Receiving the ball on the run in field hockey means controlling a pass while you keep moving, so your first touch carries the ball into space instead of stopping it dead. The keys are scanning before the ball arrives, running into the passing lane, keeping an open body shape, and using soft hands to guide the ball ahead of you on your forehand or reverse. Done well, it lets you beat pressure with your first touch and keeps attacks flowing at full speed.
This guide covers why receiving on the move matters, how to do it on the forehand and reverse, the most common mistakes, and drills that build the skill.
Why receiving on the run matters
Modern field hockey is played on fast artificial turf, and the ball travels quickly between players. A player who stops the ball dead and then looks up gives defenders time to close down. A player who receives on the move keeps momentum, moves the ball away from pressure with the first touch, and can pass or carry before the defence reacts. Coaches often say the first touch decides whether an attack speeds up or slows down, and receiving on the run is how players keep the speed.
Before the ball arrives
Most of the work happens before the pass is made.
- Scan early. Look over your shoulder and across the pitch two or three times before the pass so you know where defenders and space are.
- Move into the passing lane. Get into a position where the passer has a clear line to you, away from the defender’s stick.
- Show your stick. Present the stick on the side where you want the ball, giving the passer a clear target.
- Decide your first touch. Know before the ball arrives whether you will take it forward, inside or outside.
Forehand receive on the run
The forehand is the most common and most reliable way to receive while moving.
- Keep your body open to the field rather than square to the passer, so you can see forward.
- Bend your knees and get low, with the stick on or close to the ground.
- Angle the stick face slightly forward and down so the ball does not bounce up.
- Let the ball meet the stick in front of your right foot, not beside or behind you.
- Relax your grip and guide the ball forward into space with the same movement, keeping your feet moving.
Reverse receive on the run
Receiving on the reverse side is harder but essential, especially for players on the left of the pitch.
- Turn the stick over so the toe points down and the flat face faces the ball.
- Take the ball slightly in front of the left foot, keeping the stick low.
- Use a soft left hand to cushion the ball and guide it forward.
- Keep your head up after the touch so you can see the next option.
Forehand vs reverse: quick comparison
| Feature | Forehand receive | Reverse receive |
|---|---|---|
| Where the ball is taken | In front of the right foot | In front of the left foot |
| Stick position | Flat face forward, angled down | Stick turned over, toe down |
| Difficulty | Easier for most players | Harder, needs more practice |
| Best use | Receiving from the left or in front | Receiving from the right or on the left flank |
| Main risk | Ball running under a high stick | Ball deflecting off the edge of the stick |
Taking the first touch away from pressure
The best receptions do more than control the ball. They move it away from danger. If a defender is closing from the left, take the first touch to the right, and vice versa. If you are receiving with your back to goal, open your hips and take the ball into space on the side away from your marker. A good first touch can beat a defender without any dribbling at all. Practise receiving with a defender coming from different angles so this becomes a habit.
Common mistakes
- Stopping to receive. Slowing down or stopping lets defenders close you down.
- Standing square to the passer. This hides the field and makes the next pass or carry slower.
- A stiff grip. Tight hands cause the ball to bounce away from the stick.
- Taking the ball too late. Receiving beside or behind the body forces you to stop and adjust.
- Not scanning. Without looking before the pass, you cannot choose where to take your first touch.
- A high stick. The ball runs under the stick, especially on bumpy surfaces.
Drills to practise
- Running receive lines: Players jog across the pitch while a partner passes from different angles. Receive on the forehand and carry forward for five metres.
- Reverse receive channel: In a narrow channel, players receive on the reverse while moving and must keep the ball inside the cones.
- Scan and call: A coach holds up a coloured cone behind the receiver. The player must scan, call the colour, then receive the pass.
- Receive under pressure: Add a passive defender who closes from one side. The receiver must take the first touch away from the pressure.
- Wall work: Alone, hit the ball against a rebound board while moving along it, receiving on the forehand and reverse.
Rules to keep in mind
Receiving the ball must follow the FIH Rules of Hockey. You may only play the ball with the flat face or the edges of the stick, not the rounded back. Letting the ball hit your feet or legs on purpose, or gaining an advantage from it, is a foul. Receiving an aerial ball also has rules: an opponent must not be within five metres of a player receiving a falling raised ball, and the initial receiver has the right to control it. Check the current FIH rules and any competition regulations for the exact wording.
How to practise at home
Even without a team, you can improve your receiving. Use a wall or rebound board, move along it at walking pace, and receive on both sides of the stick. Gradually speed up as your touch improves. Practise looking up between touches so scanning becomes automatic. Ten to fifteen minutes a few times a week is enough to see progress.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop the ball or receive it on the run?
In most match situations, receiving on the run is better because it keeps your speed and makes you harder to defend. Stopping the ball dead is still useful when you need to reset, protect possession under heavy pressure, or set up a set piece.
Why does the ball keep bouncing off my stick?
The most common causes are a tight grip, a stick held too high, or a stick face angled back. Relax your hands, keep the stick low and angled slightly forward, and let the ball come to you.
How can I get better on the reverse side?
Practise it more than the forehand. Start slowly against a wall, then add movement and a partner. Focus on keeping the stick low and taking the ball in front of the left foot.
