How do you dribble in field hockey?

Question

How do you dribble in field hockey?

Answer 1

There are two simple ways. First, learn the correct way of holding the stick. Once you have mastered that, on to dribbling. One way is to keep on tapping the ball across the field with the flat side of your stick. Another way is to drag the ball with the flat side of the stick.

Answer 2

Depends whether you are playing on an artifical turf or grass.

If grass, then Hartley Designs answer is great.

If turf, then the smooth playing ground also allows you to use a technique called "indian dribble".

There should be youtube videos of it, but basically its where the ball is always in contact with the player's stick, and the hook of the stick is turned over the ball constantly to keep it infront of the player.

It maybe worth your while to ask this question to someone who can give you a demonstration, because it would be a lot easier to learn if you see it.

Answer 3

As above it depends on the surface, but first before you Can dribble you must know how to hold the stick properly, one hand should be at the top of the stick and the other a bit comfortably , usually below the grip, on grass, you must tap the ball up the field, just do not tap it ot far, only 40cm (16 inch)  of so in front of you, on turf (synthetic) always keep the ball on the stick, as if it's glued to it, if you want to go a bit more advanced Indian dribble is a good way to go, tap the ball to your left turn the stick so the flat side receives it then pass lightly back to your right, then repeat, until you've mastered it then you learn ow ot drag and such.

Answer 4

Field hockey is not like ice hockey in the fact that the grass prevents the players from actually carrying the ball up the field, instead the players dribble. They tap the ball a small distance in front of them and then run to catch up. They can take the ball all the way up the field by doing this with lots of tap, tap, taps. Faster players will sometimes send the ball way in advance 15-20 ft and sprint to catch up. You can push the ball up the field with your stick as well, but the other players catch up really easily since they are not inhibited by the stubborn concrete ball.