A field hockey goalie clears the ball by sending it out of danger after a save or when a loose ball falls near the goal, and the golden rule is to clear wide, toward the sidelines, never back into the middle of the circle where attackers are waiting. Most clearances are made with the inside of the foot or the instep of the kicker, stepping toward the ball and driving it firmly toward the side of the field. Under heavy pressure, a goalkeeper may instead deflect the ball over the backline, and when there is time, a controlled clearance to a teammate can start an attack. Good clearing turns saves into safety and often decides whether a team concedes from rebounds.
Why clearing matters
A save only stops the first shot. If the ball rebounds into the middle of the circle, attackers can shoot again before the goalie recovers. Many goals in field hockey come from these second chances. Clearing the ball wide removes that danger, gives defenders time to reorganize, and can even set up a counterattack. That is why coaches often say a goalkeeper’s job is not just to save the ball, but to save it and send it somewhere safe.
Types of clearance
| Clearance | When to use | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Kick clearance | Most loose balls in front of you | Step to the ball, kick with the inside or instep toward the sideline |
| Save and clear | Low shots with time to redirect | Angle the kicker so the save itself sends the ball wide |
| Backline clearance | Heavy pressure close to goal | Deflect the ball over the backline to stop play |
| Stick clearance | Ball out of foot reach | Sweep the ball wide with the stick |
| Pass to a teammate | Time and space to start an attack | Controlled kick or stick pass to an open defender |
How to make a kick clearance step by step
- Get set. Stay in a balanced ready stance with your weight forward.
- Read the ball. Judge its speed and direction as early as possible.
- Step toward it. Move your feet so the ball arrives beside your kicking foot, not under your body.
- Plant your support foot. Place it firmly beside the ball to give you balance and power.
- Strike with the inside or instep. Use the inside of the kicker for control or the instep for distance.
- Follow through toward the sideline. Point your kicking leg in the direction you want the ball to go.
- Recover. Return to your ready position and watch the ball until the danger has passed.
Directing the ball wide
The safest direction for a clearance is toward the nearest sideline, away from the center of the circle. If the ball comes from the left, clearing it back toward the left side is often simplest, because it continues roughly in the same direction. Clearing across the goal to the opposite side is riskier, since the ball travels through the danger zone in front of goal. The height of the clearance matters too: keep kicks low and controlled so they do not become dangerous raised balls.
Clearing over the backline
When attackers are crowding the goal and there is no safe way to clear wide, putting the ball over the backline can be a sensible option. It stops play and gives defenders time to reset. How play restarts depends on the situation. A ball deflected over the backline as part of a save is generally treated as unintentional and usually results in a long corner for the attack. Deliberately playing the ball over your own backline can be penalized with a penalty corner, so goalies should use this option as part of a save rather than as a planned kick from a loose ball.
Rulebook note: these points are based on the FIH Rules of Hockey, which allow goalkeepers inside their own circle to use their body and equipment to stop or deflect the ball, including over the backline. NFHS rules for US high schools, NCAA rules and national youth rules may treat restarts and deliberate plays differently, so check the rules for your competition.
Clearing with the stick
Sometimes the ball is out of reach of the feet, especially wide on the stick side. In these cases, the goalie can sweep the ball away with the stick, using a firm, low motion toward the sideline. Stick clearances are usually less powerful than kicks, so they work best when the aim is simply to move the ball away from immediate danger. Outside the circle, the goalkeeper may only play the ball with the stick.
Starting attacks from clearances
When there is no immediate pressure, a goalkeeper can turn a clearance into the first pass of an attack. A controlled kick or stick pass to a defender near the sideline allows the team to build out of defense. Communication is key: defenders should call for the ball and move into space, and the goalie should only make this pass when it is clearly safe. Under pressure, safety comes first and a big clearance wide is usually the best choice.
Decision making under pressure
Every clearance involves a quick decision: clear wide, deflect over the backline, pass to a teammate, or smother the ball and wait for help. The right choice depends on how many attackers are nearby, where your defenders are and how much time you have. A useful rule of thumb is safety first: if an attacker is close, clear the ball as far and wide as possible. If there is time and a teammate is open near the sideline, a controlled pass can keep possession. Goalies can speed up these decisions by scanning the field before the shot, so they already know where the space is. Talking with defenders also helps, since a quick call can tell the goalie whether a teammate is ready to receive the ball or whether the clearance should go long.
Drills to improve clearing
Feed and clear. A coach pushes balls toward the goalie, who clears them to target cones near each sideline.
Save and clear. Shooters take low shots, and the goalie aims to direct each save wide rather than back into the circle.
Rebound pressure. After each save, an attacker follows up, forcing the goalie to clear quickly and accurately.
Clear to a teammate. Defenders move into space and call for the ball, and the goalie practices accurate passing clearances.
Weak side practice. Work on clearing with both feet so you are comfortable whichever way the ball arrives.
Common clearing mistakes
- Clearing the ball back into the middle of the circle.
- Kicking without planting the support foot, losing power and direction.
- Letting the ball get under your body instead of stepping to it.
- Kicking the ball high and dangerously.
- Trying fancy passes under pressure instead of clearing safely.
- Relaxing after the first clearance instead of watching for rebounds.
Health note: repeated kicking and lunging in heavy kit can strain the hips, groin and knees. Warm up properly, strengthen your legs and core, and seek advice from a qualified professional if you have pain or injury.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a goalie clear the ball?
Wide toward the sidelines, away from attackers in the middle of the circle.
Can a goalie kick the ball over the backline?
A goalie can deflect the ball over the backline as part of a save, which usually results in a long corner. Deliberately playing it over can be penalized with a penalty corner.
Should goalies clear with the inside or the instep of the kicker?
The inside gives more control and accuracy, while the instep gives more distance. Most goalies use both depending on the situation.
