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i
Get a “wedge” set up early - two BODY TONE
mpro
defending players (midfielders) between the Wide base with weight forward on
ball and goal and one player at the the balls of the feet.
v
free hits
e
back of the wedge (a Full Back). This From here you are more able to adjust
is critical. If the free hit is at the top of quickly if the ball comes at you.
the circle the two players at the front This position also makes you more able
of the wedge need to be close to each to stop the ball but also move your feet
other so the ball will not pass between should the ball be hit at our left foot in
them and five metres from the free particular.
hit. They need a low “body tone” You’re less likely to be put off balance
and it’s essential their stick is on the if someone knocks you.
floor. Bravery and being on the balls
of the feet are key; the ball must not LEFT FOOT LINE
come through the front of the wedge A hard area to stop the ball is at, or
easily. Players in the wedge must also outside, our left foot. Free hits on
make sure they do not offer their feet the left foot line are more likely to
as targets for the free hit coming in. cause the defender to make an error.
Giving away an easy penalty corner by Protecting this left foot line is the role
not protecting your feet needs to be of players behind as attacking teams
avoided. will look to exploit this area.
With the wedge formed, other Practising free-hits around the circle
players in the team can then take a is very important, fine tuning the
line from the wedge. You are trying shape and tone of the wedge requires
to create a “zone” of players that good communication and ultimately
protect passing lanes and protect “left courage and sound technique to trap
foot line” of players in front of them. the ball and safely move the ball away
However there will also be a need to from danger.
mark players within the zone you are
protecting. Body contact is inevitable
but with a low body tone you are more
able to command the space you are in.
tip >>>
Keeping both hands on the stick is
imperative, being able to stop the ball
from either deflecting in to the air or
hitting our feet can only be achieved
with both hands on the stick.
attacking
If the defence has set up as above and be blown up by the umpire if there
is on good shape, there can often be is no control of a hit pass. A wasted
free hits
little chance of getting anything out of opportunity having worked so hard to
this situation unless there is some co- get the ball near the goal can be very
ordinated movement inside the circle to frustrating and a let off for the opposition.
try and pull the wedge shape out and
open up passing lanes for deflections. Moving the ball sideways and then
Putting a player in to the front of the delivery the ball in to the circle can work
wedge can help to get in the eyeline as the defending team has to shift across
of players in the wedge but make sure quickly to protect the critical area from
you do not encroach the five metre the penalty spot to outside the goal-
rule. Exchanging positions in the circle posts. This change of angle will open up
between players from the baseline to the passing lanes but the delivery must still
penalty spot and even up to the top of be with a purpose, either down the left
the wedge can create space for attackers foot line of a defender or well outside
to work in. Ultimately the ball only needs their open stick to a team mate. It is a
a gap of 10 cms to get through so it is dangerous area that can spring fast
possible. counter attacks if the ball is intercepted
around the top of the circle.
Sound technique of the pass in to the
circle is critical; a lifted pass will generally
look out for sideline hits in the next issue
a
ge 45
P

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Keep checking www.pushhockey.co.uk for skill videos
and further information on improving your game.
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