey.
Let's look at a real life game example of winning the 50/50 ball which leads to a goal.
Here is a summary of the key points:
1. Draw Defenders Out To Create Space
The striker makes a lead out wide and the pass is made into space for the striker to run onto. This move helps to draw the defenders out, creating space in the circle.
2. 2 v 1 With Quick Pass Off Defenders Left Foot
Even though the attacking team (Ireland) are numbers down, the striker creates a 2 v 1 situation against the defender and eliminates him with a quick pass outside his left foot. He does well to keep the ball out of contact, although the pass was slightly too far ahead.
3. Get Stick In Front Of Defenders
When the ball is loose in the circle, the other striker is the first to react and manages to get his stick in front of the defenders to make contact with the ball (even though he is on his reverse).
4. Create A Ramp To Lift The Ball Over
The striker beats the defender by using his stick as a ramp to get the ball up and over the defenders flat stick. He lets his stick do the work by simply placing it at an angle that allows the ball to bounce ahead of him, putting the ball in a position to take a shot.
5. Quick Shot On The Bounce
Once the ball bounces he attacks the ball to get a quick shot away, keeping his backswing short and his hands stay apart on the stick, giving him more control of his placement. He has good awareness of where the space is and places it in the top corner.
WANT TO REACH THE NEXT LEVEL IN YOUR HOCKEY?
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