Field Hockey Tip

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

Field Hockey Tips: How to Sweep

This field hockey tip is presented by, Vianney Yamada, former UC Davis Head Field Hockey coach. The sweep is such a powerful skill to develop. Field hockey players use this for long distance passing or shooting. In elite competition, athletes are starting to use this skill more often because it can be faster to execute, more protective of the ball and more accurate. For more field hockey tips on how to improve your sweeping skills, check out the techniques our camp directors use at camp!

The Skill:

• Hands will be together at the top of the stick. If keeping the hands apart by a few inches helps with your control then you can start with that but eventually we want to master the hands together.

• The ball is positioned out in front at 45 degrees and a little further than a normal hit.

• You will lunge towards the ball dropping your stick down flat on the floor with the toe facing straight up towards the sky.

• Keeping your stick flat on the floor, you will swing your stick around to make contact with the ball at the sweet spot and continue your follow through all the way across your body.

• The sweep spot, where you want to make contact with the ball, is a few inches under the toe and on the flat part of the stick.

• The lower you stay through this movement, the more power you will develop.

When to use it:

• Medium to long distance passing that require speed & accuracy.

• Shots on cage where you don’t have a lot of time to execute or space.

When not to use it:

• Short distance passing because the power behind the ball may be too strong when your teammate is close.

• When a defender has laid down a flat stick tackle in front of you. Usually the sweep (in a pass form) stays on the ground.

To learn more fundamentals and elevate your game, from Vianney Yamada, check out her Nike Field Hockey Camps in California this summer!