Quick answer
A driveway is a decent place for field hockey ball control, push passing and footwork, but not for hitting. Concrete and asphalt make the ball run fast and bounce on cracks, and they wear out balls and the toe of your stick quickly. Stick to dribbling, push passes against a rebounder or a solid wall, and cone patterns. Avoid hits, lifts and drag flicks, which are unsafe near cars, windows and the street. Use old balls, check the slope, and train 15–25 minutes at a time.
Key takeaways
- Works well: dribbling, the Indian dribble, push passes, receiving and footwork.
- Doesn't work: hitting, lifting, aerials and drag flicks.
- Rough surfaces scratch balls and wear the stick toe. Use your oldest gear.
- Check the slope and cracks before you set up, and stay away from the street.
- Tiles or a smoother patch of surface make control drills more realistic.
What works on concrete, and what doesn't
| Drill type | On a driveway? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dribbling and Indian dribble | Yes | Fast surface rewards soft hands and close control |
| Push passes to a wall or rebounder | Yes | Short range keeps the ball under control |
| Receiving | Yes | Ball arrives fast, which is good practice |
| Footwork with cones | Yes | Good grip for shoes |
| Hitting and slap hits | No | Unsafe near cars, windows and people; ball bounces unpredictably |
| Aerials, lifts, drag flicks | No | Unsafe at home; practise on a pitch with supervision |
Before you start: set up safely
- Check the slope. On a sloped driveway, set up so you pass across the slope, not downhill toward the street.
- Block the open end. Use a rebounder, a bin or a row of cones to stop balls rolling into the road.
- Move the cars or train well away from them.
- Sweep the area. Gravel and leaves make the ball jump.
- Mark cracks with chalk so you avoid them for receiving drills.
- Wear trainers with good grip and do a 3-minute warm-up.
Six driveway drills
1. Indian dribble on the line (3 minutes)
Use a painted line or a chalk line about 5 m (16 ft) long. Indian dribble along it, keeping the ball close. Go up and back 6 times, then 3 more times faster. The fast surface punishes heavy touches, which makes this a great test of soft hands.
2. Push pass and receive (5 minutes)
Stand 3–4 m (10–13 ft) from a solid wall or a Rebounder. Do 2 minutes forehand push and receive, 2 minutes receiving on the reverse stick, then 1 minute of one-touch passes. Only use a wall if it is solid and you have permission. Garage doors often dent or rattle, so don't use them.
3. Cone slalom (4 minutes)
Place 6 cones in a line, 1 m (3 ft) apart. Dribble through on the forehand and come back using reverse stick touches. Time 4 runs and try to beat your best time.
4. Pull-back box (3 minutes)
Mark a 3 × 3 m (10 × 10 ft) square with four cones. Dribble to a cone, pull the ball back, turn and go to the next one. Do 3 × 45 seconds with 15 seconds rest.
5. V-drag gates (3 minutes)
Set two cones 1 m (3 ft) apart as a gate. Approach, drag the ball in a V shape past an imaginary defender, and accelerate through. Do 10 reps on each side.
6. Footwork ladder (3 minutes)
Draw a chalk ladder with 10 boxes, each about 40 cm (16 in). Do quick feet patterns without the ball, then dribble alongside the ladder while doing them. 4 × 30 seconds.
Protecting your gear
- Balls: concrete scratches balls fast. Keep 2–3 old training balls just for the driveway.
- Stick: the toe and edges wear on rough surfaces. Some players use an older stick for driveway work. Tape on the toe can help.
- Rebounder: place it on a flat part of the driveway so it doesn't rock.
When a driveway isn't enough
Very rough asphalt, steep slopes or a busy street nearby can make driveway training more frustrating than useful. Options:
- A smoother surface: a garage floor, patio or basement often works better for control drills.
- Tiles: Flooring Tiles (18 tiles of 33 × 33 cm, 2 m² or 21.5 ft² in total) can be laid on concrete to give a more even surface. They are not real artificial turf, but they protect balls and sticks and give consistent roll.
- The pitch: for hitting and shooting, go to your club or school pitch.
FAQ
Can I practise field hockey on concrete?
Yes, for dribbling, push passes, receiving and footwork. Avoid hitting and lifting. Concrete is faster than turf and wears out balls and stick toes faster.
Will practising on a driveway damage my stick?
It will wear the toe and edges faster than turf. Use an older stick if you have one, or protect the toe with tape.
Is it safe to hit the ball on a driveway?
No. Hard hits near cars, windows, people and the street are unsafe. Save hitting for the pitch, with supervision and protective gear.
What can I pass against if I don't have a wall?
A rebounder is the easiest option. A solid brick or concrete wall works too if you have permission. Avoid garage doors and windows.
How long should a driveway session be?
15–25 minutes is ideal. Short, focused sessions 3–4 times a week work better than one long session.
Related articles
- Best surface for home field hockey practice
- Wall vs rebounder: an honest comparison
- Small-space field hockey drills
In the US? The Rebounder, Skiller and Skills Zone are also available on Amazon.
