The pop and the chop are small, controlled lifts that send the ball just over a defender’s stick when they block tackle with it flat on the ground, allowing you to jump past and collect the ball on the other side. For a pop, open the stick face and scoop sharply under the ball to lift it a few centimeters. For a chop, strike down firmly on the back top of the ball so it bounces up off the turf. Both skills should keep the ball low and safe, and both work best when a defender has committed to a flat-stick tackle and there is space behind them. Used well, they are a quick and surprising way to eliminate a defender in tight spaces.
Why use a pop or chop
Defenders are taught to lay their sticks flat on the ground in a block tackle, creating a wide barrier that is difficult to dribble around. A small lift over that barrier beats the tackle without needing to go wide, which is useful in crowded areas such as the midfield or the edge of the circle. Because the ball stays close to the attacker, they can collect it quickly and continue dribbling or pass. The move is also hard to anticipate, since it looks like an ordinary dribble until the last moment.
The two lifts compared
| Lift | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pop | Open the stick face and scoop sharply under the ball to lift it a few centimeters | Controlled, gentle lifts over a flat stick |
| Chop | Strike down firmly on the back top of the ball so it bounces up off the turf | Quick lifts at speed on firm synthetic turf |
The pop generally gives more control over height and direction, while the chop can be executed very quickly and is less obvious to the defender. Many players learn the pop first because it is easier to control, then add the chop as their skills develop.
How to pop the ball step by step
- Dribble at the defender. Approach with the ball close to your stick and slightly in front of your body.
- Wait for the block. Watch for the defender to commit, laying their stick flat on the ground.
- Open the stick face. Tilt the face of the stick back so it can get slightly under the ball.
- Scoop sharply. Make a short, quick scooping motion to lift the ball a few centimeters.
- Step past. Move your body around or past the defender’s stick as the ball clears it.
- Collect and continue. Control the ball as it lands and move into space or pass.
How to chop the ball step by step
- Dribble with the ball slightly ahead. Keep the ball in front of your stick, just out of the defender’s reach.
- Time the strike. As the defender commits, prepare to strike the ball.
- Strike down on the top back of the ball. Use a short, firm downward motion to make the ball bounce up off the turf.
- Let the ball rise over the stick. The bounce should be small and controlled.
- Accelerate past. Move around the defender and collect the ball on the other side.
When to use them
- A defender has committed with a flat stick block tackle.
- You have space behind the defender to collect the ball.
- The lift can stay low and safe, not toward other players.
- You are moving at a controlled speed with the ball close.
- A pass or other dodge would be harder in the space available.
These lifts are less useful when the defender stays on their feet with their stick up, when a second defender is covering behind, or when you are moving too fast to control the ball after the lift. In those situations, a pull-back, drag or pass may be a better option.
Reading the defender
The success of a pop or chop depends on reading the defender correctly. Watch the defender’s stick as you approach. If they drop it flat to the ground and hold it there, a small lift is a strong option. If their stick stays up or moves side to side, the lift may be blocked or intercepted, and a change of direction is usually better. Also check the defender’s feet: a defender with their weight committed forward will struggle to recover after you lift the ball over them. Taking a quick look beyond the defender helps you confirm that no second defender is waiting to collect the ball. Experienced attackers often slow down slightly as they approach, encouraging the defender to commit, and then accelerate as they lift the ball.
Surface and equipment
The playing surface affects how these skills work. On fast water-based turf, the ball moves quickly and small lifts are easier to control, while on sand-based or worn turf, the ball can bounce unpredictably. Grass fields make controlled lifts harder because the ball sits lower and the surface is uneven. Stick choice also matters: sticks with more bow can make lifting easier, but players should focus on technique rather than equipment. Practicing on the surface you usually play on helps you judge the right amount of force for each lift.
Safety and rules
A raised ball must not be dangerous. Keep lifts small and controlled, and never lift the ball into a player at close range. Umpires consider the height, speed and proximity of other players when judging danger. Some officials may also view certain lifted balls, particularly those raised from a hitting action, as intentionally raised hits outside a shot at goal, which is not allowed. For this reason, many coaches emphasize the pop, which is a scooping motion, and teach the chop carefully so that it remains a small bounce rather than a raised hit.
Rulebook note: under the FIH Rules of Hockey, players must not raise the ball dangerously, and intentionally raising the ball from a hit is restricted to shots at goal. NFHS rules for US high schools, NCAA rules and national youth rules may be stricter about raised balls, so check your league’s rules and ask umpires how they interpret these skills.
Drills to learn the pop and chop
Stick on the ground. Lay a stick flat on the ground and practice lifting the ball over it from a slow dribble.
Partner’s stationary stick. A partner holds their stick flat on the ground in a block position. Practice popping or chopping over it and collecting the ball.
Live tackle. The partner now attempts a real block tackle, and the attacker must time the lift.
Combine with a dodge. After beating the first defender with a lift, beat a second defender with a different move, such as a pull-back or Y-dodge.
Accuracy challenge. Place a target a few meters beyond the stick and try to land the ball close to it after each lift.
Common mistakes
- Lifting the ball too high, making it dangerous and hard to control.
- Lifting too early, before the defender commits.
- Losing control of the ball after it lands.
- Using the lift when there is no space behind the defender.
- Chopping too hard, turning the lift into a raised hit.
- Lifting toward nearby players.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pop in field hockey?
A small scooping lift that sends the ball a few centimeters over a defender’s flat stick.
Is the chop legal in field hockey?
It can be, as long as the ball is not raised dangerously and is not treated as an intentionally raised hit. Interpretations vary, so check with your league and umpires.
When should I pop the ball over a defender?
When the defender commits to a flat-stick block tackle and you have space behind them to collect the ball safely.
