Are you ready for your child to hit the field and start playing field hockey? Get familiar with some key terms that will help you navigate the game and cheer them on effectively!
Attack vs. Defense: Who’s on Your Team?
- Attack: The team in possession of the ball.
- Defense: The team without the ball.
Essential Moves: From Cutting to Stick Handling
- Cutting: Moving to meet a pass or creating space for a teammate.
- Dribble: Short taps to move the ball while keeping control.
- Stick Handling: Mastering the art of controlling, passing, stopping, and shooting the ball with the hockey stick.
Scoring Goals: Inside the Circle
- Circle: The scoring area surrounding the goal.
- Goal: When an attacker scores by striking the ball into the goal from within the circle.
Playing Fair: Rules and Techniques
- Advancing: Foul called when using the body to move or stop the ball.
- Free Hit: Awarded to the non-offending team from the spot of the foul.
- Tackle: A method of taking possession of the ball from an opponent.
Passing to Victory: Center Pass and Through Pass
- Center Pass: A pass from the center of the field to start a game or after a goal.
- Through Pass: A pass made straight down the field parallel to the sidelines.
Power Plays: Drives and Flicks
- Drive: A hard, direct pass for speed or distance.
- Flick: Lifting the ball to knee level for a strategic shot.
Defending the Goal: Hits and Marking
- Hit: Moving the stick towards the ball.
- Marking: Defending against an opposing player.
Now that you’re familiar with these terms, you’ll be able to follow along with your child’s field hockey games and join in the excitement of their victories on the field!