# First Skills · Field Hockey Level 1: Beginner

Field Hockey · Level 1: Beginner · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/field-hockey/level-1/first-skills/)

Holding the stick, the ready position, moving with the ball, the push pass, stopping the ball, the first dribble, the first tackle, shooting at goal, keeping the stick down and a first small game.

## Test 1: Holding the stick

- Everyone plays with the same grip: left hand at the end, right hand lower. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Grip)
- Beginners hold the stick with the hands about two adult fists apart. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- The basic grip is often called the double V grip. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Hands spread along the handle give leverage and let the lower hand steer, while the top hand stays at the end. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The top (left) hand rotates the stick while the lower hand stays loose. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A relaxed lower hand cushions the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- There is no left-handed stick, so everyone grips the same way. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The left hand anchors the stick, the V holds it firmly, the right hand adds control, and the flat face towards the ball lets it be played. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Grip)
- Hands close for dribbling, apart for the push, wide and low for stopping. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The picture shows the standard hold, with the right hand further down the handle. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Grip)

## Test 2: The ready position

- Bent knees keep the player low and ready to move. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A low stick is ready to stop or tackle. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Weight forward on the balls of the feet helps a quick start. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Vision lets the player read the play. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- A tall stance with the stick raised is slow to react: the stick is far from the ball and the weight is high. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A player who waits until the ball is close has no time to get low, so readiness must come before the pass arrives. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The KNHB/SAHA guide teaches: the player who lifts the stick first will lose the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Feet apart give balance, bent knees keep the player low, a slight forward lean prepares a quick start, and the stick on the ground is ready for the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Being ready first lets the player watch the ball and move to meet it, instead of reaching for it at the last moment. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Low body, bent knees and a low stick make a good ready position. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)

## Test 3: Moving with the ball

- Dribbling keeps the ball on the stick while running, so the player carries it forward instead of passing it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The ball stays ahead and to the right, close to the stick. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Keeping the stick on the ball when approached makes it hard to tackle. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Good vision means seeing the ball and the surroundings. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Dribble into open space and accelerate. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- The guide notes that dribbling to the left is easier than to the right. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Rolling the stick over shows the flat face on the left, the only way to play the ball there without using the rounded back. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Looking up before pushing the ball sends it into free space, and speeding up afterwards takes advantage of that space. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- The less often the stick touches the ball, the faster a player can go. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The player keeps the ball close to the stick while running with it, carrying it forward: that is dribbling. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)

## Test 4: The push pass

- In a push the stick stays in contact with the ball and there is no backswing. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The push gives good control and quick, accurate passing. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- In a push both the ball and the stick head are in contact with the ground. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Terminology (Push))
- Facing the target makes the pass accurate. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The weight transfer forward gives the push its pace. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The follow-through points the stick at where the ball is going. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Because the ball stays under the stick, a push is easy to aim over a short distance. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Stepping towards the target moves the weight forward into the push, and following through keeps the ball on line. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- No backswing for the push, a short one for the slap, a full one for the hit. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A push keeps the stick on the ball throughout, unlike a slap or a hit, which swing back first. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 5: Stopping the ball

- Eyes on the ball until it meets the stick let the player judge its speed and bounce and stop it cleanly. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Tilting the stick forward keeps the ball from bouncing over it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The guide notes that receiving from the left is easier. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Soft hands absorb the pace of the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Getting the body behind the line of the ball makes the stop safer. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A good receive leads straight into the next action. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Receiving in front sets the ball up for the next pass. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Getting in line gives a safe stop, a stick on the ground closes the gap, watching ensures contact and soft hands take the pace off the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Faster balls and balls from the right are harder for young players. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Watching the ball all the way onto the stick avoids misjudging its speed or bounce at the last moment. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)

## Test 6: The first dribble

- A dodge, also called an elimination, beats a defender by changing the path of the ball rather than passing it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Dodges are first practised in front of still obstacles. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Keeping the stick on the ball protects it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Changes of pace and direction unbalance a defender. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- The guide asks players to keep the ball where they can see the surroundings too. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Pulling the ball left uses the flat face naturally, so a young player can do it without turning the stick over. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Beating a defender opens space to accelerate into. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Slowing down tempts the defender to commit, then the change of direction and a burst of speed take the ball past. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- From straight lines to cones to a live opponent. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- A dodge changes the ball's direction past a defender, keeping it away from their stick. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)

## Test 7: The first tackle

- Tackling means taking possession with the stick, without body contact or obstructing the opponent. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Terminology (Tackle))
- The low stick sits across the attacker's line so that the ball runs into it and stops. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A jab is a quick stab at the ball with the left hand extended. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A low stick and body position give a stronger tackle. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Tackle when the ball comes off the attacker's stick. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A tackle must be made without body contact. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.13)
- The reverse tackle covers an attacker on the defender's weak, left side. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Getting low and slowing near the attacker lets the defender hold the stick still on the ground so the ball runs into it. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The jab reaches furthest with one hand extended. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- In a block tackle the defender holds the stick still and low on the ground, so the dribbler runs the ball into it. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 8: Shooting at goal

- Goals count only when played by an attacker in the circle. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 8.1)
- Looking up shows where the goalkeeper stands and which part of the goal is open. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Corners are furthest from the goalkeeper's reach. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- A push can be released quickly and accurately. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The attacker changes the direction of a pass or shot with a light touch, using its pace; a tip-in is the same idea. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Terminology (Deflect))
- Shooting is built up from a stationary ball, then from a dribble and a pass. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Following the shot gives a second chance from the rebound. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Looking before the shot picks the target, and following in afterwards leaves the player ready for any rebound. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- From a still ball to shooting on the move. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- A low shot into a corner is furthest from the goalkeeper's hands and must be saved by the legs or stick, which is slower. (Source: General field hockey reference)

## Test 9: Keeping the stick down

- A low stick is ready to receive and tackle and keeps others safe. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill development plan)
- Players must not lift the stick over the heads of other players. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.2)
- Players must hold their stick and not use it dangerously. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.2)
- A wild swing near others is dangerous. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The umpire judges danger by the risk to other players, not by whether anyone is actually hurt. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A low stick is ready to block passes and shots. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Celebrations must not put others in danger. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.1)
- A low stick is always ready for the ball and safe near others, so the stick comes up only for a short backswing. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The lower the stick, the safer for everyone nearby. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.2)
- A stick raised high near others is dangerous. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.2)

## Test 10: A first small game

- Mini hockey starts with 1 v 1, then 3 v 3, 6 v 6, 8 v 8 and 11 v 11. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mini Hockey Plan)
- The steps are 1 v 1, 3 v 3, 6 v 6, 8 v 8 and 11 v 11. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mini Hockey Plan)
- Smaller fields with fewer players mean more intensive involvement. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mini Hockey Plan)
- A pleasant, safe and dynamic setting keeps children enjoying the game, so they want to keep playing. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mini Hockey Plan)
- Smaller fields and fewer players need simpler rules so that the game flows and everyone can take part. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mini Hockey Plan)
- Rotating positions gives every child varied experience. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coaching Concepts)
- The fifth year of the plan, ages 11 to 12, moves from 8 v 8 to eleven-a-side. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mini Hockey Plan)
- Each step adds players: from one-on-one to three, six, eight and finally a full eleven. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mini Hockey Plan)
- The warm-up gets the player ready, the skill practice builds technique, the game uses it and the cool-down helps recovery. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training Principles)
- Three against three is the second step of the mini-hockey plan. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mini Hockey Plan)

Sources: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, USA Field Hockey 101, NFHCA notes, FIH history and official results; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered rules belong to the Rules category (Field Hockey - Rules of Hockey).

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