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Hockey: Steal - Reverse Stick

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Laura, Hockey Coach

DESCRIPTION

Players are split up into pairs

One player starts with the ball and runs about 5 yards into space, with the defender behind them to the left

The defender then must hook their stick round in front of the attacker to steal the ball

if successful, the defender should change pace to accelerate away from the attacker that lost possession.

COACHING POINTS

The steal should be with one hand (left hand)

The defender should use the open face of the hook to drag the ball away from the attackers' possession.

PROGRESSION

This exercise can continue for as long as necessary in 1 v 1

Could introduce a small sided game where the only tackling method is the reverse stick steal.

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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

One Handed Block - Reverse Stick:

Players set up in pairs, this is a 1 v 1 situation

One player starts with the ball and dribbles towards the defender

The defender must then tackle the attacker with the flat face of their reverse stick, using one hand only.

Defending Skills

One Handed Block - Open Stick:

Players set up in pairs, this is a 1 v 1 situation

One player starts with the ball and dribbles towards the defender

The defender must then tackle the attacker with their open stick, using one hand only.

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

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