Most field hockey games come down to one or two goals, which makes every single attempt at scoring crucial to the outcome of the game. To perform a perfect drive in the heat of an intense game one must be confident and under control while still keeping composure to make the drive. It is one of the most difficult things you can do on the field hockey field, but extremely important for most players to understand exactly what to do in the situation. Driving is also important for crossing the ball and clearing it if you are on defense. It is the most powerful shot you can make in the sport. The drive is used on all parts of the field and is a very versatile move in a game. Here is Western’s captain, senior Rachel Brown’s tips on how to drive the ball in field hockey:

Step 1: Keep your hands at the top of the field hockey stick together and use your wrist motion to swing it back so that the stick is lower than shoulder level and near your waist.

Step 2: Bend your knees and place most the weight on your back leg so that you can drive forward.

Step 3: Drive through the ball with the flat side of the stick with the ball on your front foot and follow through with the stick to where you want the ball to go in the field. Shift your weight from the front to the back foot. When finishing, the stick should be at about at waist level.

Step 4: Always keep your eyes on the ball the entire way through. Watch out for defenders who may try to steal the ball from you before you even drive it.