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Field Hockey Coach's Corner

Field Hockey Tip

Presented by Vianney Yamada (Campos), Camp Director
Nike Field Hockey Camp at University of San Diego

Field Hockey Tip: Open Receiving (Receiving Across your Body)

Coach Vianney field hockey open receiving

There is always room to improve your skills and our field hockey tips presented by Coach Vianney have got you covered! Open receiving is an important skill in field hockey that will allow you to change directions, protect the ball, and keep a high pace on the ball. Once you’ve developed consistency in static receptions, then you should consider perfecting more dynamic receptions like this. For this particular reception, we will cover receiving across your body, or open receiving.

The Skill:

  • This style of reception creates a level of deception that can really benefit you. Start with your hands & stick away from your body so that you have space to move.
  • As the ball arrives towards you, you will meet it with your stick only to cradle it towards the direction it was already going. The ball will basically travel across your body, and you change your body’s direction but not the ball’s.
  • In order to help this reception run smoothly & quickly, you want to keep your shoulders open (not closed off towards the ball) making it easier to change direction and dribble quickly.
  • Focus on watching the ball all the way into your stick for better results.

When to use it:

  • When an opponent is coming towards you from the same direction that the ball came from.
  • When you want to change the direction of the ball quickly.
  • When you have a lot of open space towards the area you are receiving to.

When not to use it:

  • When there are opponents in the space you are hoping to move towards.
  • When you are in the circle surrounded by a lot of other athletes & opponents.
  • When you haven’t had a chance to look over your shoulder to that space to see who is there.

If you’re looking to improve your field hockey skills, join Coach Vianney at a San Diego field hockey camp this summer 2022!

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