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If you’re starting in hockey and want to play like a pro, you’ve come to the right place. We know that embarking on a new sport is thrilling, and why not choose one of the most famous sports in the world, right? You might feel a bit nervous at the beginning, but don’t let that hold you back; after all, it just shows that your heart is fully in it.
So, it’s time to get into action and feel the adrenaline of stepping onto the field. This is our first tip for you to accumulate experience in your journey. After all, without practice, there’s no progress! There are many skills a novice needs to learn, so the sooner you start moving, the quicker you’ll see results.
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What equipment do you need to play hockey?
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First, you’ll need a stick. It’s essential for controlling the ball during the game. The hockey stick has a specific curve at the end to facilitate precise passing. The ball used in field hockey is made of hard plastic, while in ice hockey, players use a rubber disc called a puck.
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Additionally, it’s important to have the right uniform for entering the field. This includes a jersey, shorts, socks, and for women’s competitions, skirts. Regarding footwear, you’ll need special shoes for synthetic grass if you’re playing on the field. But for ice hockey, you’ll need special skates.
Don’t forget the helmet, which is super important for your protection. It keeps you safe during physical plays and prevents you from getting hit by the ball or stick on the head. Other equipment for your safety includes mouthguards, shin guards, and gloves.
With that said, let’s look at some tips that will help you start in hockey and aim to play like a professional.
Choose your position
To play hockey well, you first need to know where you fit on the field. In a hockey team, we have goalkeepers, midfielders, defenders, and attackers. To make the right choice, it’s important to know yourself well and understand your strengths.
For example, a good goalkeeper uses their entire body to prevent the ball from entering the goal. Defenders facilitate the goalkeeper’s task, cutting off the opposing team’s chances and pressuring them to lose the ball.
Midfielders also work hard. Besides connecting the defense with the attack, they are always ready to start an offensive. Finally, attackers spend most of their time in the opposing team’s territory, aiming for a goal. They need to devise clever tactics to send the ball to the back of the net.
So, which of these positions suits you best?
Understand the field
When you’re starting in hockey, it’s a good idea to take a close look at the fields where the sport takes place. This way, you get used to the environment, practicing moves, even if it’s just by yourself. The key here is practice!
Usually, a hockey field is 100 meters long and 60 meters wide, with a shooting circle at each end. But it’s not just about lines and markings. Understanding the dimensions and quality of the synthetic grass can give you an advantage in analyzing the game and knowing how to act, giving you an edge against the opposing team.
When you’re familiar with the quality of the grass, it’s easier to control the ball and understand stick techniques. In other words, when you’re always on the field, you’re not just talking theoretically about hockey but experiencing how the game is played.
En savoir plus: Watch live hockey and play with these apps
What to do on the field?
Image: Pixabay
Practice hitting the ball from both sides of the stick. This way, you’ll excel with this equipment and handle any difficulties that arise, getting closer to becoming a professional. And don’t forget to always train to improve your stick plays. It’s an extension of your arm and can help you perform incredible dribbles.
Another important thing is to focus on communication with your teammates. We want to give special attention to non-verbal communication. When you focus on your colleagues’ positioning, you can understand many details that can inspire great plays.
Oh, and remember to stay slightly crouched to lower your center of gravity. This will make you more stable and agile for some cool moves. Plus, this posture makes it easier to use your body to protect the ball from opponents, giving you more control in the game.
Jab / Poke
If you’re starting in hockey, pay attention to the jab/poke technique, a skill useful for any position you choose to play. Although often overlooked, this technique can make you stand out on the field and disrupt the opponents’ attacks.
This technique brings several tactical advantages. For attackers, it can be a tool to destabilize the opposing defense. Used skillfully, attackers can pressure the opponent and create opportunities to advance or strategically pass the ball.
In midfield, the jab/poke is a weapon for regaining ball possession. Midfielders who master this trick can quickly stop opponents’ advances and start counterattacks. Defenders, meanwhile, can use the jab/poke to anticipate and neutralize opponents’ attacks. By cutting passes and altering the ball’s trajectory, they can dismantle promising plays from the opposing team, making their defense more secure.
Ready to hit the field?
Playing professional hockey is a dream for many. However, it requires a lot of effort and dedication to achieve this goal. The tips presented in this article are a good starting point for you to begin in the sport.
