In field hockey, a ‘dodge’ is when a player stops the attacking team by positioning themselves between the attacker and the goal. Dodge is one of the most important skills in the sport because it can prevent goals and/or assists for the non-dodging team.
Here’s a run down of the basics of field hockey dodding, including definitions, how to do it properly, and benefits.
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Definitions
In field hockey, a ‘dodge’ is when a player stops the attacking team by positioning themselves between the attacker and the goal. The attacking team then have to attack the player instead of the goal as there’s now a blocker in the way.
A ‘dodge’ can be either a right or left hander, as right handers are more likely to do the blocking as they are usually the stronger of the two. A right hander will block the right-hand side of the goal, a left hander blocks the left-hand side.
A ‘dodge’ can also be referred to as a ‘pitch stop’. This is because when the player does their pitch (run towards the opponent’s goal), they’re essentially stopping the play by using their body.
Finally, a ‘dodge’ can also be known as a ‘pitch block’. When a pitch is blocked by a defender, it acts as a de facto dodge since the ball isn’t going into the goal for a goal.
How To Do It Properly
The proper way to do a dodge in field hockey is straightforward; first, run towards the opponent’s goal at a 45-degree angle. When you reach the opposing team, stop and either block the pitch or change directions and move towards the other goal. You should always be aware of the position of your teammates so that you don’t get separated or overrun.
The ideal block position is with your body facing the direction of the attack and both your arms raised above your head. If you’re blocking a right-handed throw, raise your right arm and block the right side of the goal. If you’re blocking a left-handed throw, raise your left arm and block the left side of the goal.
If you’re too far away from the goal when you decide to block, it can be difficult to position yourself in the right place at the right time. If this happens, it’s preferable to switch your arm and block with the opposite side of your body in the hope of deflecting the ball away from the goal.
Benefits
Aside from being a great way to stop a goal or assist, dodding also has several other benefits. First, it forces the attacking team to adjust their strategy. In tennis, players are taught to always push the ball towards the net in the hopes of beating the person over there. In field hockey, the same approach can lead to more effective attacks. Second, it encourages more active defenders. In the English Premier League, teams are allowed to have only one player on the field for defensive duties. This player is often a centre back because they have to be the ‘daddy’ of the defence. This means they have to be strong, fast, and protective of the area in front of their goal.
With dodding, teams are encouraged to have multiple players on the field for the whole game. This is especially beneficial since it means the team’s shape can change throughout the game. Third, it forces the attacking team to spread out and makes them more vulnerable to being scored on.
Dodding is a vital skill for field hockey players and can be quite effective regardless of which surface is being used. When a player gets possession of the ball, they must immediately start their pitch or else they risk losing it to the other team. Having quality dodders significantly limits the chances of opponents scoring against you.
Lastly, dodding can be a psychological tool for coaches. Research has shown that when defenders play an active role in preventing goals, their teammates tend to play better. This is because blocking shots makes the players more engaged and focused on the game. It can also be an indicator of how well the team is playing. Lots of enthusiastic dodging leads to a well-rounded team with high levels of engagement and commitment.
The U.S. vs. Canada: Another Look
The United States of America and Canada are two countries that love their hockey. They even play a sport called ‘field hockey’ which is essentially ice hockey on the grass. The difference is that there are no nets in the American version and the size of the goal is bigger. This allows for more opportunity to block a shot.
The U.S. has historically dominated the international scene in field hockey. They’ve won 21 of the last 24 gold medals (including this year’s tournament). Their all-time record is 144-13-9. However, with the introduction of the net, the game has changed. The Canadians have actually taken the lead in the last five years, winning the last four world cups. The U.S. still lead the overall series with 148-134.
Field hockey is a fast-paced game that requires quick thinking and fast reflexes. The ball is constantly in motion and even the simplest of passes can lead to something special. If you’re a fan of the sport, why not try out for field hockey this year? You might just find that it’s the perfect game for you.