How to Field in Field Hockey

Fielding in field hockey is one of the more important ball-handling skills. Fielding is the act of controlling the ball when you receive it from a pass or interception, then moving it back into play under your own direction.

Things You'll Need

• Balls
• Sticks

Instructions

1. Focus on three basic elements while fielding: stopping the ball, protecting the ball and positioning it back into play.

2. Keep your stick as parallel to the ground as is comfortable. This will allow you to cover more area when you are fielding than keeping your stick straight up and down will.

3. Place your right hand halfway or more down your stick. The heel of your right palm should be firmly against the back of the stick, and your left hand will be on top. The thumb and forefinger on your left hand should be making an inverted "V" on the side of the stick.

4. Watch the ball until it hits your stick. Let the ball come to the stick instead of your going to the ball. This will let you absorb the ball's momentum without it bouncing off your stiff arms. Your right hand should feel the arrival of the ball on the stick and cushion its impact.

5. Follow the ball to the ground with the toe of the stick, flat face toward the ball.

6. Look up, with the ball trapped at your feet, to dribble or pass the ball off.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice hitting the ball into a wall. This way you can work on repeated hits in a row and also on fielding the ball as it comes back at you.