Field Hockey Workouts For Beginners

Need field hockey workouts for beginners? Field hockey emphasizes decision making skills, field vision accuracy and pace of passes. Agility, the stamina to run and run quickly and strength are key. A workout for a beginner in field hockey should involve running exercises, squats, weight training and ball-handling drills.

1. Perform leg squats. Squats help build leg strength for all the running involved in the game. According to the "Sports Injury Bulletin," the advantage of the squat is that it is a closed-chain exercise where ankle, hip joint and knee must be coordinated. This helps you develop a functional movement pattern and helps train your leg muscles.
2. Practice running. Field hockey has four speeds-fastest, fast, slow and idle. The game requires the ability to run fast and sprint faster. Strive to run a mile within seven minutes. Perform sprint drills to increase your speed and stamina. Practice running while hitting the ball. Incorporate running drills into your everyday training regimen.
3. Engage in weight training. Using free weights or a weight-lifting system will help increase both your strength as well as stamina. Strengthening your arms is essential to successfully completing long drives in the game. Toned arms help field hockey players keep a firm arc on the ball.
4. Perform ball handling drills. Practice dribbling drills, dodges and firmly placing the ball between your feet. Gripping the ball and keeping your eye on the ball are  keys to proper ball handling during field hockey. Practice keeping your eye on the ball while dribbling and anticipating a tackle. Perfect your placement of the ball between your feet so you maintain control.
5. Perfect your stick grip. For ultimate ball control, continually practice gripping your stick the say way every time.