User:Mixeol28/sandbox/Field hockey techniques and tactics

This page has a list of common Field hockey tactics and techniques.

The imitator
When the captain decides their starting tactics based on the winner of the previous night's Premier League game. Can lead to awkwardly applied 4-4-2 tactics.

Total hockey
A tactic designed to confuse the opposition by having players switch positions every 2 to 3 minutes. For bonus effect, teams will also change the formation frequently. Players typically don't tell each other where their new position is; if players don't know their positions, then it is assumed the opposition don't either.

The football player
A tactic often used by players who have transferred over from Association football, who are used to relentlessly arguing with officials.

The substitute keeper
When a team brings along a second Goalkeeper for the event their primary goalkeeper is injured. The substitute is typically expected to bring their own kit, and will be ridiculed by teammates if they don't, despite offering to help out by playing outfield.

The raging bull
A defensive technique that forms the cornerstone of a more physical game. Typically applied by charging through players, even if they are children.

The sniper
A last ditch tactic used by the last defender. The player dramatically rotates and crumples on the floor when a ball is moved towards them, hoping for a sympathetic reaction from the umpire.

The driving range
A deceptive defensive clearance technique. The player typically swings and misses the ball whilst attempting to clear this. They repeat this action until the umpire awards a Penalty corner. This confuses opponents as they think the player is going to make a conventional clearance.

The phony goalkeeper
An unconventional defensive technique whereby the ball is played with the legs rather than the stick, especially when a shot is heading for goal.

Stick saves
Made when the Goalkeeper uses their stick to block a shot that would otherwise enter the goal.

Despite being spectacular when they come off, these saves are often missed by outfield players. To counter this, the goalkeeper often celebrates wildly and will repeatedly remind team mates about it on the group chat for weeks afterwards.

Superman
An advanced technique for saving the ball by diving forwards towards it and letting the ball glance off the leg-pads. Scholars are not sure where this save originated, as it is difficult to execute well, and it is far easier to just kick the ball. In addition, a split-second lapse in judgement can often lead to wrist injuries.

Cover drive (Paul Cohen variant)
The act of stroking the ball through the covers with well-timed wristwork and conventional movement of the front foot toward the pitch of a shot aimed at or outside the off stump. The cover drive is considered one of the most graceful saves playable in the sport. Goalkeepers able to master the cover drive are usually given especially high praise because of the shot's difficulty in execution and its requirement for exquisite timing. When played to perfection, the cover drive comprises a goalkeeper's seemingly effortless wielding of the stick in a downward trajectory through the off side, with the hockey ball gliding through outfielders in the covers at pace toward the opposing team's half.

Cover drive (Miles Bryant variant)
As above, but the stick misses the ball, leading to an awkward-looking goal.