The following is taken from our ask the expert's section and includes examples from the technique lessons from the coachinghockey archive.

"What is the best way to teach players to slap the ball so that the ball travels in one direction and the player looks in another.

For example the player has a free hit outside the D and wants to play the ball into the D he looks and shapes his body to slap the ball towards the near post but sends the ball to his right?"
Collin Toms, City of Oxford HC


Sweep / Slap Hit Technique

Description
The sweep is a variation from the hit pass. The grip and stance are the same the ball is placed in line with the front foot. The stick is drawn back a short way and swept forward along the ground to strike the ball.


Coaching Points

• The position of each player’s head over the ball
• Transfer of weight onto the front foot are important in keeping a low and safe follow through with the stick.
  
  
  Slap Hit - direction
  
  Description
  This video is to teach the players about ball position in relation to stance and the direction of the ball
  
  
  Coaching Points
• Ball in line with the feet ball travels at right angles to the stance
• Ball in front of the line the pass will go left
• Ball behind the line will make the pass go right
• One other thing that can change the direction and disguse the pass is for the player to bring the wrists through first keeping them ahead of the head of the stick, slicing the ball off the stick.(ball will go further right)
  
  
  Click here to see full session