Nothing beats whacking a little hardball with a large field hockey stick for satisfaction. You can also dribble, flick, roll, and dribble the ball in infield hockey. To begin, you’ll need some basic equipment, such as a stick and a mouthguard. Learn the basics of the game’s strategies and regulations so you can start playing!
Getting Ready to Play
Obtain a field hockey stick as well as a ball. There are several brands to choose from, so shop around until you find one that feels right in your hands. When you hold a decent stick flat against the ground, it should come up to about your hip. Take some time to push around the little, hard ball used in field hockey games with the stick.
- A field hockey stick weighs about 21 ounces on average (600 g). Many forwards prefer lighter, easier-to-maneuver posts. Many players also have at least two bars on hand if they need to switch places.
- There are two sides to every stick: a flat side and a rounded side. The flat side is the bat section that you use to hit the ball. The plastic ball measures about the same in diameter as a golf ball.
Purchase goggles, shin guards, and a mouthguard. Every field hockey player requires this essential protection equipment. The shin guards are comparable to those used in soccer, except they provide a little more ankle protection. To make them more comfortable, wear socks underneath them. Mouthguards are the most critical safety equipment available, yet they are also the most uncomfortable. Flying balls and high sticks can be protected by wearing goggles, and they shield your face from the sides and front.
When playing field hockey, you should wear cleats. Field hockey matches, like football, soccer, and other outdoor sports, are played on grass or turf. Small rubber cleats on the bottom of field hockey shoes safeguard you from slipping while you run. Choose a pair of shoes that are comfortable to wear yet don’t feel confining.
Getting into the Basic Stance
The handle of the field hockey stick should be held in your right hand at the bottom. Make sure the flat end of the stick is facing away from you. Point your thumb down towards the curled end at the bottom of the stick with your left hand. Place your right hand at the bottom of the grip, the black or white rubber or leather material that ends about halfway down the stick.
Make a slap shot by bringing your hands together. As you stand in front of the ball, keep your left hand around the top of the stick. Maintain a firm grasp on your stick with your right hand as you slide it up. To begin your swing, bring your stick back behind you. As you advance with your stick, shift your weight to your front foot and keep your balance.
