To pull the ball to dodge in field hockey, dribble at the defender with the ball on your forehand side, draw them into stepping or reaching toward it, then turn your stick over and drag the ball quickly across your body to your left, or reverse, side in one smooth motion, and accelerate past the defender on that side while keeping the ball close. The pull dodge, often called the left pull or pull to the reverse, works because the defender has committed their weight and stick to one side and cannot recover in time. It is one of the most useful elimination skills in the game, and once mastered it opens up variations such as the right pull, double pull and pull and pass.
Why the pull dodge works
Defenders are taught to close down attackers and tackle when the ball moves away from the stick. When an attacker dribbles at them with the ball on the forehand, the defender naturally shifts toward that side. The pull exploits this by moving the ball sharply the other way just as the defender commits. Because the ball moves across the attacker’s body, it is shielded during the move, and the attacker can accelerate into the space the defender has left. Timing turns a simple sideways drag into a clean elimination.
The pull dodge step by step
| Step | Key point |
|---|---|
| Approach | Dribble at the defender with the ball on your right |
| Commit | Get the defender to step or reach toward the ball |
| Pull | Turn the stick over and drag the ball left in one quick motion |
| Accelerate | Explode past on the left, keeping the ball close |
| Protect | Keep your body between the defender and the ball after the move |
- Approach with control. Dribble straight at the defender at a speed you can control, with the ball slightly ahead of your right foot.
- Sell the forehand. Show the ball on your right, perhaps with a small push or shoulder movement, to invite the defender to commit.
- Watch for the commit. Look for the defender’s weight shifting, their stick reaching or their feet planting.
- Turn the stick. Rotate the stick with your left hand so the flat face turns to the left.
- Drag the ball across. Pull the ball in a quick, low motion from right to left across your body.
- Step and accelerate. Push off your right foot and drive past the defender on the left side.
- Protect and continue. Keep the ball close, shield it with your body and look for your next option.
Timing the pull
Timing is the difference between a successful dodge and a lost ball. Pull too early and the defender simply adjusts and stays in front of you. Pull too late and the defender’s stick may already be on the ball. The ideal moment is when the defender has committed their weight or stick toward your forehand but has not yet made contact. A useful cue is the distance: the pull usually works best when you are just outside the defender’s reach, about a stick’s length away. Practicing against real defenders helps you learn to read this moment.
Variations of the pull
Right pull. The opposite move, pulling the ball from the reverse side back to the forehand. It is useful when a defender has shifted to your left.
Double pull. Fake a pull one way, then pull back the other. This beats defenders who read the first move and react early.
Pull and pass. Use the space created by the pull to make a pass rather than continuing to dribble. This is effective when a second defender is covering.
Pull back. Drag the ball backward and away from the defender, then accelerate in a new direction. This creates space when you are closely marked.
Body position and stick work
A strong pull dodge needs a low body position and quick hands. Bend your knees and keep your weight on the balls of your feet so you can change direction instantly. The left hand does most of the work in turning the stick, while the right hand stays relaxed and guides the movement. Keep the ball close to the stick throughout the pull, since a ball that drifts away gives the defender a second chance. Your shoulders and hips can help sell the fake, but the final acceleration comes from pushing hard off the outside foot.
When to use the pull dodge
- A defender commits to your forehand side.
- There is space on your left to accelerate into.
- You need to beat a single defender without passing.
- A defender is flat-footed or lunging.
- You want to change the angle of attack toward the center or circle.
Avoid the pull when a second defender is covering the space on your left, or when you are moving too fast to control the ball through the drag. In those cases, a pass or a different dodge may be better.
Rules to keep in mind
The ball must be played with the flat face or edges of the stick, so turning the stick over correctly is important to avoid a backstick foul. Avoid pulling the ball into your own feet or body, which can lead to a foot foul if it gives you an advantage. When accelerating past the defender, avoid body contact, since charging into an opponent is penalized.
Rulebook note: these principles follow the FIH Rules of Hockey. NFHS rules for US high schools, NCAA rules and national youth rules apply similar rules on stick use and contact, so check your competition’s rules for details.
Building the pull into your game
A pull dodge becomes most effective when defenders cannot predict it. Combine it with other moves, such as the Y-dodge, drag and spin, so defenders have to respect several options. In games, use the pull to change the angle of attack, for example cutting inside from a wide channel toward the circle. Watch video of skilled attackers to see how they approach defenders and when they choose to pull. Over time, the move should become an instinctive response to a defender committing, rather than something you plan in advance.
Drills to practice the pull dodge
Cone pulls. Dribble at a cone, pull the ball to the left just before it and accelerate past.
Passive defender. A defender stands with their stick out on your forehand side. Practice the timing of the pull.
Active one versus one. Progress to live duels, focusing on reading when the defender commits.
Double pull drill. Practice faking one direction before pulling the other way.
Pull and finish. Beat a defender with a pull, then shoot or pass to a target.
Common mistakes
- Pulling too early, before the defender commits.
- Pulling too far, losing control of the ball.
- Not accelerating after the dodge.
- Standing upright, making the pull slow and obvious.
- Using the back of the stick during the pull.
- Always pulling the same way, making the move predictable.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use a pull dodge?
When a defender commits to your forehand side and there is space on your left to accelerate into.
What is a double pull?
A move where you fake a pull one way and then pull back the other way to beat a defender who reacts early.
How do I make my pull dodge faster?
Stay low, use quick wrist rotation with your left hand, keep the ball close and practice accelerating immediately after the pull.
