Why is it that the players of today get exposure and are encouraged to be creative with their bodies at such a young age in almost every sport but field hockey. If you have ever have been to a basketball, soccer, ice hockey or rugby camp you would know what I am referring to. Introducing  players in small progressive stages to the creative side of hockey will  promote future creative players. This action of misleading an opponent with either your stick or body becomes almost essential for their growth from within the sport. For many programs now is a great opportunity to experiment with your coaching , be creative and more effective.This is why the dummy, feinting or faking should be incorporated into every training session.

Even now during the indoor season should players look to be unpredictable and vary their play as much as possible. A player or team that utilizes well chosen deception can create space, time, offensive opportunities as well an advantageous opportunities to tackle.

Here are a few that should be incorporated into every player or coaches arsenal:

Body Fakes

Movement of the feet around the ball- from a restart or moving ball, step or move feet quickly 1/2 way around the ball with small steps to encourage the movement of the zonal defense or the role one defender.

Head and shoulder movement- very common in soccer and ice hockey. A subtle drop of the shoulder or dip of the head can lead to  a commitment from the defender or defense. Videotape players or have them watch themselves in the mirror.

Stick Fakes

Moving with the ball - while maintaining a 12 o'clock position with the ball use a quick, assertive movement over top while never coming in contact with the ball. Using your peripheral vision and a quick left wrist to execute well.

Dummy Passing-  player suggests a hit in a particular direction with the necessary backswing to create room or shift, this is followed by a movement in the opposite direction such as a quick pull or cutting of the ball.

Shooting Dummy- can be incorporated into indoor play as well. Having the fundamental ability to flick hard and high, drag,drive and chip allows you many options to slip the ball to a teammate. Showing a convincing flick and slipping the ball left has in most situations created time and space for your option play.

There are so many deceptive moves that we could go over and over but the key issue is are we allowing the opportunity for our players to be more creative? The key coaching point and a players success depends not only on the perfect execution of the deception but the correct choice in the right situation.

Here is a fun and challenging drill  for your team:

Set-up: Create a fake zone that is 10 yards wide. On either end of the fake zone create 2x  5 yard tackle zones

                                           ~ Player A.  ~  

* Tackle Zone *-------------------------------------------  *  Tackle Zone  *

                                           Player B (defender)

Drill: Player A who is stationary and in possession of the ball attempts to fake out Player B who cannot cross the line in the fake area to tackle until he makes it to the tackle zones. At this point the defender can lay down the tackle.

Duration: 30 second intervals/switch

Competition: Create grids where the champ stays or rotates.

The next time your at a soccer or basketball camp pay close attention to this aspect of their respective sports. By employing a dummy, being creative and exuding confidence you will be more effective while creating doubt in your opponent.

Good luck,

Jeff