Hockey - shooting drills (Learning Resources)

Explanation: This shot is frequently used because defenders generally don't give forwards much time to prepare. So this shot is all about a quick, short back swing to strike the ball instantly and still produce enough power to beat the goalkeeper.

Description: In preparation for this shot players need to make sure they know where the goal is, and where the opponents are positioned. Move the feet quickly to get into position, and point the left shoulder at the target. Stand so that the left foot is in line with the ball, and the knees are flexed. Keep the head down and over the ball, and make a short, quick back swing using the forearms and wrists.

For this hit use a clip grip. A clip grip means having both hands together and low on the handle. From the normal shake-hands grip slide the left hand down the handle to meet the right hand, this aids the quick strike. Transfer body weight to the front leg, and when striking the lower half of the ball the wrists and hands should be aligned and out in front of the body.

Even after striking the ball it is important to keep the head down, and knees bent. The arms and stick should follow through in line with the target.

Deflection Shot

Explanation: The deflection shot is usually used to redirect other shots, centering passes, and free hits into the circle. A swing is not needed as the ball will already be traveling at pace.

Description: To execute this shot effectively players must be aware of goal position. Move quickly into the line of the ball, with the lead foot and shoulder pointing at the target. Use a firm shake-hands grip, and move the stick to a more horizontal position, with the left hand below the level of the left knee.

The more horizontal the stick is, the larger surface area there is to strike the ball. Make sure the stick face is aimed toward the goal, and keep the head in line with the stick and the ball. Allow the ball to strike the stick, and aim for the near post so the ball has less distance to travel as the deflection will take some of the pace off it.

Dive/Slide Shot

Explanation: This is an extension of the deflection shot. Players still aim to deflect the ball towards the goal, but with the dive or slide shot they are reaching for a ball that is out of reach of a normal deflection shot. These types of shots are mainly used on water based artificial pitches, as these allow players to slide without causing injury.

Description: As with the deflection shot it is vitally important that players know where they are in relation to the goal. Move quickly to get into a position ready to dive, with shoulders square to the ball. The lead foot and shoulder should point towards the goal, and a firm shake-hands grip should be used to hold the stick. Again angle the stick toward the goal, then get into a slightly crouched position, knees bent, and body weight spread between the balls of the feet.

The next stage of this shot is to step in the direction of the dive with the foot nearest the ball. Then push off this foot to start the dive. The opposite leg will then follow. When diving extend the arms, and slide on the side of the body. Angle the stick towards goal and keep the wrists firm to send the ball at the goal.

Backhand Shot

Explanation: Good attacking players should be able to use this shot when a defender is between them and the goal. Being able to use the backhand shot and the forehand effectively, gives two ways to turn keeping the defender guessing, possibly giving players the time and space to shoot.

Description: As with all the shots players must be aware of the goal in relation to their own position. Quickly move the feet to get into a shooting position then turn the shoulders so they are square to the ball. The shoulder closest to the goal should also be pointing in the direction of the intended shot. Hold the stick using the shake-hands grip. Make sure body weight is spread between the balls of the feet, and the body is in a crouched position. Keep eyes on the ball.

Turn the stick so that the hook is pointing at the target. The right foot should be around 60-70cm behind the ball with knees flexed so the right thigh is almost parallel to the ground. Move the right hand up the handle to meet the left, and keep the back swing short. Make sure the right shoulder is lined up with the target, aim to strike the ball around 10cm from the hook of the stick, and keep the head down throughout the swing.

When swinging through transfer all body weight to the right leg, keeping knees bent. After striking the ball the arms and stick should stay low and line up with the target. Then recover.

Chip Shot

Explanation: This is a more difficult shot to execute. It should only be used by good players who have learned how to control the height and direction of the ball. It is used most effectively when the goalkeeper comes sliding out on the ground.

Description: Players should start with the left (front) foot behind the ball, with knees bent and body in the crouched position. The left (lead) shoulder must point toward the target. Hold the stick in the shake hands grip, but with both hands together at the top of the handle.

The next stage is to open the face of the stick and begin the back swing. On the down swing the left arm should be almost straight, with the right elbow kept tucked in. Also on the down swing transfer body weight to the left leg. Remember to keep the hands behind the ball when making contact, and hit the lower half of the ball.

After striking the ball keep the knees bent, head down, and arms and stick should finish in line with the target.

Drag Flick Shot

Explanation: This is an advanced shot and very useful when attempting to score goals from penalty corners. This shot requires excellent timing with the stick and ball, and footwork coordination. It is like a more powerful push shot which is lifted into the air.

The difference between this and the normal flick is that the ball starts near the back foot in this shot so it has more contact time with the stick to generate extra power. Also the cross behind step is used to gain momentum when the space to execute the shot is limited.

Description: In order to prepare correctly for this shot players must know where the target is without necessarily looking directly at it. The knees should be bent throughout the shot, and the upper body crouched slightly. The right foot should start in front of the left, and the stick is held using the shake-hands grip. The ball should remain parallel to the body but also 2 or 3 yards out in front of it.

The next stage is to bring the left foot forward with a short step, transfer body weight in the same direction and drop the right shoulder. The right foot is the next to move and should cross behind the left foot. When doing this, place the label of the stick against the back, bottom half of the ball. Take another short step with the left foot, then rotate the hips, use the left hand to pull the stick forward. This should force the ball to roll towards the toe of the stick, however as the ball reaches the end of the label above the hook, lift through the lower half of the ball. This should get the ball off the ground, whilst using both arms to whip the stick.

Create more power and momentum through the ball by using the hips and shoulders, when transferring body weight through to the front (left) leg. When following through the arms should be pointed at the target and the stick's toe pointing up.