Vital Hockey Training Video: Fundamentals of Field Hockey

Introduction

• Instructor: Adam from Vital Hockey
• Program: First live online training for hockey
• Series: Three videos focusing on the six key fundamentals of hockey
• Focus of Video: Grip and body position
• Experience: 20 years of coaching across various levels and countries

Importance of Fundamentals

• Necessary for skill development and enjoyment of the game
• Understanding global approaches and commonalities in hockey

Hockey Stick Grip

On-the-Ball Grip

• Left Hand:
  • Thumb runs down the back (curved side) of the stick
  • Firm hold for feel and touch
• Right Hand:
  • Loose grip
  • Ball should be outside the right foot
• Practice Tool: Toilet roll on stick to ensure correct pressure
• Drill: Move ball around cones while maintaining grip
• Key Rule: Ball must not hit your foot

Without-the-Ball Grip ("Frying Pan Grip")

• Left Hand:
  • Thumb on the flat side of the stick
• Right Hand:
  • Supports underneath
• Function: Use for jabbing the ball away from opponents
• Practice: Jab ball against a wall with the frying pan grip

Body Position

With the Ball

• Position:
  • Knees bent, back straight
  • Ball outside right foot
• Vision: Ensures visibility of ball, teammates, and field
• Common Mistakes: Straight legs, bent waist, looking at the floor
• Drill: Move around cones with correct body posture

Without the Ball

• Position:
  • Sideways stance, not chest-on
  • Hips point at the ball
• Movement:
  • Sideways, with 45-degree direction changes
• Drill: Zigzag runs to practice hip movement

Conclusion

• Recap:
  • Strong grip and body positioning
  • Practice drills to reinforce learning
• Next Steps:
  • Subscribe for upcoming videos on additional fundamentals
  • Encouragement to practice and improve

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