Hockey Skills Lesson Plan: Step-by-Step Teaching Guide for Students

Table of Contents

Q > Field Hockey Specific Skills

Total Number of Specific (Technical) Skills in Field Hockey.

12 Major Technical Skills (Each skill has sub-types)

1. Grip (Stick Hold)

Purpose: To control the stick properly for all skills
Types: Short grip, Long grip, Reverse grip
Importance: The base of all Field Hockey skills and improves accuracy and control
Key Factors: Left hand at top, right hand loose, “V” shape formed by thumb & index finger

2. Stance & Footwork

Purpose: To maintain balance and quick movement
Types: Ready stance, Defensive stance, Attacking stance
Importance: Helps in fast reaction and agility
Key Factors: Knees bent, Body low, weight on toes

3. Ball Carrying / Dribbling

Purpose: To move with the ball while attacking
Types: Indian dribble, Open dribble, Straight dribble
Importance: Essential for beating defenders
Key Factors:Soft hands, Ball close to the stick, Head up

4. Passing

Purpose: To transfer the ball to a teammate
Types: Push pass, Hit pass, Slap pass, Reverse push pass
Importance: Team coordination and attack building
Key Factors: Accurate direction, Proper weight transfer, follow-through

5. Receiving / Stopping the Ball

Purpose: To gain control of the ball
Types: Stick stop, Foot stop, Body stop
Importance: Controls game tempo
Key Factors: oft hands, Cushioning action, Eyes on the ball

6. Hitting

Purpose: Powerful pass or shot on goal
Types: Straight hit, Reverse hit
Importance: Long passes and scoring chances
Key Factors: Long back swing, Body rotation, Follow through

7. Push

Purpose: Accurate short pass or shot
Types: Standing push, Moving push
Importance: Most used modern Field Hockey skill
Key Factors: Low stick position, Smooth arm movement

8. Flick

Purpose: To lift the ball (mainly for penalty corners)
Types: Simple flick, Drag flick
Importance: Goal-scoring skill
Key Factors: Wrist action, Ball placement, Timing

9. Scoop

Purpose: To lift the ball over defenders
Types: Short scoop, Long scoop
Importance: Useful against press defense
Key Factors: Open stick face, Controlled lift

10. Dodging

Purpose: To beat an opponent one-on-one
Types: Body dodge, Stick dodge, Reverse dodge
Importance: Creates an attacking advantage
Key Factors: Sudden change of direction, Speed and deception

11. Tackling (Defensive Skill)

Purpose: To take the ball from the opponent
Types: Jab tackle, Block tackle, Reverse tackle
Importance: Core defensive skill
Key Factors: Correct timing, Low body position, Stick angle

12. Shooting

Purpose: To score goals
Types: Hit shot, Push shot, Flick shot, Reverse shot
Importance: Winning matches
Key Factors: Accuracy, Power, Decision making

Summary Table (Quick Revision)

Aspect	Details
Total Major Skills	12
Nature	Technical / Fundamental
Use	Attack, defense & scoring
Base of	Advanced & tactical play

A > Field Hockey Passing Skills

Types – Push pass, Hit pass, Slap pass, Reverse push pass

Q > Push Pass in Field Hockey

a) Teaching the Push Pass Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) STEP 1: Ready Position (Preparation)

Stand sideways to the target
Knees slightly bent, body low
Feet shoulder-width apart
Left hand at the top of the stick, right hand relaxed.
Ball near the right foot, slightly in front

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Low body, eyes on the ball.”

✅ ii) STEP 2: Grip & Stick Position

Short grip for better control
Stick face flat on the ground
Hands close together
No backswing in push pass

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “No swing, only push.”

✅ iii) STEP 3: Pushing Action (Execution)

Step forward with the left foot
Push the ball smoothly along the ground.
Body weight moves from the back foot to the front foot.
Use wrists and arms together.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Smooth push, not force.”

✅ iv) STEP 4: Follow Through & Recovery

Stick moves in the direction of the target
Body remains balanced
Move quickly after passing.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Follow through gives accuracy.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Push Pass

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Push Pass
SNo	Joints Involved	Joints Function	Muscles Involved	Muscles Function
1	Shoulder joint	Forward movement of arms	Deltoid	Arm movement
2	Elbow joint	Extension during push	Biceps & Triceps	Elbow control
3	Wrist joint	Direction & control	Wrist flexors & extensors	Ball control
4	Hip joint	Weight transfer	Pectoralis major	Forward force
5	Knee joint	Stability	Quadriceps	Knee extension
6	Ankle joint	Balance	Hamstrings	Stability
7	Ankle joint	Balance	Gastrocnemius	Balance

c) Recreational Game to Improve Push Pass Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Push Pass Gate Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Make small gates using cones (1–1.5 m wide)
Players work in pairs
One player passes the ball through the gate using a push pass
The partner receives and returns the pass
Continue for 2–3 minutes, then change gate

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Only a pass is allowed
The ball must stay on the ground
No hard hits or slap passes
Accurate pass through gate = 1 point
The team with the highest score wins.

🔹 Benefits:

Improves accuracy
Develops control & timing
Encourages teamwork

🔹 Simple Teaching Formula

Low body → Flat stick → Smooth push → Accurate pass

Q > Hit Pass in Field Hockey

a) Teaching the Hit Pass Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) STEP 1: Ready Position (Preparation)

Stand sideways to the target
Knees bent, body slightly low. Feet shoulder-width apart.
Left shoulder facingthe he tatargett
Ball placed near the left foot. Left hand on top ofthe stick, right hand lower

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Sideways body, eyes on ball.”

✅ ii) STEP 2: Grip & Back Swing

Use a long grip for power.
Lift the stick backward in a smooth swing.
Weight on the back foot
Keep eyes on the ball.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Long swing, balanced body..”

✅ iii) STEP 3: Hitting Action (Execution)

Step forward with the left foot
Rotate hips and shoulders.
Hit the middle of the ball.
Transfer body weight forward

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Step–turn–hit.”

✅ iv) STEP 4: Follow Through & Recovery

Stick continues towards the target
Arms fully extended
Body balanced after a hit.
Quickly move them onto the ext position.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Follow through for accura..cy”

b) Kinesiological Application of Hit Pass

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Hit Pass
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Swing movement	Deltoid	Shoulder movement
2	Elbow joint	Extension	Triceps	Elbow extension
3	Wrist joint	Direction control	Biceps	Control during swing
4	Hip joint	Rotation	Pectoralis major	Power
5	Knee joint	Stability	Latissimus dorsi	Stick swing
6	Knee joint	Stability	Quadriceps	Knee extension
7	Ankle joint	Balance	Hamstrings	Balance
8	Ankle joint	Balance	Gastrocnemius	Stability

c) Recreational Game to Improve Hit Pass Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game 🎯 “Long Hit Target Game..”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Divide players into 2 teams
Place targets (cones/hoops) 20–30 meters away
Each player takes a hit pass towards the target.
The teammate collects and returns the ball.
Rotate players after every attemp..t

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Only hit pass allowed
The ball must be hit from a stationary position (for beginners)
Dangerous hits are not allowed.
Hitting target = 2 points
The team with the highest score wins

🔹 Benefits:

Improves power & accuracy
Builds confidence in long passing
Develops coordination

🔹 Simple Teaching Formula

Sideways stance → Long swing → Strong hit → Full follow-through

Q > Slap Pass in Field Hockey

a) Teaching the Slap Pass Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) STEP 1: Ready Position (Preparation)

Stand sideways to the target
Knees slightly bent, body low
Feet shoulder-width apart
Left shoulder facing the target
Ball placed slightly in front of the left foot
Hands apart on the stick (medium grip)

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Low body, sideways position.”

✅ ii) STEP 2: Grip & Short Back Swing

Use a medium grip (between short and long grip)
The stick lifted slightly backward
No full back swing (short swing only)
Eyes focused on the ball.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Short swing, quick aactionon”

✅ iii) STEP 3: Slapping Action (Execution)

Step forward with the left foot
Stick comes down flat and fast
Hit the top half of the ball.
Body weight shifts forward.
Use arms andwristst together.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Quick slap, smooth contact.”

✅ iv) STEP 4: Follow Through & Recover.

The stick follows the direction of the pass.
Body remains balanced
Immediately move to the next position.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Follow through, stay ready..”

b) Kinesiological Application of Slap Pass

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Slap Pass
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Swing of the stick	Deltoid	Shoulder movement
2	Elbow joint	Extension	Triceps	Elbow extension
3	Wrist joint	Speed and direction	Wrist flexors & extensors	Speed and control
4	Hip joint	Rotation	Pectoralis major	Power
5	Knee joint	Balance	Latissimus dorsi	Stick movement
6	Knee joint	Balance	Quadriceps	Knee extension
7	Ankle joint	Stability	Hamstrings	Stability
8	Ankle joint	Stability	Gastrocnemius	Balance

c) Recreational Game to Improve Slap Pass Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Quick Slap Passing Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Divide players into 2 teams
Make a square or rectangular grid.d
Players pass the ball using a slap pass only.
After passingthe l ayer moves to a new space.
Continuous passing for 2–3 minutes

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Only a slap pass is allowed
No full hit pass
The ball must stay on the ground.
No stopping the ball for more than 2 seconds.
Accurate slap pass = 1 point

🔹 Benefits:

Improves quick passing
Develops timing & coordination
Improves match-speed passing

🔹 Simple Teaching Formula

Low stance → Short swing → Quick slap → Follow through

B > Field Hockey Hitting Skills

Types – Straight hit, Reverse hit

a> Teaching the Straight Hit Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) STEP 1: Ready Position (Preparation)

Stand sideways to the target
Feet shoulder-width apart
Knees slightly bent, body low
Left shoulder facing the target
Ball placed near the left foot.
Left hand at the top of the stick, right hand lower (long grip)

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Side body, eyes on ball.l..”

✅ ii) STEP 2: Grip & Back Swing

Use a long grip for power.
Lift stick straight back.ck
Keyour ep head steady and eyes on the ball.
Weight onthe back foot

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Straight back swing..”

✅ iii) STEP 3: Hitting Action (Execution)

Step forward with the left foot
Rotate hips and shoulders.
Bring the stick down straight to the ball.
Hit the centre of the ball.
Transfer body weight forward.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Step – turn – hit.”

✅ iv) STEP 4: Follow Through & Recovery.

The stick follows straight towards the target.
Arms fully extended
Body balanced after the hi.t
Move quickly to the next position.

.📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Full follow-through for accuracy.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Straight Hit

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Straight Hit
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Stick swing	Deltoid	Shoulder movement
2	Elbow joint	Extension	Triceps	Elbow extension
3	Wrist joint	Direction control	Biceps	Control
4	Hip joint	Rotation	Pectoralis major	Power
5	Knee joint	Stability	Latissimus dorsi	Stick swing
6	Knee joint	Stability	Quadriceps	Knee extension
7	Ankle joint	Balance	Hamstrings	Balance
8	Ankle joint	Balance	Gastrocnemius	Stability

c) Recreational Game to Improve Straight Hit Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Straight Hit Target Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Divide players into 2 teams
Place targets (cones/hoops) at a distance
Each player performs a straight hit towards the target.
The teammate collects the ball and gives it to the next player
Continue for a fixed time or fixed turns

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Only a straight hit is allowed
The ball must be stationary for beginners.
Dangerous or lifted hits are not allowed.
Hitting the target = 2 points
The team with the highest score wins.

🔹 Benefits:

Improves power & accuracy
Builds confidence in long hitting
Develops proper technique

🔹 Easy Teaching Formula

Side stance → Straight back swing → Strong hit → Full follow-through

C > Field Hockey Flick Skills

Types – Simple flick, Drag flick

a) Teaching the Drag Flick Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) STEP 1: Approach & Ready Position

Start with a short run-up
Body slightly bent forward.
Knees bent, body low.
Hands spread on the stick.
Ball placed in front of the left foot

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Low body, smooth approach.”

✅ ii) STEP 2: Ball Placement & Stick Position

Place a stick behind the ball.
Stick face slightly open.
The ball stays close to the stick.
Weight on the back foot

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Stick behind the ball.”

✅ iii) STEP 3: Dragging & Flicking Action

Drag the ball forward on the stick.
Step forward wiwith theeft foot.
Use wrist, arms, and body rotation.
Flick the ball upward at the end.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Drag first, then flick..”

✅ iv) STEP 4: Follow Through & Recovery

Stick finishes high
Body weight moves forward.rd
Maintain balance
Move quickly after flick

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “High finish, balanced body.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Drag Flick

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Drag Flick
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Stick movement	Deltoid	Shoulder movement
2	Elbow joint	Extension	Triceps	Elbow extension
3	Wrist joint	Flicking action	Wrist flexors & extensors	Flick & control
4	Hip joint	Rotation	Pectoralis major	Power
5	Knee joint	Stability	Latissimus dorsi	Drag action
6	Ankle joint	Balance	Quadriceps	Knee extension
7	Ankle joint	Balance	Hamstrings	Stability
8	Spine	Forward bend & rotation	Gastrocnemius	Balance
9	Spine	Forward bend & rotation	Core muscles	Body control

c) Recreational Game to Improve Drag Flick Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Drag Flick Target Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Mark a shooting line (like a penalty corner spot)
Place targets in the goal or against a wall
Players perform a drag flick one by one.
Rotate players after every attempt.
The coach gives corrections after each turn.

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Only drag flick allowed
Proper safety distance must be maintainedThe ballll must be flicked (not hit)
Hitting target = 2 points
Dangerous flick = no point

🔹 Benefits:

Improves technique
Develops accuracy & power
Builds confidence in penalty corners

🔹 Easy Teaching Formula

Approach → Drag → Flick → Follow through

D > Field Hockey – Scoop Skills

Types – Short Scoop, Long Scoop

Q > Short Scoop in Field Hockey

a) Teaching the Short Scoop Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) STEP 1: Ready Position (Preparation)

Stand sideways to the target
Knees bent, body low.
Feet shoulder-width apart
Left shoulder facing the target
Ball placed slightly in front of the left foot.
Hands relaxed on the stick.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Low body, eyes on ball.”

✅ ii) STEP 2: Stick Position & Grip

Use a short grip for control.
Open the face of the stick slightly.
Place the stick just under the ball.
Keep your head steady

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Open stick, under the ball.”

✅ iii) STEP 3: Scooping Action (Execution)

Step forward with the left foot
Slide the stick under the ball.
Lift the ball gently upward.
Use wrist and forearm action
Body weight moves forward.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Soft lift, no force.”

✅ iv) STEP 4: Follow Through & Recovery

Stick moves upward and forward…he baballravels in a short arc.
Maintain balance
Move quickly after the scoop.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Smooth lift, quick recovery.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Short Scoop

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Short Scoop
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Stick lift	Deltoid	Shoulder movement
2	Elbow joint	Flexion & extension	Biceps & Triceps	Elbow control
3	Wrist joint	Control & lift	Wrist flexors & extensors	Fine control
4	Hip joint	Weight transfer	Pectoralis major	Forward movement
5	Knee joint	Stability	Quadriceps	Knee extension
6	Knee joint	Stability	Hamstrings	Stability
7	Ankle joint	Balance	Gastrocnemius	Balance
8	Ankle joint	Balance	Core muscles	Body control

c) Recreational Game to Improve Short Scoop Skill

✅ i) Name of the Game: 🎯 “Scoop Over the Stick Game.”

✅ ii) Process to Play

Place a stick or a low hurdle on the ground
Players stand 4–6 meters away.
Player performs a short scoop over the obstacle.
The teammate receives the ball.
Rotate players after each attempt.

✅ iii) Rules of the Game

Only short scoop allowed
The ball must pass over the obstacle, not around.
No hard hits or long scoops
Unsafe lifting = no point
Successful scoop = 1 point

🔹 Benefits:

Improves controlled lifting
Develops wrist strength
Useful in match situations

🔹 Easy Teaching Formula

Low stance → Open stick → Soft lift → Quick recovery

Q > Long Scoop in Field Hockey

a) Teaching the Long Scoop Skill (Total 4 Steps)

✅ i) STEP 1: Ready Position (Preparation)

Stand sideways to the target
Feet shoulder-width apart
Knees slightly bent, body low
Left shoulder facing the target
Ball placed slightly in front of the left foot.
Hands relaxed, medium grip.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Side body, eyes on ball.”

✅ ii) STEP 2: Grip & Stick Position

Ua se medium to long grip.
Open the face of the stick more than a short scoop.
Place a stick behind and under the ball.
Weight on the back foot

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Open stick, under the ball.”

✅ iii) STEP 3: Scooping & Lifting Action (Execution)

Step forward with the left foot
Slide the stick under the ball.l
Lift the ball forward and upward.
Use wrist, arms, and body rotation.
Transfer body weight forward

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “Lift forward, not straight up.”

✅ iv) STEP 4: Follow Through & Recovery

Stick finishes high and forward
The ball travels in a long arc.
Body remains balanced
Move quickly after the scoop.

📌 Teaching cue: 👉 “High finish, quick recovery.”

b) Kinesiological Application of Long Scoop

KINESIOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF Long Scoop
SNo	Joints Involved	Function	Muscles Involved	Function
1	Shoulder joint	Stick lifting movement	Deltoid	Shoulder movement
2	Elbow joint	Extension	Triceps	Elbow extension
3	Wrist joint	Direction & lift	Wrist flexors & extensors	Control & lift
4	Hip joint	Body rotation	Pectoralis major	Power
5	Knee joint	Stability	Latissimus dorsi	Stick swing
6	Ankle joint	Balance	Quadriceps	Knee extension
7	Ankle joint		Hamstrings	Balance
8	Spine	Forward bend & rotation	Gastrocnemius	Stability
9	Spine	Forward bend & rotation	Core muscles	Body control