To receive a ball from behind in field hockey, open your body so you can see both the passer and the field ahead, scan before the ball arrives, receive on the move, and take your first touch forward into space. Standing side-on rather than with your back to the passer lets you control the ball and move upfield in one motion, instead of stopping it dead and turning under pressure. This skill matters for every position, from defenders receiving a pass from the goalkeeper to forwards collecting a long ball from midfield, and it is one of the clearest differences between beginners and experienced players.
Why receiving from behind is difficult
When the ball comes from behind, you cannot watch the passer and the defenders at the same time. Many players turn their backs to the field, stop the ball, and only then look up, which gives defenders time to close in and forces a slow turn. The ball also arrives on your blind side more often, and a defender tracking you can steal it with a quick tackle. Good technique reduces these problems by combining body position, scanning and a purposeful first touch so the receiver is already facing forward when the ball arrives.
Key technique points
Open stance. Stand side-on with your hips and shoulders angled toward the field rather than square to the passer. This lets you watch the ball over your shoulder while keeping the field in view.
Scan first. Look over both shoulders before the pass is played and again as it travels. You want to know where defenders, teammates and open space are before your first touch.
Receive on the move. Jog or move into the ball instead of waiting for it. Movement makes it harder for defenders to anticipate and allows you to carry the ball away quickly.
First touch forward. Take the ball into the space you want to use next rather than stopping it under your feet. A good first touch sets up a dribble, pass or shot.
Stick angle. Keep the stick low and tilt the top of it slightly forward so the ball stays on the ground and does not bounce over the stick.
Soft hands. Relax the grip slightly as the ball arrives, especially with the bottom hand, to cushion the pass.
Forehand vs reverse receiving
| Side | When to use | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forehand (right) | Ball arriving on your right; easiest to control | Receive slightly ahead of the right foot and move forward |
| Reverse (left) | Ball arriving on your left, or to shield from a defender on your right | Turn the stick over, keep it low, and receive ahead of the left foot |
| Open side turn | Space in front and to the right | Take the ball across your body toward the open field |
| Shielding receive | Close marking defender | Place your body between the defender and the ball |
Step by step: receiving a ball from behind
- Create space. Move away from your defender to open a passing lane.
- Show for the ball. Present your stick on the side where you want the pass.
- Scan the field. Look over your shoulder to see defenders and open space.
- Adopt an open stance. Angle your body so you can see the ball and the field ahead.
- Move into the ball. Adjust your speed to meet the pass on the move.
- Cushion and direct. Receive with soft hands and steer the ball forward.
- Play the next action. Dribble, pass or shoot with minimal delay.
Communication with the passer
Receiving well is a partnership. The passer should play the ball into the space in front of the receiver, not directly at their feet or behind them. Receivers can help by using clear calls and by showing where they want the ball with the stick. A common approach is to point the stick toward the side where the pass should go, which tells the passer whether to play to the forehand or reverse. Eye contact and simple verbal cues, such as calling for the ball or warning of pressure, reduce misunderstandings and turnovers.
Dealing with pressure
When a defender is marking closely, the receiver often cannot turn immediately. In this case, shielding the ball with the body, receiving on the side away from the defender, and passing back or sideways may be the smarter choice. Receivers can also use a quick change of direction before the pass, called a lead, to gain a yard of space. Obstruction rules mean you cannot use your body or stick to block a defender who is trying to play the ball, so shielding must be done by moving with the ball rather than simply standing between the defender and the ball.
Rulebook note: under FIH Rules of Hockey, players must not obstruct opponents who are attempting to play the ball, and backsticks and other rules affect how the ball can be played. School and national competitions may apply different interpretations, so check the rules for your league.
Drills to improve receiving from behind
Partner passes on the move. A partner passes from behind while you jog forward and receive, alternating forehand and reverse. Focus on taking the first touch forward.
Receive and turn around a cone. Place a cone to represent a defender. Receive a pass from behind and turn away from the cone, then pass to another teammate.
Scanning drill. A coach behind the receiver holds up colored cones or numbers just before the pass. The receiver must call out what they see, then receive and move in a given direction. This builds the habit of looking before the ball arrives.
Pressure drill. Add a defender who pressures from behind. The receiver must decide whether to turn, shield, or play back.
Small sided games. Play three versus three or four versus four with rules that reward forward first touches. Games make players apply receiving skills with real decisions.
Common mistakes
- Standing flat footed while waiting for the ball.
- Turning your back fully to the field.
- Stopping the ball dead and then looking up.
- Holding the stick too high, letting the ball bounce over it.
- Gripping the stick too tightly, causing the ball to rebound away.
- Not scanning before the pass arrives.
- Obstructing defenders instead of moving with the ball.
Tips for different positions
Defenders receiving from the goalkeeper or other defenders should prioritize safety and aim to receive on the side away from forwards pressing high. Midfielders are often the key link, so they need to receive on the half turn and switch play quickly. Forwards usually receive with defenders tight behind them, so shielding and quick lay offs are especially valuable. In all positions, the aim is the same: see the field before the ball arrives and use the first touch to move the play forward.
Frequently asked questions
What is an open stance in field hockey?
An open stance means standing side-on so you can see the passer and the field ahead, which helps you receive and turn in one motion.
Should I receive on my forehand or reverse?
The forehand is usually easier to control, but receiving on the reverse can help when the ball arrives on your left or when shielding from a defender.
How can I practice scanning?
Use drills where a coach shows colors or numbers behind you before the pass, forcing you to look over your shoulder before receiving.
