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By Game On! Sports Girl Talk Guest Columnist Erica Anderson

Field hockey is truly a thrill. Despite the fact that it tends to take a back seat to other core sports, the rush of running up and down the field with a stick in your hand is like nothing else. It is a game that requires challenging body control and physical stamina. It is a game of strategy; although the rules are strict and finite there are ways to play around them that can mean the difference between a win and a loss. And the notion of team in field hockey is crucial. Games do not rest on the shoulders of one. Each player has a specific role that contributes equally.

Like many other sports, field hockey is as much a physical game as it is mental. Where field hockey stands apart, however, is the amount of physical play between players. While tackling is against the rules, playing as close as you can to an opposing team member and moving them out of your way with a shove is allowed.

With regard to offense, while scoring goals is primary, it is also key to save the ball from going out of bounds over the end line. Of course, the offensive player is also always looking to pass to the open player for a better shot. Interestingly, there is no rule of offsides in field hockey, which gives more freedom to the offense. Many teams use this to their advantage while devising plays. Specifically, a player will send the ball all the way down the field with the hope that a teammate reaches it before the defense in order to score the easy goal. Along with waiting up field for the pass, offensive players need to be willing to do whatever it takes to save a ball heading out of bounds. This sometimes includes diving head first against a fully padded goalie for a tap in and score. While this may be rather dangerous, field hockey demands a fearless mentality. In fact, there are times when a dive can be a more effective method of scoring versus a straight shot on goal. With everyone diving at the same time, it is easier to throw the goalie off balance, thereby opening up the net.

Another stimulating (and sometimes controversial) aspect to the game involves the difference in rules between goalkeepers and field players. While a field player is not allowed to “tackle” another field player, goalkeepers are allowed to go out as far as they want and tackle the ball away from another player. In order to avoid serious physical risk, it is up to the referee to determine whether the tackle was a foul (primary purpose was not to wrestle the ball away). No doubt this is a hard call to make, thus causing some of the better yelling matches during the game. Yet, these rough encounters between field players and goalkeepers keep the game exciting and less about luck than about skill. You can see how this game really takes guts!

Part of what makes field hockey so fun is that each position requires a different skill set and know how. Defensive players need to be able to clear the ball down the field while abiding by the rules of ball and stick height. Midfield players run between three and half to four miles per game, with few breaks in between. Offensive players need to complete sprints to the ball throughout the entire game, receiving rest only when the ball is at the other end, making speed their main concern. Goalkeepers are the backbone of the team. Their job is to direct players on the field so they are positioned both to protect and attack. Along with these different skills though, comes a common fiber weaving the team together. The strength of this fiber comes from every teammate possessing precision with the stick, confidence in their play, and the ability to communicate.

Challenging, stimulating and fun. Have your daughters give it a try.

A bit about our Guest Author Erica Anderson

A four-year veteran of the sport, Erica played three years on her varsity high school team and is now playing for her club team at Ithaca College.

Position: Goalie

Erica is currently a freshman at Ithaca majoring in sports media and pursuing minors in Spanish and Sports Broadcasting. She aspires to be a television sports broadcaster.

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There are 3 comments on this post. Join the discussion!

alilee05 says:

Interesting article about field hockey. We might be the few two that blog for WTS with the very same passion. When and where is this field hockey camp?

Also, a side note about the terminology for "tackle" and "wrestle" used throughout. In field hockey, we usually denote a "tackle" as a fair way of someone defending and taking the ball off another with their stick and body in good position. This is in contrast to, perhaps, body contact or a body tackle which is NOT allowed and I believe this is the one you were describing in your article. Anyway, just a terminology thing because "tackle" is always thought of as bad but actually we use it quite openly as a good thing "that was a good tackle" kind of thing.

Anyway, great article and I'm happy you are promoting our sport!!!

Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 10:19pm EST

GameOnSportGirl says:

Thanks for your feedback, including the education on terminology. Really appreciate you taking the time.

Game On! Sports Camp 4 Girls currently has three multi-sport summer day camps in the Chicago area but is poised to begin a strategic expansion nationwide. (There is nothing like it in the country at this time.) We are all about supporting sports opportunities for young girls, accommodating recreational and travel athletes alike. In addition, we are about exposure to all sports, development/growth as an athlete, and empowerment through sports. Of course this includes field hockey, a sport we feel is deserving of more exposure.

In brief, Game On Sports Camp 4 Girls summer day camps are currently located on the expansive athletic campus%u2019s of Lake Forest College, St. Scholastica (East Rogers Park), and Moody Bible Institute (Downtown Chicago). Guided by a staff that includes veteran coaches, respected teachers, high school and collegiate athletes, girls of all athletic abilities ranging from grades Pre-K through 10th experience hours of pure fun with the opportunity to grow as an athlete and a person. Inspiring both the recreational and travel athlete, Game On! values building or enhancing self confidence, exposure to new sports and role models, skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, new friendships, creativity and fun. Our program is truly unique, filled with the most spirited camp atmosphere, and all about quality.
Game On! %u2013 where tennis, volleyball, basketball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, horseback riding, flag football, ultimate frisbee, dodge and monster ball, badminton, field hockey, in-camp clinics run by collegiate and professional athletes and high school coaches, and possible field trips to Chicago Sky, Red Star and Bandits games are a way of life.
www.gameonsportscamp.com

Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 10:41pm EST

GameOnSportGirl says:

By the way Ali, would you mind posting this feedback on my blog "Game On! Sports Girl Talk" at www.gameonsportscamp.wordpress.com along with your bio? I think that coming from a national team player, our readers will take great interest in your thoughts. Thanks in advance if you can take the time.

Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 10:48pm EST

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