Q&A for How to Play Field Hockey

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  • Question
    Can you play field hockey on grass?
    Adam Falla
    Field Hockey Coach
    Adam Falla is a Field Hockey Coach and the Director at Leap Hockey in Austin, Texas. Adam co-founded Leap Hockey, an online platform to help players develop their skills & hockey fitness. Adam has been coaching for over 25 years in the UK & US and was one of the US Men's Masters Coaches at the Exin World Cup in Teresa, Spain 2018. He has also been the Head Coach at Lonestar FHC.
    Field Hockey Coach
    Expert Answer
    Natural grass isn't the ideal surface—if there's any other kind of turf available, like turf grass, opt for that. Tennis courts are also really great to play field hockey on, as well as gym floors or any kind of indoor carpet.
  • Question
    How do you know when you need a new field hockey stick?
    Adam Falla
    Field Hockey Coach
    Adam Falla is a Field Hockey Coach and the Director at Leap Hockey in Austin, Texas. Adam co-founded Leap Hockey, an online platform to help players develop their skills & hockey fitness. Adam has been coaching for over 25 years in the UK & US and was one of the US Men's Masters Coaches at the Exin World Cup in Teresa, Spain 2018. He has also been the Head Coach at Lonestar FHC.
    Field Hockey Coach
    Expert Answer
    You will either outgrow the stick that you had before, or the head of your stick gets too worn down from contact with the field during practice and play (though this doesn't happen as often nowadays).
  • Question
    How do you tape a field hockey stick shaft?
    Adam Falla
    Field Hockey Coach
    Adam Falla is a Field Hockey Coach and the Director at Leap Hockey in Austin, Texas. Adam co-founded Leap Hockey, an online platform to help players develop their skills & hockey fitness. Adam has been coaching for over 25 years in the UK & US and was one of the US Men's Masters Coaches at the Exin World Cup in Teresa, Spain 2018. He has also been the Head Coach at Lonestar FHC.
    Field Hockey Coach
    Expert Answer
    It's a lot like regripping a tennis racket! You start at the top of the stick and wrap the grip tightly so it overlaps as you take it all the way down the shaft until it hits the middle where you'd secure it with some tape.
  • Question
    What can I do if it is the first time I have played hockey?
    Community Answer
    Go to a practice session and ask plenty of questions. Let the coach teach you the basics and some extra skills. Observe well. Be courageous and give it all a go.
  • Question
    Am I supposed to whack the ball?
    Community Answer
    You are allowed to hit the ball, but not like you are golfing. Your stick should never go higher than your waist because than it can count as a "dangerous situation".
  • Question
    What is driving?
    Community Answer
    Basically a drive is like hitting in golf. If you want to drive the ball, position the ball carefully in front of the curved part of your stick, then lift you stick to waist height (try not to lift it higher than your waist because you might whack someone behind you in the face). Bring the stick down towards the ball with some force.
  • Question
    How do I dribble?
    Community Answer
    Push the ball from side to side. So you start on your forehand and give it a little push to the left. Than you stop it with your backhand and give it a little push back to the right and stop it again with you forehand and so on.
  • Question
    How do I dribble the ball up the field and make sure no one steals it?
    Community Answer
    You play with skill, run fast, dribble and dodge. Pretend to pass. Use your space well.
  • Question
    How do I get to know how to play with my own stick in field hockey?
    Community Answer
    Heavy sticks are good for strikers, as they need power. A mid needs a stick capable of hitting hard, but being able to run with it. Defenders need slightly heavier sticks to aid in stopping people.
  • Question
    How easy is field hockey to learn?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    It is a pretty simple, straightforward sport. You will most likely pick it up very quickly after a few games. Mastering skills like stickwork and dribbling can take more time.
  • Question
    What if my mother thinks it's dangerous?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    Discuss it with her in a calm, rational matter. There are some risks, so acknowledge them, but remind her that there are plenty of safety procedures. Properly trained players are less likely to get injured. They also wear shinguards, mouthguards, and possibly other gear. Emphasize that small knocks aren't really dangerous and you will be okay playing.
  • Question
    What does the defense do during a field hockey game?
    Community Answer
    Mainly stop the ball and keep it away from the goal so they can get it back to offense to score.
  • Question
    Is there any other way to hit the ball without your back hurting?
    Community Answer
    No. You need power to hit the ball, so you cannot hit without bending down.
  • Question
    How can I join a field hockey team?
    Community Answer
    Depending on your age, there are many ways to join a team. If you're still in school, you could see if there is a school team. If not, check your local YMCA, or any place like that.
  • Question
    Why do people play field hockey?
    Community Answer
    Most people play because they enjoy the rush or energy involved in the sport.
  • Question
    How do you play left wing?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    As a winger, your main responsibility is passing the ball to your teammates in the shooting circle. You usually stay behind the main attackers. Sometimes you get to cut in towards goal and take a shot. Don't overcommit to shooting, though. Focus on increasing your field vision and passing abilities.
  • Question
    What if I play left wing and the ball is located on the right side of the field?
    Community Answer
    Fall in, so the left midfield player goes towards the ballplay area, and support the right midfield player for a transfer of play.
  • Question
    What kind of ball used in the game?
    Community Answer
    A field hockey ball, which is heavier than plastic. They will be near the sticks and other sporting gear in stores.
  • Question
    What is the difference between a starter and a normal hockey stick?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    Beginner sticks tend to have a larger "toe," which is the curved part at the end. The wider toe gives you more ability to strike and control the ball as you develop your coordination. However, the "beginner" label is a little misleading. Many players, particularly midfielders, may stick with this type of stick.
  • Question
    How do I start a field hockey game?
    Community Answer
    You start by the ref blowing the whistle. One team starts with the ball while the other defends.
  • Question
    How do you play wing with skill?
    Community Answer
    Take the opposing player on in the process of drawing them out, then eliminate them with speed.
  • Question
    How do I play left midfielder?
    Community Answer
    There are different strategies, but the main role is to get the ball from the defender to the offense.
  • Question
    I don’t have anywhere to play hockey, and I know you should have Astro turf, but I don’t have the space. Can I practice on concrete or real grass?
    Esakr0
    Community Answer
    Do not practice on concrete. It will wreck your stick. You can play on real grass, although it's harder to control the ball on that.
  • Question
    How is field hockey an easy game? It's hard!
    Community Answer
    It is not easy when you're still learning to play! It gets easier.
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