Field Hockey Teaching Tips

There are several field hockey teaching tips you can utilize when teaching the sport. Whether you’re teaching your own kids how to play field hockey before they try out for a team or coaching a team yourself, some basic teaching techniques can make the difference between success and failure. By following these field hockey teaching tips, you can greatly increase your chances of turning your children or team into great field hockey players.

1. Attend a few field hockey games yourself. Watch players that are around the same age group as the players you’re teaching field hockey to. This will help give you an idea of their expected skill level. For example, you would expect much greater skill level potential from high school students than you would a group of first graders who are being introduced to the sport of field hockey for the first time.
2. Play the game. It will help you be able to teach the game if you learn how to play and actually practice yourself. If you have some time before you start teaching, join an adult league to really get to know the sport. If not, just grab some friends and rent a field hockey rink for the day to get in some solid practice time.
3. Rent out the space to practice. You will also need to rent a field hockey rink for your players to practice on. Before they start competing, they will need to play the game on a regulation sized rink. Practicing at your neighborhood park is fine, but they’re going to need time on a rink to improve their field hockey skills.
4. Teach through demonstration. This is where those skills you learned watching and playing the game yourself are really going to pay off. As you explain the basics of field hockey to your players, demonstrate what you’re saying. When your players can hear and see what to do, they will pick it up much faster.
5. Let them try. Once you explain the basics, partner off your players and let them try some of the skills you’re teaching themselves. Move around and watch as they practice. Correct their form and make suggestions for improvement. Always be encouraging and you will be able to help each of your players reach their own personal potential.