# Tackling and Defending · Field Hockey Level 2: Elementary

Field Hockey · Level 2: Elementary · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/field-hockey/level-2/tackling-and-defending/)

The channel position, the guide's tackles step by step (two-hand and one-hand block, jab, stealing, interceptions), closing down, patience, defending one against one and the basic rules of team defending.

## Test 1: The channel position

- Left foot forward turns the body side-on, so the defender can run alongside and show the attacker one way. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)
- Weight on the toes lets the defender react and move in any direction quickly. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)
- The tackler positions the body so the ball carrier goes where the tackler wants. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- Showing the attacker wide keeps them away from goal. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Moving into the ball carrier's line so they must change course or take on the tackler. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- Side-on lets the defender run alongside without turning. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A low stick is ready to block the ball's path. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan)
- The stance builds from the feet upward: left foot forward, weight on the toes, knees bent, then the stick low and ready. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)
- The defender first gets between attacker and goal, takes the stance, steers the attacker wide, and tackles near the side-line. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Side-on with the left foot in front and the stick low is the stance that lets a defender steer an attacker. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)

## Test 2: The two-hand block tackle

- A flat stick covers the ground in front of the ball, and two hands hold it firmly. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)
- Weight moving onto the front foot drives the stick into the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)
- A strong grip helps get the ball away from the opponent. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)
- You can use any part of the front side of the stick. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)
- Block tackle: open face of the stick, both hands on it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- Stronger when both hands are on the stick. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan)
- A low, strong body keeps balance and power behind the tackle. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)
- From the channel position the stick goes flat with both hands, the block stops the ball, and the weight moves onto the front foot. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)
- Two hands keep the stick close; one hand reaches further; the jab further still. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A stick laid almost flat with both hands on it identifies the two-hand block tackle. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle)

## Test 3: The one-hand block tackle

- The left hand reaches while the right is free, which gives extra distance. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, One-hand block tackle)
- Weight on both feet with the left forward gives a stable base while reaching with one hand. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, One-hand block tackle)
- A flat, low stick covers the ball's path so it cannot go under. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, One-hand block tackle)
- Laying the whole stick flat on the ground gives the biggest barrier. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, One-hand block tackle)
- Once the ball is won, forward weight starts the player moving away. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, One-hand block tackle)
- One hand reaches further across. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A strong body position keeps the ball shielded from the opponent while moving off. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, One-hand block tackle)
- The left foot forward gives the base, the left hand pushes the stick low to stop the ball, then a step takes the player away. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, One-hand block tackle)
- One hand to tackle, two hands to carry. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Interception tackle)
- One hand on the stick, laid low and flat, is the one-hand block. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, One-hand block tackle)

## Test 4: The jab in detail

- The left hand at the top drives the jab like a poke, and the quarter turn angles the stick towards the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab)
- That angle aims the stick at the ball, so the poke goes straight to it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab)
- A hand close to the body keeps the stick ready, with room to extend fast. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab)
- A quick extension of the arm pokes the stick at the ball before the carrier can react. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab)
- The stick can rest in the right hand before the jab. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab)
- A jab only reaches as far as the extended left arm and stick, so the ball must be close. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab)
- Jab: a left-handed lunge or poke made at the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- With the left hand close and the stick angled, a fast extension pokes the ball away. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab)
- The left hand holds the top, the stick turns a quarter, and a tight grip keeps the jab firm. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab)
- Stick angled at the ball, left hand ready to extend: a jab. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab)

## Test 5: Stealing the ball

- Alongside, the defender is in position to reach the ball without fouling. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Stealing the ball)
- Between the ball and the attacker's stick, the defender's stick can take the ball without a foul. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Stealing the ball)
- One quick wrist turn flicks the ball onto the front stick. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Stealing the ball)
- The right hand holds the top, leaving the other hand to join afterwards. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Stealing the ball)
- The ball ends on the front stick side with both hands on the stick. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Stealing the ball)
- The ball must be within reach of the stick for the wrist turn to get it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Stealing the ball)
- Running alongside, the defender wins the ball cleanly. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Running alongside gets the defender close, the stick goes in between, a wrist turn wins the ball, and both hands then secure it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Stealing the ball)
- Stealing starts one-handed and finishes with both hands on the stick. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Stealing the ball)
- Running alongside and slipping the stick in front of the ball is how a steal is made. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Stealing the ball)

## Test 6: Interceptions

- An interception takes the ball away before the receiver touches it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- Early movement gets the defender to the line of the pass before the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Interception tackle)
- Left foot ahead puts the body and stick into the path of the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Interception tackle (left))
- The bottom of the stick keeps the ball low and under control. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Interception tackle (left))
- Leaning the reverse stick forward blocks a ball on the right and deflects it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Interception tackle (right))
- After the deflection the ball lies on the defender's front stick side, ready to play. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Interception tackle (right))
- Accelerating away uses the surprise, and the right hand makes the grip secure for dribbling. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Interception tackle (left))
- The defender reads where the ball is going, moves early, gets the low stick in its path, and accelerates away. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Interception tackle (left))
- The earlier, the further from the receiver. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Stepping in front of the receiver to cut out the pass before it arrives is an interception. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)

## Test 7: Closing down

- Defenders move towards the ball carrier to restrict space and prepare for a tackle. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- One defender moves behind the confronting defender to give cover. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- Arriving under control stops the attacker going past. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Closing down takes away the most dangerous option. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A tight defender gives the carrier no room to look up or pass. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- The nearest defender pressures the ball; others cover. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The cover keeps both the ball and the next threat in view. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic defensive rules)
- A defender sprints to close the gap, slows to stay balanced, takes the channel stance, and waits for the chance. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Pressure, cover, last line. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- A second defender behind the first gives cover. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)

## Test 8: Patience in the tackle

- The player that lifts the stick first will lose the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan)
- Waiting for a favourable position avoids a lunge that loses the duel. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan)
- An early lunge lets the attacker go past. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A low body lets the defender move fast in either direction. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan)
- When the ball moves away from the stick, the tackle is on. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Rushed tackles concede fouls or space. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A low, ready defender moves with the attacker and waits until the ball leaves the stick before tackling. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan)
- Patience is safe; lunging is risky. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Dark 4 raised the stick first, so dark 4 will lose the duel. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan)

## Test 9: Defending 1 v 1

- From there the attacker must go through the defender to reach the goal. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic defensive rules)
- A low stick covers the ball's path and is ready to block. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1)
- Show the attacker where the tackle is strongest. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Feints come from the body; the ball tells the truth. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A beaten defender must recover quickly to get back in the way. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A 1 v 1 is a duel, with one player attacking and the other defending. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan)
- Space gives time to react. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The defender gets goal-side first, closes the gap, steers the attacker to the strong side, then tackles. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Goal-side is best; behind is worst. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic defensive rules)
- Defenders stay between ball and goal. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic defensive rules)

## Test 10: Winning the ball back as a team

- Staying close to the ball and the goal makes it harder for attackers to find space near goal. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic defensive rules)
- Seeing both lets the defender react to a pass before the receiver can control it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic defensive rules)
- Feet and shoulders perpendicular to the line of pass keep ball and receiver in view. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Important)
- The closer the ball is to the goal, the tighter the marking. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defending outside the circle)
- The defender defends a zone and all passes through it. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- Marking a player by staying close wherever they go. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- A turnover is when the defending team gets the ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)
- Defenders stay near the ball and the goal, keep ball and receiver in view, and stand between ball and goal when it is received. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic defensive rules)
- Tight on the ball side, cover on the far side. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defending outside the circle)
- Each defender guarding an area rather than a player is zone marking. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary)

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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