To make a push pass in field hockey, hold the stick with your left hand at the top and your right hand lower down with the hands apart, stand side-on with your left shoulder toward the target, place the stick in contact behind the ball, and push it along the ground by shifting your weight from your back foot to your front foot, finishing with the stick low and pointing at the target. There is no backswing, which makes the push pass quick, accurate and hard for defenders to read. It is the most common pass in field hockey and the foundation for almost every other passing skill, so mastering it pays off at every level of the game.
Why the push pass matters
Because the stick stays in contact with the ball before release, the push pass gives excellent control over direction and pace. Defenders get little warning, since there is no backswing to signal the pass. It can be played quickly in tight spaces, while moving and under pressure, and it keeps the ball on the ground, which is safer and easier for teammates to receive. Most short and medium passes in games are push passes, and many free hits and restarts use them too.
Push pass technique
| Step | Key point |
|---|---|
| Grip | Left hand at the top, right hand lower down the stick, hands apart |
| Stance | Side-on, left shoulder toward the target, knees bent |
| Ball position | Near the right foot or slightly in front, stick in contact behind the ball |
| Action | Shift weight from back to front foot while pushing through the ball |
| Follow-through | Stick finishes low, pointing at the target |
| Eyes | Look at the target, then at the ball during the push |
How to push pass step by step
- Pick your target. Look up and choose where the pass should go, usually into the path of a moving teammate.
- Set your feet. Stand side-on with your left shoulder pointing toward the target and your feet about shoulder-width apart.
- Get low. Bend your knees and lower your body so the stick is close to the ground.
- Place the stick behind the ball. Keep the stick in contact with the ball, with the right hand providing power and the left hand guiding.
- Transfer your weight. Move your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you push.
- Push through the ball. Keep the stick in contact as long as possible, sweeping it along the ground.
- Follow through. Finish with the stick low and pointing at the target.
Controlling pace and direction
The pace of a push pass comes from weight transfer and the speed of the push, not from a swing. For a short pass, a gentle push with a small weight shift is enough. For a longer pass, drive harder from the legs and push through the ball over a longer distance. Direction comes from your body and follow-through: pointing your front shoulder and your stick at the target makes accuracy much easier. Passing into space ahead of a moving teammate, rather than directly at their feet, helps them receive on the move.
Push passing on the move
In games, players often push pass while running. This requires good footwork to get the ball in the right position relative to the body. Many players take a small adjusting step so the ball sits near the right foot before pushing. Keeping the body low and balanced while moving helps maintain control. With practice, players can push pass without breaking stride, which speeds up play and makes it harder for defenders to react.
Disguising your push pass
One of the biggest advantages of the push pass is that it is hard to read, and skilled players make it even harder by disguising their intentions. Keep your head up and look around before you receive the ball, so you do not need to stare at your target just before passing. Use your body shape to suggest one direction, then push the ball another way at the last moment. Small fakes, such as a shift of the shoulders or a slight drag of the ball, can move a defender out of the passing lane. Because the push requires no backswing, the ball can be released from almost any position, giving defenders very little time to react. Practicing disguise in small-sided games, where defenders are close, helps players learn when and how to use it.
Receiving a push pass
A good pass is only half of the partnership. Receivers should present their stick clearly as a target, move toward the ball rather than waiting for it, and receive on the move whenever possible. Communicating with the passer, by calling for the ball or pointing the stick where they want it, helps the passer choose the right weight and direction. Teams that practice passing and receiving together develop a rhythm that makes their build-up play fast and precise.
The reverse push
The push pass can also be played on the reverse side, with the stick turned over, to pass to the left. The reverse push uses the same principles of contact and weight transfer, but it relies more on wrist strength and body rotation. It is useful when the ball is on your left side and turning to the forehand would take too long. Learning both forehand and reverse pushes gives you passing options in every direction.
When to use a push pass
- Short and medium passes where accuracy matters.
- Passing under pressure when there is no time for a backswing.
- Quick one-touch combinations with nearby teammates.
- Free hits and restarts where a controlled pass is needed.
- Passing into the circle for deflections at close range.
For longer passes or when more power is needed, players often switch to a slap hit or a full hit. For lifting the ball, a flick or aerial is used instead.
Rules to remember
The push must be played with the flat face or edges of the stick. The ball should stay on the ground unless raised safely and legally. Push passes that are deliberately raised dangerously toward players can be penalized. At free hits, the ball must be stationary before it is pushed.
Rulebook note: these points follow the FIH Rules of Hockey. NFHS rules for US high schools, NCAA rules and national youth rules use similar principles, but details on raised balls and free hits may differ, so check the rules for your competition.
Drills to improve the push pass
Pairs passing. Partners pass back and forth at 5, 10 and 15 meters, focusing on technique and accuracy.
Cone gates. Pass through small cone gates to improve precision.
Receive and pass triangles. Three players pass around a triangle at speed, receiving and passing quickly.
Moving passes. Jog in pairs across the field, passing without stopping.
Reverse push practice. Repeat the drills using reverse pushes to the left.
Common mistakes
- Taking a backswing, which turns the push into a slap or hit.
- Standing upright, which can lift the ball.
- Stopping the stick at contact, killing the pace.
- Hands too close together, reducing control and power.
- Facing the target square instead of side-on.
- Passing at a teammate’s feet rather than into space ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What is a push pass in field hockey?
A pass made without a backswing, with the stick in contact with the ball as it is pushed along the ground.
How do I make my push pass stronger?
Transfer more weight from your back foot to your front foot, get lower and push through the ball for longer.
Is a push pass better than a hit?
For short and medium passes, the push is usually more accurate and harder to read. Hits are better for long distances and power.
