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Hockey: Low Reverse Stick Tackle

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DESCRIPTION

- Set up a small area, with 2 forwards and 2 defenders
- The forward players should dribble towards the weaker side (the left foot) of the defender
- The defender should perform a low, reverse stick challenge

COACHING POINTS

- This is a defending drill, and therefore the forwards should be playing quite passively
- Defenders should be in playing position (left foot forward, using their body to manipulate the attackers direction)
- As the forward moves to the weak side, the defender should pivot off their right foot, and move the stick across the left
- This type of challenge should be used when necessary, and shouldn't been seen as a replacement for moving the body around and tackling on the strong side

PROGRESSION

- The forwards can become active, allowing them to move towards both feet. This will stop the defending setting themselves
- The forwards should move at a faster pace, so the defender understands the force required to dispossess a sprinting player

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Open side Block Tackle:

Strong low body position and balanced ready to move.

Left foot forward, right foot back, stick on the ground or hovering slightly above the ground.

Position of feet and stick make a strong triangle shaped base.

Tackle must be positive and strong with feet balanced.

Stick face angled towards the ball.

The tackle should be timed just as the ball momentarily leaves attacker's stick initiated by a jab to put player off or as player loses control.

The defender's stick should not be flat on the ground as this is a safety issue.

The defender could be injured by the attacker if their head is down too low and the attacker could take advantage of this over commitment by using a low lift.

Flat stick only when attacker stationary or moving very slowly

Defending Skills

Jab Tackle:

The jab can be used as a form of delay either to dispossess a player with the ball if the ball is away from the stick or to tempt the player to take their eyes off the ball and possibly lose possession.

The stick jabs out towards the ball with the left hand and then returns to both hands.

After the jab the defender returns to the original balanced position.

The grip on the stick will change slightly, the hands turn, usually palms upwards.

Defending Skills