CENTRE HALF AT HOCKEY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 175, 9 July 1932, Page 2 (Supplement)

CENTRE HALF AT HOCKEY

THE PIVOT POSITION POINTS ON HOW TO PLAY. VALUABLE ADVICE. “Most hockey authorities agree that the centre half position, is the hardest adequately to fill in any hockey team. It is undoubtedly the pivot position,” writes Bruce Tart, centre half for Kew and member of this year’s Victorian team, in the Victoria Hockey Association’s official organ. The centre half must have hockey sense. He should be able to anticipate every move during the course of the game. He is primarily an attacking agent, but should also assist in defence.

His main object should be to feed his forwards anq to mark the opposing centre forward. He should also devote portion of his attention to the opposing inside forwards.

It is essential for a centre half to use his brains dying the whole period of tha game. He should analyse the strong and weak joints of the opposing team and then institute attacks on the weak portions. Whereas every other player in the team has his set position aUd must, except under unusual circumstances, keep to his position, a centre half has much more latitude. Can Shoot Tor Goal. Although the opportunity very seldom occurs, the centre half should always be ready to have a shot for goal. It is essential that there be complete understanding between all members of a team but more particularly should there be this understandisg between the centre forward and the centre half.

In attacking the stroke that will be found most effective for a centre half is the “flick” shot.” This shot allows of accurate passing without the possibility of an opponent hqoking your stick. In defence, endeavour to keep alongside the opposing centre forward and, of course, if possible, keep between this player and the player wth the ball, as this will allow you the chance of intercepting a pass. A centre half should never stop a ball with his hand. This habit is a very bad one, and should, never be encouraged. It wastes too much time and is very seldom warranted. Hockey is a scientific game played with sticks, so use your stick to stop the ball. Of course, this does not apply to a ball in mid-air, when naturally it Is esseseial for the hand to be used A scoop into the circle may be very effective if your centre forward is at all alive. Some umpires will not allow this shot, ruling that it is dangerous play. When in your opponents’ 25 always

try to keep the ball in the centre of the field. The habit of sending it out to

the wing at this stage is bad. It the ball goes out to the wing, the outside man has got to stop it and send it back again. This move gives the defence time to get into position. The reverse is, of course, the best policy in your own half of the field. Watch Your Own Backs. In defence watch your own backs. They may be endeavouring to throw the opponents “off side,” and should you go too far back will nullify their efforts.

Conserve your energy as far as possible. Should it be evident that a ball is going out of bounds pace up at once and walk into your position for the replay. A centre half has more ground to covro than any other player, and of a consequence should reserve himself as far as practicable.

Finally a centre half, like every other player, should always play the game cleanly and remember the umpire has the final and only say.