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Dragflick
Today, we’re going to dive into the drag flick. The drag flick is an essential skill in today’s game, and I’m excited to take you through the basics and show you how to execute it effectively.
First, let’s break down what a drag flick actually is. In the name itself, “drag” refers to dragging the ball along the stick to generate more speed, while “flick” indicates the action of flicking the ball off the edge of the stick, resulting in additional spin and speed. So, a drag flick is a combination of these two movements.
Step one in executing a drag flick is hand positioning. The typical grip involves placing your right hand fairly low on the stick, and you can decide on the specific position that feels comfortable for you. Additionally, you want to create a 90-degree angle by bringing your left knuckles against your underarm, forming a strong and stable grip.
Moving on to step two, footwork plays a crucial role. Your left foot acts as the starting point, and you have the flexibility to position yourself closer to or slightly further away from the ball, based on your preference. However, it’s important to note that your left foot is always the first balance point when initiating the drag flick. As you set up, your right foot typically steps behind your left foot, although some players may choose to position it in front.
Now, it’s time to combine the hand and footwork in step three. You want to establish a smooth and fluid motion, ensuring that the ball isn’t moved too quickly before your footwork comes into play. Let the ball roll slightly until after you’ve completed the cross step and taken the big step, as this allows you to generate power from your entire body. Once you reach this point, release the ball and execute the flick with a sweeping motion.
If you’re new to drag flicks, I recommend breaking down the technique and focusing on this step first before attempting a long run-up. By practicing the step and drag motion, you’ll develop a better understanding of the flick’s mechanics. Once you feel comfortable with that, you can progress to incorporating the run-up into your drag flick.
One important piece of advice is to avoid letting the ball get too far away from your body during the drag flick. Stretching your arms too far makes it challenging to generate power and pressure on the ball. Instead, try to keep the ball closer to your body, allowing for better control and power during the flick.
To put your skills to the test, I challenge you to aim for all four corners of the goal using drag flicks. See how many you can hit and strive for accuracy and precision.