How to Hit in Field Hockey

Field hockey is just a lot of running around unless you acquire some of the game's other skills. Learning to hit the ball is fundamental; without it you won't be able to pass or take shots on the goal.

Things You'll Need

• Balls
• Sticks

Instructions

1. Remember that you must only hit the ball with the flat face of your stick. The stick's toe has a flat edge and a rounded edge. When you hold the stick in a regular fashion the flat edge will face to your left.

2. Practice holding your stick by shaking hands with it. Your left hand will be at the butt end; make an inverted "V" shape on the handle with your thumb and forefinger. Place your right hand halfway down the stick toward the toe keeping your palm against the back of the stick.

3. Practice hitting the ball slowly at first, concentrating on the motion and hand placement. Your left hand will control the stick, and your right hand will give power and steadiness to the stroke.

4. Maintain a light grip, with your head up and knees bent for balance. Hitting the ball is simply a transfer of your body weight from one foot to the other with a snap of your wrist at the end.

5. Vary this basic hit just a little bit in order to clear the ball a long way upfield. Close the distance between your hands on the stick and point your left shoulder in the direction of the stroke.

6. Reverse your stick if you need to hit the ball to your right, so that the toe is facing you and the flat edge of the stick is facing right. Practice turning your stick and hitting in the reverse direction often - it will make this shot less clumsy.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the rougher the surface or the higher the grass, the more perpendicular your stick should be to the field to anticipate high balls.

• Point the toe of your stick up at the peak of the back swing so you hit the ball squarely when you swing the stick back down.

• Watch the height of your swing - too high is a danger to other players and will garner a penalty.