Quick answer
The free Field Hockey App turns a phone or tablet into a coach that calls out colours, numbers and symbols, so you react instead of running a fixed pattern. Download it, set your device where you can see and hear it, and build a short workout in about a minute. It works with the Skiller, Skills Zone and Skills Zone 360, and coaches can send players a workout code to follow at home. Start with 3–4 blocks of 30–45 seconds, keep the ball on the floor, and track one number each session. Ten to twenty minutes, three to four times a week, is a good routine.
Key takeaways
- The app adds decisions to ball control: you see or hear a call, then move the ball there with your head up.
- It is free and works with the Skiller, Skills Zone and Skills Zone 360.
- Coaches can share workout codes, so a whole team can do the same home session.
- Start slow and clean; speed comes after your touches are accurate.
- Indoors, dribble and push only. No hitting or lifting.
What the app does
Most home drills follow a pattern you know in advance. In a match you never know what is next. The Field Hockey App gives random calls using easy symbols and colours, so your eyes must leave the ball and your hands and feet must react. It also has several language options, which helps in mixed-language clubs and families.
You can build an interactive workout in about a minute, and your coach can send you an individual workout code. The exact menus may change between app versions, so follow the screens in your version.
Set up before you start
- Space: about 2 × 3 m (6.5 × 10 ft) of flat floor for the Skiller or Skills Zone; more for the Skills Zone 360.
- Device position: at eye height, 2–3 m (6.5–10 ft) in front of you, so you see it without looking down. A shelf or a chair works.
- Sound: turn the volume up if your version uses audio calls, so you can keep your eyes up.
- Gear: stick, 1–2 balls and the training aid you use.
Three ways to use it
1. With the Skiller
The Skiller has five ribs with coloured and numbered markings. The app calls a colour or number and you move the ball through or around that rib.
- Block 1, 3 × 30 seconds: forehand only. Pull the ball through the called rib and back.
- Block 2, 3 × 30 seconds: reverse stick only.
- Block 3, 3 × 45 seconds: Indian dribble between calls.
Rest 20–30 seconds between sets.
2. With the Skills Zone
The Skills Zone tiles have colours and symbols. Stand in the middle with the ball. When a colour is called, dribble to that tile, stop the ball on it, and come back to the middle.
- 4 × 40 seconds, 20 seconds rest.
- Progression: go to the tile on your reverse stick side only.
3. With the Skills Zone 360
The Skills Zone 360 is 25 tiles with symbols, 165 × 165 cm (65 × 65 in). It gives you more space for footwork and direction changes.
- Footwork only, 2 × 45 seconds: no ball. Step to the called symbol and back.
- With the ball, 4 × 45 seconds: dribble to the symbol, turn with a pull-back, dribble out.
- Two-call challenge, 2 × 45 seconds: go to the first symbol, then straight to the next one.
A 15-minute app session
| Time | Block | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 min | Warm-up | Jog on the spot, side steps, easy ball touches |
| 3–8 min | Slow calls | Clean touches, ball close to the stick |
| 8–13 min | Faster calls | Head up, quick feet |
| 13–15 min | Challenge | Count correct reactions in 60 seconds and write it down |
For coaches
Build one workout, share the code with the team and ask players to do it twice a week. At the next practice, ask each player for their challenge score. It keeps home training simple and gives you an easy way to check who is doing it. Keep workouts short for younger players: 8–10 minutes is plenty for U10s.
Honest notes
- The app does not see what you do. It cannot tell you whether a touch was clean, so be honest with your own counting.
- You do not need a training aid to start. Four cones in different colours and the app calls are enough for simple reaction work.
- It improves reactions and ball control. It does not replace passing practice, team training or match play.
FAQ
Is the Field Hockey App free?
Yes, the Field Hockey App is a free download.
Which products work with the app?
It works with the Skiller, Skills Zone and Skills Zone 360. You can also use it with coloured cones for simple reaction drills.
Can my coach set my workout?
Yes. A coach can build a workout and send you a code, so you follow the same session at home.
How long should an app session be?
Ten to twenty minutes is enough for most players, three to four times a week. Younger players do well with 8–10 minutes.
Do I need a lot of space?
About 2 × 3 m (6.5 × 10 ft) is enough for the Skiller or Skills Zone. The Skills Zone 360 needs a little more than its 165 × 165 cm (65 × 65 in) footprint.
Related articles
- Skills Zone vs Skills Zone 360: which one fits you
- Reaction-time drills for field hockey players
- How to practice field hockey at home
In the US? The Rebounder, Skiller and Skills Zone are also available on Amazon.
