Hockey Session (Under 16s): Shooting

Split Grip

The split grip finish is a push towards the goal, a shortened swing version of the punch pass!

This finish should be aiming to score in the bottom corners, it is good for deception as the GK will take an extra second to figure out which direction the ball is being played. 

This shot can get similar power to a hit so is good when in close range of the goal.

Deflections

Deflections are a complex skill which require precision and some luck too!

As a general rule, the higher the angle of the stick to the ground, the higher the ball will deflect as the stick acts as a form of ramp. If the stick is at a 90 degree angle then the ball is likely to change direction rather than flight and trajectory. Let the ball hit the stick, don't move the stick towards the ball when the ball is coming in at pace, this will cause it to go away from the goal.

You must judge the speed, direction, flight of the ball as early as possible so you can decide what finish will be required for that ball in.

When the ball is coming towards the goal, especially from a wide angle, you should point your stick in the direction we want to deflect the ball, this means that the head of the stick should be pointing to the area of the goal we want to score.

When deflecting at the left post, we need to get our left hand down to the floor, to do this you need to have a wider base and your right hand should be on the floor also to give you more balance and a more solid base. 

In the centre of the goal, we can deflect either way so you need to commit early and get into the right position.

We should be standing around the back post so that when a teammate shoots we are ready to deflect the ball in, just in case, even if it may not be going wide! 

Deflections can include first time finishes such as first time slaps, flicks etc.

You need to aim to be ahead of the GK otherwise they can intercept the ball, you must want to win the ball the most!