How many forum members play field hockey

I usually play anywhere across the midfield, but recently been playing left-back.

Do you play, or are you just thinking of taking it up?
 
I've started playing again after almost 20 years of not. Used to play in south africa in the provicial (county) premier league. Playing now in a low league at the moment and enjoying it.

Though I still find it hard not to appeal for obstruction.
 
I played hockey during my school days.. then gave up for about 16 years. I have recently been playing again for 2 years at a low level.. as I am far from being a good hockey player.
Anyone one of you have tips on shooting, as my shooting skills have a lot to be desired?
I am playing for Wapping, in London by the way :)
 
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My shooting is far from being one of my strong points, but in general, try to be relaxed when you're hitting the ball. Work on developing a good technique for hitting, rather than being really tensed up and trying to smash the ball as hard as you possibly can.

Also, work on reducing the size of your swing, as it's rare that you'll be given enough time to go for 'the big wind-up'. You can do this by moving both hands slightly down the handle, so that it's almost like you're holding a shorter stick. It takes a bit of getting used to, but does allow for a much shorter swing and quicker (not 'harder') shot.

Also, having a good 'slap' (sweeping the stick along the ground) is often a more effective way of getting a first-time shot off, especially when the ball is travelling towards you, rather than taking a touch to control the ball, and then needing time to adjust for a hit.

Shooting from your reverse side, is something a lot of people find difficult - but the secret is just in getting down low so that your stick is almost parallel to the ground with the face of the stick pointing to the sky. Then you're aiming to hit the ball with the straight 'edge' just above where the hook is.

As with anything, these things all take practice - but hopefully there's a few things there that might help a bit.
 
thanks, my reverse stick shooting is fine.. just my front side sticking is a bit naff.. sometimes i miss the ball completely.. when going for a big powershot like on a short corners.
 
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wijcc said:
thanks, my reverse stick shooting is fine.. just my front side sticking is a bit naff.. sometimes i miss the ball completely.. when going for a big powershot like on a short corners.
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The age old problem in any ball sport - keep your head down and eyes on the ball all the way through your follow through.
 
Played for Huddersfield Mens for about 8 yrs, usually swapping between 1st team and 2nd team depending on my fitness efforts that season. Havent played for a year or two, think the 1st team got promoted to Northern Prem a while ago
 
Bumping this thread!

I used to play field hockey years and years ago and I have decided to take it up again. Training starts this Thursday :D I'm really looking forward to it but I'm bricking it a bit at the same time because I'm basically a n00b again, going into an environment that is alien and where I dont know anyone. Hehe. Does anyone know of any decent websites that cater to the skill and knowledgeless n00b? :)

I've seen some training videos on youtube but the more the better please :D

Oh and some advice on equipment would be great. I'm thinking that a simple cheap stick will do for now along with a decentish pair of astro trainers. Would you bother with shinpads and mouth guard for training?? Honestly n00b questions, but I just dont know !
 
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I used to play a game called hacker, which was a bit like shinty. Shoulder barging, obstructing and ball juggling / volleys were all encouraged. Heading the ball was also perfectly acceptable (which was a bit nuts, as there was no high sticks rule). Have always found field hockey a bit tame by comparison although I did try to get into it.
 
Rosbif said:
Bumping this thread!

I used to play field hockey years and years ago and I have decided to take it up again. Training starts this Thursday :D I'm really looking forward to it but I'm bricking it a bit at the same time because I'm basically a n00b again, going into an environment that is alien and where I dont know anyone. Hehe. Does anyone know of any decent websites that cater to the skill and knowledgeless n00b? :)

I've seen some training videos on youtube but the more the better please :D

Oh and some advice on equipment would be great. I'm thinking that a simple cheap stick will do for now along with a decentish pair of astro trainers. Would you bother with shinpads and mouth guard for training?? Honestly n00b questions, but I just dont know !
Click to expand...

Started playing again last year after not playing for 20 years, and found I picked it up pretty quickly. It was just the learning the rules that took a while as the game had totally changed.
I would get some decent shinpads and a hockey glove, as if you slip on astro you can take a fair bit of skin of your knuckles. A cheap stick should be fine and semi-decent astros.
 
Good point about the astro surface. To be honest it didnt even cross my mind. I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of falling over :D Cool you play for Bracknell. Yeah we might well end up playing each other Hood mate, thats assuming I'm ever good enough to play a game. ;)
 
I captain a team for the London Wayfarers. Our 1st team won the England Hockey Trophy last season and were promoted from South Premier Division 2. This season should be a big step forward for the club. I however will be in the now very familiar London League.

My one piece of advice is always to play with shin pads and a mouth guard. It's not great having to pick pieces of teeth off a blood soaked astro after a team mate has eaten a stick!
 
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