Below, you will find helpful YouTube channels, Instagram accounts, and a complete equipment guide. Feel free to contact us at wcriptide@gmail.com if you need help or have any questions!
Youtube channels: The channels below show a variety of stick skills. Vital field hockey and Field Hockey at Home are both great! There are a lot of other great videos on Youtube if you search for them, but here are a few that I find helpful:
- More in depth/skill based videos – A lot of these are posted by channels that are dedicated to hockey training, tips, etc. Feel free to check out their other videos!
- Trapping & Receiving the ball
- Receiving on the move into a shot on net
- Can skip like first 1-2 mins of nonsense
- Defending 1 v 1
- The only comment I will say with this one, is that depending on where you are on the field you should definitely force to one side or to another defender, don’t allow the person to keep switching you back and forth.
- Elimination moves
- Defending a 16 yard hit (also can be referred to as a “press”): Hockey Press
- Vital Hockey for beginners part 1
- Vital Hockey for beginners part 2
- Vital Hockey for beginners part 3
- Improve stick skills in small spaces
- Field Hockey at Home Page
Full games to watch! I would suggest watching college field hockey games. They are the most realistic high-level games that are easy to follow along! Things to watch: Staying low (especially when having the ball), looking up while dribbling, patience on defense, waiting for the right moment to attack, taking free hits quickly, and constant communication between teammates.
USA Field Hockey games to watch and learn from
Instagram Accounts to follow: The skills and drills vary from beginner to advanced! My favorite is Leap Hockey – Ross is the best!
Online programs:
https://www.leaphockey.com/programdetails – Ross is the best! He is offering 1 week free, and on-demand classes are available 24/7!
Equipment guide:
Equipment list and information
What to wear to your first session: gym clothes, sneakers or turf shoes, shinguards, and a mouth guard. Please bring water, sunscreen, and a light snack if needed!
Most field hockey gear can be found on Amazon. If you go to Amazon and search what you’re looking for (ex: field hockey shin guards, field hockey turf shoes, field hockey stick) you will see good options available.
How to pick a field hockey stick (please click this link for more information on how to choose a stick):
If you are a beginner, it’s easiest to order a starter pack on Amazon, Dick’s sporting goods, or Longstreth. If you google “field hockey starter pack” you will see multiple options pop up. Please not the stick sizes below!
Note: if you are 5’1’’ and above, I would still suggest a 36-36.5, especially if you will continue to grow. Most players will play with a 36.5 for most of their career, and adjusting to a stick length takes time, so I would suggest starting with a 36.5 if you are 5’1’’ and above!
Note: Field hockey shinguards are different from soccer shinguards!!! FH shinguards cover your ankles and your entire shin to the bottom of your kneecap. I promise you want field hockey shinguards! Please opt for the hard shell shinguards, not the soft padded shinguards.
Field hockey shoes: Sneakers are fine on the Harvard Westlake turf, but if you want a pair of turf shoes, all of the Asics and Adidas turf shoes are great!
Longstreth – This website has a ton of field hockey gear, and it is the best option outside of Amazon.
Dick’s Sporting Goods starter kits: They offer multiple “starter kits”. This is another good, cheaper option! They also offer starter kits on Amazon if you want to check them out.
Mouthguards: PLEASE wear a mouthguard every time you step on the field! If you do not own a mouthguard, please go to a Big 5 sports, Dicks, or Amazon Prime.
Socks: Field hockey socks are the same as soccer socks – they must cover your shinguards to keep the shinguard secure.