Learning Hockey:
Read the most effective tutorial on goal scoring

This is a continuation of the previous post where Jude Felix shares another set of four exercises related to goal scoring in field hockey. If you haven’t gone through the previous set, it might be a good idea to read that first before you continue on this.

Exercise 5: Deflection Scoring

The coach hits the ball into the circle from the left and right. The players have to run and deflect the ball in time towards the goal. It’s important for the players to be alert and stand ready, anticipating where the ball will arrive next. This particular training is recommended only for those above 13 years of age.

Exercise 6: Dribble – Reverse Hit/Tomahawk

Players dribble past a few cones on the ground, keeping the ball diagonally in front and using the reverse hit to score a goal.

Exercise 7: Dribble Three – Sweep Slap

While the dribble and score with a hit exercise was detailed previously, there’s a variant that uses the sweep slap instead of the hit. Players run from the right and left, dribbling past 3 cones and using the sweep slap with the blade of the stick slightly open to score a goal.

Exercise 8: Pass and Score

Two players with one ball keep passing to each other while running towards the goal post. They enter the circular zone and proceed to score. This may sound easy but the important thing is to practise enough number of times so that some of the movements become part of your muscle memory.

Exercise 9: Four Tries

Each player gets four tries on the goal, two using a hit and two with a push. The coach would be relaying the ball at different points on the circular zone, four positions for each player. Now the rest is up to you as only practice can improve one’s form, footwork and technique while playing field hockey.

After learning how to score a goal, you need to learn how to save it. Continue reading for the second last post in this hockey tutorial series. It’s a comprehensive set of exercises that’ll prove useful for any goalkeeper.