Shoot or Receive

Today, we’re going to discuss shooting on goal and the importance of making quick decisions. Sometimes you need to shoot straight away, while other times it’s better to receive the ball first and then shoot. To help you make the right decision, we’re going to play a game called “One or Two Touches.”

Anticipation is key in deciding whether to shoot straight away or receive the ball first. If your teammate is running towards the goal and about to pass, you can position your body in a way that allows for a quick one-time shot if the ball is slow. However, if the ball comes with a bounce or too much speed, you can adjust and choose to receive before shooting. For example, if you’re positioned at the top of the D and a pass comes in from the left side, you can try for a quick first-time shot. The advantage is that the defender won’t have a chance to block the shot, unlike if you receive the ball and allow the defender to close in. To practice this, play the “One or Two Touches” game with a friend. They throw the ball to you and call out “One” for an immediate shot or “Two” for receiving before shooting.

When you receive the call for one touch, let the ball roll past your body and step in to take the shot. Avoid receiving the ball directly in front of you, as it gives the defender an opportunity to tackle. Instead, position yourself to let the ball pass your body and turn for a powerful shot. When the call is for two touches, and the ball is coming straight towards you, receive it to one side, turn your body, and then take the shot. As you receive and turn, bring your stick up to save time and enable a fast shot.

When a bouncing ball is coming towards you for a first-time hit, it’s essential to control the height of the shot. To avoid the ball going high over the goal, aim to hit down towards the ground. By hitting down, the ball will bounce before reaching the goalkeeper, creating a surprise element that can result in a goal. Remember to focus on hitting down into the turf rather than trying to hit the ball upwards.