To dribble in field hockey, hold the stick with your left hand at the top and your right hand lower down, bend your knees and stay low, keep the ball about an arm’s length in front of you and slightly to your right, and move it with controlled touches using the flat face of the stick while looking up as often as you can. Dribbling lets you carry the ball into space, draw defenders and create passing or shooting chances. The three main styles are the straight or open dribble for running forward, the Indian dribble for moving the ball side to side to beat defenders, and the loose dribble for covering ground quickly in open space.
Why dribbling matters
Dribbling is how players move the ball when a pass is not the best option. It lets attackers carry the ball forward into space, draw defenders away from teammates, and create one on one situations. Strong dribblers can hold the ball under pressure, protect it from tackles and change direction quickly. However, good players also know when not to dribble, since passing is usually faster. The best teams combine confident dribbling with quick passing.
Types of dribbling
| Type | How it works | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Straight (open) | Ball kept on the stick, pushed ahead in short taps | Running forward with close control |
| Indian dribble | Ball moved side to side by turning the stick over | Beating defenders and protecting the ball |
| Loose dribble | Ball pushed further ahead, chased and pushed again | Speed into open space |
| Reverse dribble | Ball carried on the left side with the stick turned over | Moving down the left side of the field |
Basic dribbling technique
- Grip. Hold the stick with your left hand at the top and your right hand lower, with a gap between them for control.
- Stance. Bend your knees and keep your back fairly low, so your stick is close to the ground.
- Ball position. Keep the ball about an arm’s length in front and slightly to the right of your feet.
- Contact. Use the flat face of the stick to guide the ball with small, controlled touches.
- Head up. Look up regularly to see teammates, defenders and space, using peripheral vision to track the ball.
- Speed control. Adjust the size of your touches to your speed: small touches in tight spaces, bigger pushes in open space.
The Indian dribble
The Indian dribble moves the ball from right to left and back again by turning the stick over with the left hand. The right hand stays relaxed so the stick can rotate smoothly. Each time the ball moves left, the stick turns to the reverse position; each time it moves right, the stick returns to the forehand. The ball should stay in front of the body, not beside the feet, so you can see it and keep moving forward. The Indian dribble is useful for beating defenders, protecting the ball and changing direction. Beginners should start slowly with wide, controlled movements, then speed up and narrow the movement as they improve.
The loose dribble
When there is open space ahead, pushing the ball further in front and chasing it lets you run faster than you could with close control. This loose dribble is common on the wings and in counterattacks. The key is judging the push: too far and a defender may intercept, too short and you lose speed. As defenders approach, bring the ball back under closer control so you can dodge or pass.
Protecting the ball while dribbling
Defenders will try to tackle when the ball moves away from your stick. Keep the ball close when defenders are near, and use your body position to keep the ball on the side away from them, without obstructing. Changing speed and direction makes you harder to tackle. Combining dribbling with dodges, such as the pull, drag or Y-dodge, lets you beat defenders rather than simply running into them.
When to dribble and when to pass
Knowing when to dribble is as important as knowing how. Dribbling makes sense when you have space ahead, when no teammate is in a better position, or when you can draw a defender and create space for someone else. Passing is usually better when a teammate is open further up the field, when several defenders are closing in, or when the ball can move faster than you can run. A helpful habit is to look for a pass first, then dribble if no good pass is available. Coaches often encourage players to dribble with purpose, meaning every dribble should either move the ball forward, draw a defender or set up the next action, rather than simply holding the ball.
Looking up while dribbling
One of the biggest differences between beginners and experienced players is where they look. Beginners watch the ball constantly, which means they miss passing options and defenders coming in. Experienced dribblers glance at the ball but spend most of their time looking up. This skill develops through practice: start with simple drills while calling out numbers or colors that a coach holds up, then progress to game situations. Looking up helps you make better decisions and avoid running into trouble.
Rules to remember
Dribble only with the flat face or edges of the stick. Using the rounded back of the stick is a backstick foul. Keep the ball away from your feet, since a ball that hits your foot and gives you an advantage is also a foul. When shielding the ball, do not use your body to block a defender who is trying to play it, as this can be called obstruction.
Rulebook note: these rules follow the FIH Rules of Hockey. NFHS rules for US high schools, NCAA rules and national youth rules apply similar principles on stick use, feet and obstruction, so check your competition’s rulebook for details.
Drills to improve dribbling
Cone slaloms. Weave through a line of cones using the Indian dribble, focusing on control and keeping the ball in front.
Heads-up dribbling. Dribble around a grid while calling out numbers or colors a coach shows.
Speed dribble. Use the loose dribble to cover 30 meters quickly, then bring the ball under control at a target line.
One versus one in a box. Try to dribble past a defender in a small area, using changes of speed and direction.
Reverse side practice. Dribble along a line with the ball on your reverse side to build comfort on the left.
Common mistakes
- Standing upright, which makes control difficult.
- Keeping the ball too close to the feet.
- Staring at the ball and missing teammates.
- Using the back of the stick.
- Dribbling into crowds instead of passing.
- Pushing the ball too far when a defender is close.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both sides of the stick to dribble?
You can use the flat face on both the forehand and reverse by turning the stick over, but you cannot use the rounded back.
What is the Indian dribble?
A dribble that moves the ball from side to side by turning the stick over, used to beat defenders and protect the ball.
How do I dribble faster?
Push the ball further ahead in open space and chase it, then bring it back under close control when defenders approach.
