Field Hockey · Level 2: Elementary · Sub-level 2.1
Grip, Stance and Carrying the Ball
10 tests · 100 facts · updated 31 October 2026 · markdown
The KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide builds almost every skill on the double V-grip. Each hand closes so that thumb and index finger make a V on the handle, and the V runs down the front, flat part of the stick. The left hand turns the stick and the right hand supports it, and the right hand is often slightly relaxed. Hands are about two adult fists apart for the push, dribbling and eliminations, together at the top for the hit and the slap, and together at the middle of the grip for the short grip hit.
Body position serves vision. A straight back and slightly bent knees keep the head up to see the field, and the left elbow is held far from the body so the stick can sweep across. The ball is carried to the right of the right foot, the strong zone, where the open stick face protects it best. Close control keeps the ball in contact with or very near the stick, and good control frees the eyes from the ball, so the player can look up before passing or shooting. Players accelerate once past a defender and turn away in a wide arc so the ball stays out of reach.
The facts below cover the double V-grip, hands apart and hands together, the short grip, body position with the ball, the strong side, close control, looking up, changing speed, changing direction, and stick ability and warm-up games.
Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.
Test 1The double V-gripTake a test
It is the standard hold: a V on each hand lets the stick be turned and controlled from either hand.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill pages · recall
Closing each hand round the handle makes a V between thumb and index finger; the two Vs together give a firm, adjustable hold.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill pages · recall
Keeping the Vs on the flat front face lines the hands up with the stick face, so the player always knows where the face points.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab · recall
The left hand turns the stick; the right hand supports it.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
The right hand supports the stick from lower down while the left hand at the top does the turning.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
A relaxed right hand lets the stick turn in the left hand, which helps when switching between front and reverse sides.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · recall
With the top of the handle in the left hand, a twist of that hand turns the stick over.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
The top hand fixes the stick first; the lower hand then joins a little way down so both Vs sit on the flat face.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill pages · recall
The right hand must loosen first, or it would block the left hand from rotating the stick; both then grip again to play.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied
Both hands wrap the handle with a thumb-and-finger V on the flat side, which is the mark of the double V-grip.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill pages · applied
Test 2Hands apart, hands togetherTake a test
Two fists of space gives a push enough leverage while keeping the hands close enough to steer the stick head.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Push · recall
Gripping at the very top gives the stick its longest lever for the hit.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The hit · recall
Like the hit, the slap is a swinging stroke, so the hands start together at the top of the handle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Slap · recall
Hands apart give fine control for pushing, dribbling and eliminations.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Together at the top, the stick swings through a long arc.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The hit · recall
The bunt uses the same grip as the push.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The bunt · recall
Dribbling past a defender needs fine stick control, so the hands stay apart and the right hand loose enough to turn the stick.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · recall
Two fists apart, together in the middle of the grip, together at the top.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill pages · recall
The right hand slides up to meet the left because a hit needs both hands together to swing the long arc.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The hit · applied
A hit needs a long swing, so both hands grip together at the very top of the handle, as in the picture.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The hit · applied
Test 3The short gripTake a test
Moving the hands down to the middle shortens the stick's lever, which lets the swing be quick and compact.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Short grip hit · recall
A shorter lever needs less swing to reach the ball, so the stick goes back only a little.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Short grip hit · recall
A shorter grip and smaller swing release the ball faster.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Short grip hit · recall
As in the normal hit, the ball lies in line with the left foot.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Short grip hit · recall
A square face sends the ball where the face points, so aiming the face at the target is what makes the hit accurate.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Short grip hit · recall
Back and forward swing together form half a circle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The hit · recall
Bending the front knee at contact lowers the body so the stick can reach the ball on the ground.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The hit · recall
The hands go to the middle first because the short grip sets the size of the swing; a square face at contact sends the ball to the target.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Short grip hit · recall
No backswing, a smaller one, then the full swing.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Short grip hit · recall
Hands together halfway down shorten the lever, which makes this a quick short grip hit rather than a full one.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Short grip hit · applied
Test 4Body position with the ballTake a test
Back straight and knees slightly bent promotes good vision.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · recall
A straight back keeps the head up to see the field.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · recall
Holding the elbow out gives the stick room to move in front of the body and keeps the ball in view.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · recall
Space between arm and body lets the stick sweep across.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · recall
Starting on the back foot lets the weight travel forward through the push, which adds pace to the pass.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Push · recall
An imaginary line through the feet and shoulders sets the direction.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Push · recall
Beside the front foot the ball is within reach as the weight moves forward, so the stick can push it away.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Push · recall
The aim comes before the step so the step goes along the target line, and the weight transfer then drives the ball that way.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Push · recall
Bent knees and a straight back give a stable base, the extended left elbow frees the stick, and the head up keeps the field in view.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · applied
Light 4 can see the field; light 7 sees only the ball.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · applied
Test 5The strong sideTake a test
In the strong zone the open face of the stick sits between the ball and the defender.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · recall
On the right, the open stick face protects the ball best.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
On the strong side the open face shields the ball, so a defender has to reach across the stick to tackle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · recall
A defender's stick side is the right, so a tackle off the left foot means turning the stick over, which is harder.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
A tackle is hardest off the defender's left foot, so a ball played past that foot is least likely to be won.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
With a defender behind, pass the ball past the strong front stick side.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Tackling on the reverse side means turning the stick over, which takes time, so it is the defender's weaker option.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · recall
The carrier keeps the ball protected on the strong side, then beats the defender where the tackle is weakest and speeds away.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · recall
Right of the right foot is the open, protected side; left of the left foot is the reverse side, where the ball is hardest to shield.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · recall
Right of the right foot is the strong zone, where the open stick face shields the ball.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · recall
Test 6Close controlTake a test
A ball that stays on or near the stick is hard for a defender to reach and easy to steer.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
Quick touches build hand speed and control, and a player who does not need to watch the ball can see the field.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Constant stick contact gives the most control, which is why it is used when a defender is close.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · recall
A defender can only tackle a ball that is loose, so keeping the stick on it when pressed leaves nothing to win.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Control has to last as the speed rises.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Side-to-side touches make the hands handle the ball in small, quick movements, the base of close control.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Running without the ball is quicker than dribbling with it.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
Add movement only when the hands are quick.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
The dribbler sees the threat first, then draws the ball in, and only then uses a change of speed to get past.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Number 3's ball sits on the stick; number 11's has run ahead.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · applied
Test 7Looking upTake a test
A ball kept in front lets the eyes take in both the ball and the field, so decisions are made with the whole picture.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Looking up shows where team-mates and defenders are, so the pass can go to a safe target.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
A pass to someone who is not ready, or is marked, is likely to be lost, so the passer checks first.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Looking up shows where the goalkeeper and the open parts of the goal are, so the shot can be aimed.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Scanning keeps a picture of players and space.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · recall
Vision shows where space and support are.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Good control frees the eyes from the ball.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
The passer reads the situation first, then plays the ball, and afterwards moves to offer support for the return.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · recall
A controlled ball frees the eyes to look up, and choosing a spot before striking gives the shot a target.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Head up, light 5 sees team-mates and space ahead.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · applied
Test 8Changing speedTake a test
Space ahead allows a burst of speed, and speed takes the carrier away from defenders.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Speeding up at once stops the beaten defender from recovering and getting back into the tackle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
A sudden burst leaves the defender behind.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Changing between fast and slow makes the dribbler harder to read and tackle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
A quick approach gives momentum and makes the defender react, so a change of pace can then beat them.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
A slower, controlled move followed by a burst works best.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Slowing down before the shot gives the player the balance and control to aim it.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Slowing near the defender gives control for the move, and the final burst takes the player away before the defender recovers.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
Walking, jogging and sprinting are in order of speed, and the faster the pace, the harder it is to keep the ball under control.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Longer dashes after the defender mark the acceleration.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · applied
Test 9Changing directionTake a test
To dribble to the left is easier than to the right.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Keep close contact, step sideways, dodge, then straighten.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
A change of direction unbalances the defender.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
To go left the stick is turned over so it can push the ball across to the left.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills · recall
Turning away puts the body between the defender and the ball, which protects it.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Turn away with a wide arc so the ball stays out of the defender's reach.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · recall
A moving ball is harder for a defender to win than one that stops.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · recall
Planting the foot gives a base to push off, and the ball goes across before the player runs the new way.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Going straight needs no turn, going left is easier than going right for beginners, so right comes last.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Weaving through cones trains changes of direction.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · applied
Test 10Stick ability and warm-up gamesTake a test
Side-to-side touches are the simplest way to train quick hands, so they come before anything harder.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Tracing letters and figures needs many small, controlled touches in changing directions.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Shapes force small, precise touches.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Forwards and backwards work adds depth to control.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
'Hit the Deck' is a game call: players drop on their stomachs as fast as they can, which makes the warm-up a fun reaction game.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 1 · recall
The number called sets the group size, so players must listen and team up fast.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 1 · recall
Regular short practice builds hand speed.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Each step asks for more control: one line of movement, then two, then curved shapes that change direction constantly.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
A session starts with a warm-up, builds from simple to harder touches, and ends with a game in which the skills are used.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
The path loops twice: a figure of eight.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · applied
Questions people ask
- What is the double V-grip in field hockey?
- Each hand closes so that thumb and index finger make a V on the handle, with the V running down the front, flat part of the stick. The left hand turns the stick and the right hand supports it.
- When do the hands go together on the stick?
- For the hit and the slap both hands start together at the top of the handle, ready for a long swing. For the short grip hit they meet at the middle of the grip instead.
- Why use a short grip?
- A shorter grip and a smaller swing release the ball faster. The movement before the hit is smaller than in the normal hit, and the stick face still points in the direction of play at contact.
- Where should the ball be carried?
- On the strong side, to the right of the right foot. Strongest on the open stick side, weakest on the reverse side, and the open stick face protects the ball best there.
- What does close control mean?
- The ball stays in contact with or very near the stick, and the stick stays on the ball when a defender approaches. Control has to last as the speed rises.
- Why does a player need to look up while dribbling?
- Looking up shows where space and support are, and good control frees the eyes from the ball. The guide says to look up before passing the ball and before shooting at goal.
- How can a dribbler beat a defender with speed?
- Approach the defender with speed, then accelerate as soon as you are past. A slower, controlled move followed by a burst works best, since a sudden burst leaves the defender behind.
- How does changing direction help against a defender?
- A change of direction unbalances the defender. Turning away with a wide arc keeps the ball out of the defender's reach, and weaving through cones trains the skill.
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).
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan25
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side12
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Elimination skills12
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide12
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Short grip hit8
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The hit6
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 26
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill pages5
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Push5
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 12
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary2
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 12
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Jab1
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Slap1
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The bunt1