How To Create Space In Tight Areas In Field Hockey
Do you ever get bogged down in tight areas of the field, such as in the circle trying to get a shot off?
What can you do to create space in tight areas?
In this video we'll look at an example of how to create space in tight areas on the hockey field, from getting the ball into the circle from a 25 yard free hit to scoring a goal.
Here is a summary of the 5 key points:
1. Run between two players to draw them in
You can move players off their defensive line and engage them by running at them at an angle. When there are two players close, you can run between them to engage both and open up passing lines.
2. Time the pass
Once the player is committed and starts to prepare to make a tackle, you can use the space you've created by making a pass into that channel. The timing of your pass is crucial. Too early and the ball is intercepted. Too late and you get tackled.
3. Post up lead to get in front
As a striker try to anticipate when the pass is going to be made and be ready to react to unexpected balls that are played into the circle. Try to time your leads so that you get to the ball first and especially when the ball is coming slower, make a post up lead to get in front of your defender.
4. First touch receive to create space to shoot
Be aware of where your defender is and where the space is, then with your first touch you can move the ball into that space. In the example he moves the ball to his left with his first touch which takes the ball outside the line of the defender, which gives him enough time and space to take a shoot at goal.
5. Quick shot off the right foot
Don't always try to take a perfect shot, sometimes the quick unexpected shot is more likely to score as it gives the goalkeeper and defenders less time to react and set their line. In this example the player shoots off his right foot and the ball is deflected off the defenders stick, which leads to a goal. Had he taken longer to shoot, it may not have been a goal.
BONUS: Celebrate the goal!
Once you've scored, don't forget to celebrate with your team mates. Then reset and go again.
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
How To Create Space In Tight Areas In Field Hockey
Do you ever get bogged down in tight areas of the field, such as in the circle trying to get a shot off?
What can you do to create space in tight areas?
In this video we'll look at an example of how to create space in tight areas on the hockey field, from getting the ball into the circle from a 25 yard free hit to scoring a goal.
Here is a summary of the 5 key points:
1. Run between two players to draw them in
You can move players off their defensive line and engage them by running at them at an angle. When there are two players close, you can run between them to engage both and open up passing lines.
2. Time the pass
Once the player is committed and starts to prepare to make a tackle, you can use the space you've created by making a pass into that channel. The timing of your pass is crucial. Too early and the ball is intercepted. Too late and you get tackled.
3. Post up lead to get in front
As a striker try to anticipate when the pass is going to be made and be ready to react to unexpected balls that are played into the circle. Try to time your leads so that you get to the ball first and especially when the ball is coming slower, make a post up lead to get in front of your defender.
4. First touch receive to create space to shoot
Be aware of where your defender is and where the space is, then with your first touch you can move the ball into that space. In the example he moves the ball to his left with his first touch which takes the ball outside the line of the defender, which gives him enough time and space to take a shoot at goal.
5. Quick shot off the right foot
Don't always try to take a perfect shot, sometimes the quick unexpected shot is more likely to score as it gives the goalkeeper and defenders less time to react and set their line. In this example the player shoots off his right foot and the ball is deflected off the defenders stick, which leads to a goal. Had he taken longer to shoot, it may not have been a goal.
BONUS: Celebrate the goal!
Once you've scored, don't forget to celebrate with your team mates. Then reset and go again.
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