Tag: Q and A

Question:

I am a high school hockey goalie and I want to impress the new coach with some drills. I would really like to improve my skill level, but I am tired of the same old jab and punching drills. If it isn’t too inconvenient, could you please send me some good ideas.

Answer:

I think I’d be remiss to give you flashy drills to impress the new coach. As a coach, the biggest thing that impresses me is a keeper’s ability to do the basic well and work hard throughout a practice, especially when you’re left to work on your own.

It’s really important when you work with a new coach to find out what her expectations are for you specifically and the position in general. Give her time to see how you’ll be used in practice. If you don’t feel you have enough time to work on specific skills or fitness, ask for time to work on those things.

I think if you take that approach and work hard and well with others, you’ll impress your coach more than with any flash drill I could give you.

Question:

I have begun to teach the instep method. The biggest problem I am seeing with my goalie is that a direct shot is coming at her and she misses the ball on her instep and it ends up going between her legs. It almost looks like her leg is going too far. Do you have any advice?

Answer:

A couple of things… with any new technique, be patient. When your keeper tries to contact the ball, she should be lining the ball up on the area of her foot between her ankle and the bend of the foot back to the ankle (the centre of the instep area on most kickers). It sounds like she may currently be lining the ball up too far back on her foot, nearer to her heel. She may have to cross one foot in front of the other at shots directly at her. This is ok if she is pushing off from her non-kicking leg.

Make sure she is leading with her head when she looks to save. If she is back with her weight it will look as if she is reaching too far. To do that, she must push off with her non-kicking leg, which requires good body position to start off, along with a surprising amount of footwork for those new to the technique to set up the simple instep clear.

Stick with it! Also, check out the kicking drills tip, but remember, with any new technique, realise there will be a learning curve. Don’t expect a keeper to save/clear at game pace until she has mastered the curve. Good luck and keep me posted how things go.

Question:

Can you recommend any ways of maintaining the high level of concentration required in a game? Often a keeper can be called upon to only make one save in a game, but if you fail to save it, it can cost you dearly. Are there any training methods to improve your level of concentration, so you are ‘ in the zone’ when called upon to make that all-important stop?

Answer:

I don’t know that there’s any way to ensure being in the “zone.” When it comes to the mental part of the game, there are a lot of factors, but I think the biggest thing is confidence. For me, confidence comes from preparation and experience. Preparation is key in that when you have trained hard on your fitness and your skills, you know you can physically perform the “big play.”

Experience is a bit different. Until you’ve played in the big game and made the big save, you don’t really know that you’ll make the play. You can simulate pressure in games and training. Sometimes in training, I’ll make one situation the money ball, the ball that if I don’t make the save on, there are consequences; maybe an extra sprint, push-ups, sit-ups, something like that. Mental imagery can be very helpful for visualising success. Think about the time of the game, visualise the flow of play and think of a shot and a save. See the clear, the ball exiting the circle.

A quick note about being in the “zone.” Be careful not to put so much emphasis on being in it. There are times when your reflexes are almost in an unconscious state in that you can do no wrong. There are other times, when I feel off my game. When I do, I need to pull myself back in. As a keeper, I try to strive for consistency, physically and mentally. If I don’t make the big save this time, my confidence isn’t shot and it’s not a personal tragedy. No one tries to let a goal in. I move on to the next situation.

Enjoy being in pressure situations, it’s part of the position, but know that as a keeper, it’s only a matter of time before your next save.

Question:

I have a question about the mental aspect of being a goalie. I am a very competitive player who takes my game seriously. I get myself really psyched up, and sometimes this is a bad thing because after letting a ball in I get mad at myself and basically psych myself out. I let it affect my play too much. I must admit I have a bad mentality for a goalie – in all the other sports I play, I play offence, so this is much different for me. Anywise, I let myself be affected too much by the score. My coach has talked to me about this and I need to improve in this area, especially if I want to be the starter! This even happens in practice. I was wondering if you have any ideas on how I can improve my mentality. What do you personally do to keep yourself in focused during the game? Also, I recently read an article in Sports Illustrated for Women about game preparedness and visualisation and relaxation, that sort of thing. What do you do recommend to do before games so, instead of psyching myself out too much, I can concentrate on my play and stay focused? Thanks so much!

Answer:

First off, look at my reply to maintaining concentration below, another question that I think touches on part of your question. For your particulars, I think it is important that you be “mentally aroused” for games. I think your problem maybe from being over-aroused. It’s one thing to be psyched up for a game, it’s another to get taken out of your game because of it.

Sometimes it’s ok to be worked up, but recognise your state will affect your team. As a younger keeper, I think it’s important that you develop the ability to internalise your reactions. As an opponent, if I see a keeper react, I think I’ve got them. On the other hand, if I see a keeper, get on to the next play without reacting, my impression is that the keeper is composed and confident. That also gives your team-mates confidence. Hopefully some of this is helpful.

Question:

Could you please reference the rule regarding keepers getting the ball in play on a 16 yard hit? Is it illegal to kick the ball to get it in play? I have always encouraged my players to get the ball rolling and take quick free hits in order to take advantage of gaps in the defence and improve our transition game. I have asked my keeper to do the same…get the ball rolling and take the 16 yard free when she has the opportunity. As long as she is in the circle, is she allowed to use her kicker to do so?

Answer:

Any restart, i.e. a free hit or 16 has to be started with a touch from the stick and the ball must travel one yard before it can be played by another player on his or her team. A keeper can start your 16s. In addition a 16 doesn’t need to be taken from the 16 if you’re concerned about getting the ball in play quickly. All you have to do is start it from the line that it went over the goal line, so your keeper can start a 16 with a quick push five yards from the goal line and get play going. A keeper can not start play with her kickers. I hope this clarifies things.

Question:

I am a young goalkeeper and I play at a very skilful club with many international players but when we do shooting drills I always go home with broken toenails and swollen feet.

There is another goalkeeper in my club who has just recently bought Robo legguards, kickers and hand protectors and he does not seem to be affected by it. Is there any way of preventing my feet getting bruised or do I have to go out and buy Robo legguards and kickers.

Answer:

I don’t know that you need to buy new legguards and kickers, but it sounds as if the kickers you’re wearing now don’t fit. Make sure your kickers aren’t pushed back so far on your foot that your toes are hanging out. The heel straps control how far back the kicker is pulled. Also, make sure that the kicker is pulled down so that your foot is snugly inside the kicker. If the straps that go around the bottom of the kicker are too loose, your toes will stick out when you extend with your toes downward. Your kickers may well be too small or too big, but try adjusting the straps before you buy new pads. If you do have to buy new pads, the Robos are a good way to go.

Question:

I’ve contacted you once before about a training programme. I have now worked one out with 3 of my forwards. I’m now an average goalie and I’m rising in skill level. After training with Helen Clarke the New Zealand Womens’ goalie I’ve gained more skills being able to stop almost anything hit, flicked or pushed at me. One skill is still sitting in the back… its my sliding, I’m reasonably good at it now but now forwards are learning that they can pull the ball around me…. What can I do now that the other teams in our grade have found out my weakness. I must improve on it. I’ve read all the tips you and Rachel have put on the OBO site but nothing seems to be working…..Do you have any idea to what I can do??? I have everything I need, I’ve got the speed, timing and reflexes but I still can’t stop the ball from being dragged around me.

Answer:

Patience is a virtue and it can be an asset, especially for young keepers. First, it’s great to have the ambition to want to master skills as quickly as possible. Reality usually says that new skills, especially advanced skills like slide tackling, take months if not years to master. Patience applies to more than just mastery in slide tackling. It also applies to application. The one thing you don’t want to be as a keeper is predictable. If you’re getting beaten coming out consistently, staying back may be an option. Coming out and staying upright might also be an option. When you’re working on a new skill, there can be a tendency to overuse it. If a forward knows you’re coming, he’s going to have an easier time pulling around you.

Without seeing you play, and seeing the situations you’re coming out and sliding on, there are some things that make it harder to get pulled around. Make sure you’re not starting your slide too far away from the ball carrier. As mentioned, make sure you slide through the ball, not to the ball. If you start your tackle too far away, the forward sees you coming. If you don’t have speed, you don’t slide through on your tackle. Make sure you’re coming forward with your hands when you tackle, whether it be front stick slide tackles or reverse stick. A lot of the time keepers get pulled around because they make their tackle parallel to the pull. You need to get your stick, hands or body in to the line of the pull if you want to avoid being pulled around.

Success can be a frustrating thing. Once you’ve experienced it, you want it all the time and you want it now. Experience has taught me that it was easier to get a lot better in the beginning of my career when quantum leaps were possible. As you improve, the people you play against improve. The skills you’re working on are more complex. You’re not going to be successful in every situation, but if you’re patient, realistic and critical in analysing your play, you give yourself a chance to be successful over time.

Question:

Email to the FIH: Can you please provide assistance on the following: What is the correct interpretation of a player marking the goalkeeper (standing very close and in front of) that is not in possession of the ball. As an example: A player is standing in front of the goalkeeper (standing very close and in front of) and the ball is passed to this person. My guess is using the obstruction rule and award the free hit to the defenders. But until the person receives the ball there is no offence, true? The problem as I see it (I’m an umpire, coach and goalkeeper) if the goalkeeper attempts to play the ball there is the risk of taking the player out and the goalkeeper would be penalised because he would contact the players feet and stick first before playing the ball. Also the goalkeepers vision is severely reduced because of the player in front of him prevents a legitimate tackle, as well as this the player in front is causing a situation that could lead to dangerous play by not allowing the goalkeeper to play the ball. The reason I ask this is that on the weekend my son (11 year old) was subjected to being closely marked by an attacker and the umpire responded at the end of the game that there was a new rule this year that allowed this to happen. I was playing goalkeeper when the offside rule was abolished and for a while this style of play ("Marking the goalkeeper") was the norm. These days it does not seem to be the norm, players respect the goalkeepers "space". It is worrying that young children are being coached to "mark" the goalkeeper as I myself will attempt to clear the ball no matter who is in my way (keeping within the rules) and coaches maybe failing in their duty of care, that is exposing players to an unnecessary risk. Please provide guidance on this matter, as the guidance notes for 2001-2002 are no very clear, at least to me.

Answer:

Roger Webb’s answer

Your email has been forwarded for my attention by FIH headquarters. Given the way you describe the scenario, I think the simplest and clearest way to respond is to say that an attacker in the circle has the same opportunities as a player elsewhere in the field. Thus, it is perfectly legitimate for an attacker to stand wherever they wish in the circle (without physically pushing into opponents and so on of course) – and to receive a ball facing whichever way they wish. If this happens to be near the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper must certainly NOT “take the player out” (using your words) – just as an opponent elsewhere should not “take the player out” in equivalent circumstances. The attacker receiving the ball has the same privileges wherever they stand and must be allowed to receive and play the ball without being fouled by an opponent – so a goalkeeper acting in the way you describe should be penalised very severely. I think your own view possibly therefore turns on some perceptions that I must correct. For example, you assert that “the goalkeeper’s vision is severely reduced because … the player in front of him prevents a legitimate tackle”. However, as the interpretations to the Rules explain, “the onus is on the tackler (in this example, the goalkeeper) to move into position to attempt a legitimate tackle” (see page 38 of the 2002 Rules) – so if the goalkeeper does no more than continue to stand behind the attacker they are NOT in a position to make a legitimate tackle. Further, the interpretations go on to say that “the tackler must not move bodily into the receiver and claim obstruction; such action should be firmly penalised possibly with a suspension” – hence my earlier comment about dealing very severely with a goalkeeper who “takes the player out”. I also note you say that as a goalkeeper you would “attempt to clear the ball no matter who is in (your) way keeping within the Rules”. But I hope I have shown that the sort of action you describe is NOT within the Rules! Having dealt with the Rules, it is more difficult for me to comment on whether or not coaches are encouraging attackers to stand near goalkeepers. As I have explained, it is legitimate to do so but as your experience after the withdrawal of offside indicated it is not productive – it is rarely (if ever) effective in any way. I must therefore wonder if this is the whim of an individual coach – because I have not seen this ploy used significantly in my own recent experience. I suppose whether or not a coach is failing in their “duty of care” then depends on their risking that a goalkeeper does NOT know the Rules and might, illegally, “take the player out”! I hope this explains the Rules and the interpretations that should be applied – and even though your son, as a goalkeeper, might be frustrated by such a tactic I hope he will not be tempted to respond illegally!

Jon’s answer

I’ll be honest and say I wish there was a definitive answer to your question. The scenario you described to Mr. Webb is slightly different in terms of what the keeper can do to assert his ability to play the ball than the initial scenario you explained to me. In your message to Mr. Webb, you describe: “A player is standing in front of the goalkeeper (standing very close and in front of) and the ball is passed to this person.”

The scenario where the ball is being played to this attacker is an important distinction. That is a legitimate play and tactic. With the advent of no offside, there have been a number of spectacular goals scored where forwards are making deflections in front of or behind the keeper. Play has become much more open and it requires the keeper to cover a lot more ground in defending the goal. So what can a keeper do?

Probably the easiest thing a keeper can do as Mr. Webb notes is put himself in a position to play the ball before the player in front of him. Just as the attacker has a right to play anywhere he wants in the circle, so does the keeper. If an attacker is going to stand in front of a keeper, the keeper has the same right to stand in front of him. Rather than tackle the attacker, the keeper is looking to intercept. As I alluded to in my first reply, this usually results in a game of musical chairs/argy bargy as the attacker and the keeper jostle for position. A keeper has to beware of being pulled off his line and passed around, but depending on your opponent, it might be a tactic you have to use.

My interpretation of your initial e-mail was one where the attacker is in front of the keeper with no intention of playing the ball. His intent is to screen/distract the keeper. I’ve received several e-mails on the topic and I’ve seen coaches tell their players to “get on the keeper.” Typically it’s been at lower levels of play. Either way, that tactic reflects a disregard of the rules and sportsmanship. I’ve rarely seen goals scored when the player is just standing in front of the keeper and far more often, I’ve seen the attacker get hit with the ball as it goes to goal.

As evidenced by your experience with replies, there are a variety of answers to your question. The biggest variables your situation presents are perspective and interpretation, both highly subjective. An umpire is going to have a hard time blowing intent, especially if he’s only seeing a small segment of the play. Thanks for forwarding on Mr. Webb’s reply, I’m sure this won’t be the last we’ll hear of these types of situations. Hopefully with discussion, we’ll at least achieve clarification.

Question:

My name is James Mizzi, I am 29 and live in Malta. (A very small island in the Mediterranean) I was actually born in Australia where my parents lived for more than 10 years. However, as both of them are Maltese, they decided to return to Malta when I was only 6 months old.

I’ve been playing hockey here as a keeper for the past 17 years. The last 7 of which, I played for my Club’s first team i.e. Young Stars.

I have all your tips so far and also those previously compiled by Rachel. I find them to be of great help to me especially because due to our limited facilities, I have never had any goalkeeping coaching. Thus, I find it very useful to go through your tips every so often. In fact, last year I started coaching my Club’s junior goal keepers and its seems to be going very good so far.

I have two questions for you if you don’t mind…

1. All my equipment is from the OBO range (except for the protective pants which I will probably be purchasing very shortly) and am extremely satisfied with both the material and protection they provide. Well done! However, about two months ago, I bought the OBO body armour and can’t quite yet get use to the elbow part of it. Is it suppose to be so stiff at the elbow? There is a rectangular part which is worn on the outer elbow and I’m finding that to be limiting my hand movements. Is there any way that I could maybe make this part more flexible?

2. Can you suggest any additional material that I can purchase to help me with coaching goalkeepers or do you know of any goalkeepers camps anywhere in Europe where maybe I can attend to help me both in my play and in coaching?

Thanks again for your tips and I look forward with interest for your reply.

Answer:

James, I know of Malta, my wife has worked there and thinks of it as one of the most beautiful places she’s been. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll get there together. Moving on to the questions, many keepers who have not played in body armour find it to be stiff when they first play in it. The padding that prevents injury, especially along the inside of the arms, can be restrictive. The padding will loosen up with time and use. You can accelerate the process by simply bending the arms. If you’re sitting around, take the arms and just bend them like you would if you were wearing the pads. Usually, it’s just a matter of getting used to them. As far as coaching resources in Europe, several of the different national hockey associations offer player/coaching development courses. www.fieldhockey.com has a links section from a club in the Netherlands that has addresses for many of the associations as well as a number of other resources. I know the English Hockey Association offers a number of courses and you might contact them directly. Good luck and let me know how you make out.

Question:

I have a question about using my left hand while on the ground. Recently in a game the ball got behind me. I saved it with my left hand right on the left post. I dragged it out with my left hand without thinking. The ref called a stroke (which I saved thankfully). Now I know that he was right to call a stroke, but what is the purpose of this rule: that you can’t use your left hand to push (or pull) the ball away from the goal. I can understand that you can’t push it when in the air because it’s dangerous but on the ground I don’t see the reason why. Can you tell me why they have this rule?

Answer:

The rules of hockey have never allowed a keeper to bat or propel, especially with your left hand. Hockey has changed a lot in recent years and one of the biggest changes has come with the increase in the number of raised shots a keeper faces. To eliminate the danger a keeper might create by saving a shot in the air, a keeper is permitted to “intentionally deflect” the ball over the endline, out of play. Intentionally deflecting is not batting, or sweeping the ball. Please see the Aerial Saves on the OBO website for more information. Your question is about sweeping the ball with your left hand while on the ground. Many times you can be successful in the situation with patience and composure. If you are faced with a loose ball on the ground that you have to play with your left hand, get your hand protector as close to the ball with out covering it or batting it. By doing that, you force the opponent to play the ball in to your hand if they play it forward. If they try to pull it back, you move your hand forward, staying as close to ball as possible, preventing them from flicking over you. If you force an opponent to put on a skill to beat you, i.e. pulling the ball back, you put them under pressure and you give your teammates a chance to get back in the play and help you. . If the ball is behind you and is certain to be knocked in, then giving the stroke up might be the best you can do. As to why the rule is what it is, I don’t know.