To hit the ball in field hockey, hold the stick with both hands together at the top of the handle, stand side-on to your target with the ball just in front of your front foot, take a controlled backswing, and swing through the ball with your weight transferring from back foot to front foot. Keep your head down and eyes on the ball at contact, and follow through low toward the target. The hit, also called the drive, is the sport’s most powerful pass and shot, used to switch play, clear the ball from defence and shoot at goal. A good hit comes from timing, body rotation and weight transfer far more than arm strength.
This guide explains the grip, stance and swing, the difference between a hit, a slap and a push, how to aim and control height, the rules on dangerous and raised balls, drills and common mistakes.
Hit vs slap vs push
| Stroke | Grip | Backswing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hit (drive) | Both hands together at the top of the stick | Full, controlled | Long passes, clearances and powerful shots |
| Slap hit | Hands apart, lower hand down the stick | Short, with the stick flatter to the ground | Quick, medium-range passes and shots |
| Push | Hands apart as in dribbling | None; the stick stays in contact with the ball | Short, accurate passes with disguise |
Grip
For a hit, slide your right hand up the handle until it sits directly below your left hand at the top of the stick. The flat face of the stick should face the ball. A firm but relaxed grip lets the stick swing freely and gives you control at contact. Gripping too tightly slows the swing and reduces accuracy.
Stance and ball position
Stand side-on to the target, with your left shoulder pointing where you want the ball to go if you are right-handed, as all field hockey players are because sticks are made for right-handed use. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart and your knees bent. Place the ball slightly in front of your front foot and far enough away that your arms can extend comfortably during the swing.
Step-by-step technique
- Get into position: side-on, knees bent, ball just ahead of your front foot.
- Backswing: take the stick back with your arms, keeping it under control. The backswing should not go above shoulder height, both for safety and control.
- Weight shift: transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you start the downswing.
- Swing through: rotate your hips and shoulders and bring the stick down in a smooth arc.
- Contact: strike the ball with the middle of the flat face, with your head over the ball and eyes on it.
- Follow through: continue the swing low toward the target, keeping the stick below shoulder height.
Aiming and controlling height
Direction comes mostly from your body position and where the stick face points at contact. To keep the ball on the ground, make contact with your hands slightly ahead of the ball and follow through low. Striking under the ball or leaning back tends to raise it. Practise hitting to targets at different distances to learn how much swing you need.
Rules on hitting
Field hockey rules put strong limits on dangerous play. You must not play the ball in a way that is dangerous or likely to lead to dangerous play, and a raised ball that could injure an opponent is penalised. You may not intentionally raise the ball from a hit, except when shooting at goal. On penalty corners, the first shot at goal, if it is a hit, must not cross the goal line above the height of the backboard. Only the flat side and edges of the stick may be used. Rules can differ in indoor hockey and youth competitions, where hitting is sometimes restricted.
For exact details, refer to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Rules of Hockey and your national or school association’s rules.
Drills to practise
- Stationary hits: hit a stationary ball to a partner or target, focusing on technique.
- Hitting on the move: dribble, set the ball and hit while moving.
- Target practice: hit between cones at different distances.
- Receiving and hitting: receive a pass and hit first time.
- Penalty corner hits: practise stopping and hitting at goal from the top of the circle.
Common mistakes
- Hands apart: reduces power and control for a full hit.
- Standing square to the target: limits rotation and accuracy.
- Ball too close or too far: leads to mis-hits and topping the ball.
- Lifting the head early: causes miss-hits and poor contact.
- Swinging too high: dangerous and can lead to penalties.
Field hockey balls are hard and travel fast. Wear shin guards and a mouthguard, practise in safe spaces, and learn hitting technique under a qualified coach.
Hitting on the move
In games, players rarely hit a stationary ball. To hit on the move, take a small adjustment step to get the ball in the right position just in front of your front foot, keep the backswing short to save time, and focus on balance and contact rather than maximum power. Accurate, well-timed hits on the move are more valuable than slower, harder hits from a standstill.
Hitting in penalty corners
On penalty corners, the first shot is often a hit from the top of the circle after the ball is stopped. Because the rules limit the height of a first-shot hit, shooters aim low and hard at the goal or at a teammate for a deflection. Other teams use a drag flick, which is not a hit, to lift the ball higher. Practise penalty corner hits with a partner inserting and stopping the ball so timing becomes automatic.
Equipment and the hit
Stick weight, length and bow affect how the ball comes off the stick. Heavier sticks and certain composite materials can add power, while lighter sticks allow faster swings. Most beginners do best with a moderate stick that suits their height and strength, and they can experiment as their technique develops.
Record your hitting practice on a phone from the side to check your stance, backswing height and follow-through. Small corrections, such as moving the ball slightly forward or bending the knees more, often add power and accuracy quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a hit and a push in field hockey?
A hit uses a swing with hands together for power. A push keeps the stick on the ball with hands apart for control.
Can you raise the ball with a hit in field hockey?
You may not intentionally raise a hit except when shooting at goal, and a raised ball must never be dangerous.
How can I hit the ball harder?
Use a full, controlled backswing, rotate your hips and shoulders and transfer your weight onto your front foot.
