field hockey playbook goalie defender cooperation

Field Hockey Goalie defender cooperationDerek E. Pappas

Derek E. Pappas Copyright © 2009

Philosophy

Field hockey is a simple game.

Put the ball “in the net”

Stop your opponent from putting the ball “in the net”

People make the game complicated.

Keep it simple.


Defensive Foot work

No cross over

Slide step

neutral position (tennis volley)

Drag step (fencing)


Center of gravity

Your center of gravity is the body position which allows you to move in any direction.

If you are not in balance then you can only move in one direction. The players on the other team know this and can use this to their advantage.


Center of gravity

Center of gravity is important for offensive and defensive players.

Offensive players who are not in balance are more easily tackled.

Goalie which are not in balance can be beaten with a change of direction


Goalie Posture

Weight on balls of feet (don’t get caught (flat footed”)

Bend ankles/knees/waist

Flat back


Channeling

Forcing the offensive player to go where you want them to go

To the corners

Into another defender

Away from their attackers

Into the goalies pads

Force the shooter into a wide angle shot


Slowing down the player for others

If you can cut a players angle to the goal off and force them to run side ways the defenders behind you can recover.

Every step that the offensive player takes side ways across the field is one step that a defender can recover toward the goal.

Delay the offensive player so your defenders can get back into position


Eliminating goal keepersDo not run through them. They will take you out.

Run across their bodies.

Watch out for the dive and their one armed tackle with the stick.


Shoot when the goalie is out of positionBlue has “dragged” the goalie out of position and has an open shot at goal. The defender went for the ball instead of running with the forward. The defender is eliminated.


What should the defender have done?

The defender made a weak one arm reverse stick tackle and missed the ball. The defender should have channeled the forward into the goalie who can then “take them out”.


The forward is free to shootThe defender should be next to the forward to jab tackle the ball away.


Goal Keeper TrainingAgility training in Australia


Goal keeper attributes

Super reactions

Ability to change directions quickly

Quick off of the mark

Mental courage


Change of direction drillRunning sideways touch hurdles and change direction


Goalie footworkAustralian goalies


Goal keepers keep the game close

If the entire team is playing badly the goal keeper can keep the game close until the momentum shifts


Goal keeper attributes

Goal keepers have to save one shot after another

Must direct the defense in the 25 with the captain

Must tell defenders to mark offensive players


Be BIG/WIDEGoalie uses wingspan and stick to appear wider.


Get up when you are down

field hockey playbook goalie defender cooperation

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