HOCKEY

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 72, Issue 6238, 5 June 1946, Page 7

HOCKEY

CENTRE-FORWARD POSITION HELPFUL HINTS TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME (By “Sticks”) As the pivot of the forward line the centre-forward must realise that he is the mainstay of the team’s attack. He is the “brain” of the line, and as such must be able to engineer the attacks in such a way that the thrusts are made against the weakest link in the opposition’s defence. Before starting the match he should (if possible) have a good look at the state of the ground, and after taking into consideration certain other factors should decide cn the method of attack and the style of passing to be attempted during play. Should the centre-forward not be captain of the team then he should communicate his decisions to the captain and get that player’s approval before telling the other forwards. An elaboration on the factors to be considered would, at this stage, perhaps help many a budding “centre.”

Ground conditions will usually decide between the long and the short passing game. On an uneven or very muddy ground, the long passing game will certainly prove advantageous, whilst a dry, well-rolled and closelycropped field, together with the skilled co-operation of the inside forwards, will permit the short passing game to be exploited. Generally speaking the long passing game is more suitable to an ordinary forward line, and it is certainly easier to accomplish, for, although a short pass can be given with more accuracy than a long one, it is necessary to realise the skill of the other forwards. Another factor to be taken into consideration is the style of play adopted by the opposing defence. If possible, study their play beforehand, paying particular attention to the positional play of each individual and noting any apparent weakness therein. Success in the centre-forward’s play lies to a great extent in his ability to vary the line of attack. He should never be selfish, especially in or near the circle, and by his unselfishness he will keep the opposition continually guessing. If another team mate is -n a better position and is unmarked, the centre-forward should never hesitate to pass quickly to him. Theoretically, the two fullbacks mark the opposing two inside forwards and the centre-half marks the opposing centre-forward. Generally speaking, however, the centre-half will be found dividing his time between the three opposing inside forwards, and it is then that the centre-forward must watch for his chance to penetrate the defence. He must use his intelligence once he gains -possession cf the ball, so that he may dispose of it to the special advantage of his -own side and not to that of his opponents. On gaining possession of the ball the centre-forward has the choice of doing one of three things. He can try to pass the centre-half and go through cn his own. He can pass immediate!' to either of his “insides” and follow up, watching for a return pass, or he can pass to one of his wingers and allow, him to gain ground before centring back again. Usually the inside forwards are less marked than the wingers, therefore it will be found more profitable to flick a short pass to one of these players and let him carry on the movement. The centre-forward should always be on the alert, and his mind must always be concentrated on the game. He should continually watch the ball and be ever ready to receive a pass. Once in possession he should know intuitively the disposition of all the players in his immediate vicinity and be able to judge instantly his best plan for success. Dribbling is a phase of the game which requires consistent practice, as it calls for “ball control” in. the highest sense of the word. Also it must be remembered that ground conditions should be almost perfect before attempting it. In learning to dribble it is advisable to start with the ball slightly ahead of the body and walk with it, so that the ball appears to be glued to the stick. Next go through the same procedure, this time increasing the pace to an easy run, and make sure that the ball is kept as close to the stick as possible. Having become proficient in this* the next step is to repeat the performance at top speed. This will be difficult at first, but practice makes perfect and perseverance will bring its reward.

Having mastered the art of dribbling at top speed, try passing to right and left after a run of, say, 20 yards or so, using the wrists to make the pass. Such a pass will usually outwit the opposition, as it is possible to conceal the direction right up to the time that the ball leaves the stick. So much for the explanation of dribbling, but let us hasten to remind the centre-forward that, although he must make himself proficient in this phase of the game, he must not overdribble. Now for a few words on the centreforward passing. Practice passing at all angles to right and left whilst running at full speed until such passes are made wi.th the greatest of ease. Pass crisply and in such a direction that it is impossible for the opposition to intercept. Make the pass about three or four yards in front of the defender, and endeavour to place it in such a position that your team mate can gather it in without slackening his pace. LADIES’ TEAM PROVINCIAL CUP GAMES The following players have been selected by Mr R. Hinton to play in the Provincial Cup games at Auckland:— E. Johnston, B. Parish, A. Hollister, P. Bloxham, M. Meads, H. Timms, B. Tucker, D. Renick, J. Findlay, E'. Spiers, G. Hodgson, M. Brennan, E. Ryburn, D. Gordon, M. Kay.