To make a reverse stick stop in field hockey, turn your stick over with your left hand so the flat face points to your left and the toe points down, get low with your left foot slightly forward, angle the stick face slightly forward so the ball stays on the ground, and let the ball meet a soft stick, giving slightly with your hands to absorb its pace. Take the ball slightly ahead of your body so you can move straight into your next action. The reverse stop is essential because many passes arrive on the left side, and players who can control the ball there without switching to the forehand save time and keep possession under pressure.
Why the reverse stop matters
In field hockey, all sticks have the flat face on the same side, so balls arriving on a right-handed player’s left side must be controlled with the stick turned over. Players who cannot receive on the reverse have to run around the ball or move their body to take it on the forehand, which costs time and allows defenders to close in. A reliable reverse stop lets you receive passes from any angle, play quickly under pressure and keep the ball away from defenders on your right. It is also a building block for reverse dribbling, reverse passes and reverse shots.
Reverse stop technique
| Element | Key point |
|---|---|
| Grip | Left hand turns the stick over; right hand lower and relaxed |
| Body | Low, left foot slightly forward, eyes on the ball |
| Stick | Toe down, face angled slightly forward to keep the ball down |
| Contact | Give with the hands to absorb pace |
| Position | Take the ball slightly ahead of the body |
| Next action | Be ready to pass, dribble or turn immediately |
How to make a reverse stop step by step
- Read the pass. Watch the ball from the passer’s stick and judge its speed and line.
- Move your feet. Position yourself so the ball arrives on your left side, slightly in front of you.
- Turn the stick. Rotate the stick with your left hand so the flat face points left and the toe points down toward the ground.
- Get low. Bend your knees and hips so the stick is close to the ground and your eyes are over the ball line.
- Angle the face forward. Tilt the top of the stick slightly forward so the ball does not bounce over it.
- Cushion the ball. As the ball arrives, relax your grip slightly and let your hands give to absorb the pace.
- Move on. Take your first touch into space or pass immediately.
Upright versus flat reverse stop
There are two common ways to stop on the reverse. In the upright reverse stop, the stick is held fairly vertical with the toe pointing down, creating a narrow but controlled surface. This works well for balls arriving at you directly and allows quick movement afterward. In the flat or horizontal reverse stop, the stick is laid low and almost flat along the ground, creating a wide barrier. This is useful for fast balls or passes arriving wide of your body, because it covers more ground. Many players use both, depending on the pace and angle of the pass.
Grip and hand roles
The grip does most of the work in a reverse stop. The left hand, at the top of the stick, controls the rotation and angle. Turning the left wrist brings the flat face around to the left side, and small adjustments change how upright or flat the stick sits. The right hand, lower on the stick, supports and guides it but should stay relaxed. Gripping too tightly with the right hand makes the stick rigid and causes the ball to bounce away. Many coaches suggest that players think of the right hand as a cradle rather than a clamp. Practicing rotations of the stick while standing still, and then while moving, helps build the wrist strength and feel needed for quick, reliable reverse stops.
Scanning before receiving
A good reverse stop starts before the ball arrives. Scanning the field over your shoulder lets you know where defenders and teammates are, so you can decide whether to stop the ball dead, take it into space or play first time. If a defender is closing from the right, receiving on the reverse and moving left can protect the ball. If space is open ahead, a forward-directed reverse touch can start an attack immediately. Players who scan regularly make better decisions and give defenders less time to react.
Receiving on the move
In games, players rarely receive the ball standing still. Receiving on the reverse while moving requires good footwork and timing. Adjust your steps early so the ball arrives in the right place, and keep your body low as you run. Rather than stopping the ball dead, experienced players often use a controlling touch that directs the ball into space in the direction they want to go. This first touch sets up the next action and helps avoid defenders.
When to use the reverse stop
- The ball is arriving on your left side.
- A defender is on your right and you want to keep the ball away from them.
- There is no time to move around the ball to receive on the forehand.
- You want to play quickly to the left side of the field.
- You are receiving a cross or pass near the left sideline.
Rules to keep in mind
The ball must be played with the flat face or edges of the stick. When turning the stick over for a reverse stop, make sure you use the flat face rather than the rounded back, which would be a backstick foul. Keep the ball away from your feet, since a ball that hits your foot and gives an advantage can also be penalized.
Rulebook note: these points follow the FIH Rules of Hockey. NFHS rules for US high schools, NCAA rules and national youth rules use the same basic principles on stick use and feet, but interpretations can vary, so check the rules for your competition.
Drills to improve the reverse stop
Wall rebounds. Hit or push the ball against a wall or rebound board so it returns to your left side, and practice stopping it on the reverse.
Partner passes. A partner passes to your left side at increasing speed. Focus on a soft, controlled stop.
Receive and pass. Receive on the reverse and immediately pass to another partner, building speed of play.
Moving reception. Jog across the field while a partner passes to your left side, practicing receiving on the move.
Pressure drill. Add a defender who closes in as you receive, forcing a quick first touch away from pressure.
Common errors
- Stick too upright or not angled forward, letting the ball bounce over.
- Hands too stiff, so the ball rebounds away.
- Standing tall instead of bending low.
- Receiving the ball too close to the feet, cramping the next movement.
- Using the back of the stick instead of the flat face.
- Taking the eyes off the ball before it is controlled.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the reverse stop important?
Many passes arrive on the left side, and receiving them on the reverse saves time and keeps the ball away from defenders.
Should the toe point up or down on a reverse stop?
For most reverse stops, the toe points down so the flat face covers the ball’s path and keeps it on the ground.
How can I stop the ball bouncing off my stick?
Relax your grip slightly as the ball arrives and let your hands give, cushioning the ball rather than blocking it rigidly.
