Essay On Field Hockey

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Field hockey is a game of skills with a ball and stick. It is an 11 a side game with similar formation to soccer. There are many ways of striking the ball in hockey; hit, sweep, push, drag flick. The speed at which the ball travels is an essential factor of the game. The player has to hit the ball while moving, focusing on a target and defending from the opposition. To score a goal, the player must hit the ball from inside the semi-circle marking known as the D. The speed of the ball comes mainly from the power that it is hit with. The hit, when used with correct technique is vital for shooting, quick clearances from the defence, long cross-field transfers and diagonal transfers. The drive hit involves biomechanics, timing, footwork and strength. …show more content…

Objectives:  Gather 30 female hockey players aged 18 – 25 willing to participate in the research  After 6 weeks of hockey training, measure their strength needed for a hockey hit with the following tests; hydraulic handgrip dynamometer to measure hand grip strength of both hands, upper limb strength is tested by a seated shot put throw, lower limb strength is measured by a vertical jump test and back strength is tested using an arm-leg and back pull electronic dynamometer  Ball speed also tested. Players have three attempts to hit a ball from the half way line to the goal or end line in as straight a line as possible. Speed is measured as distance travelled in meters per second. An average is calculated from the three attempts.  A strength programme is designed to target the specific muscles for hockey. Body weight, medicine ball, free weights, machine weights and cable exercises are recommended for hockey specific actions