How to Do a V-Drag in Field Hockey (and When to Use It)

Quick answer

A V-drag is a change of direction where you pull the ball back towards your body and then push it away at an angle, so the ball's path forms a "V". The most common version starts on the forehand: drag the ball back and across towards your feet, turn the stick over to the reverse side, and move the ball out to the left and forwards. Use it to beat a defender who has committed to one side, or to create space for a pass or shot. Learn it slowly in a small space, then add speed and a defender.

Key takeaways

• The V-drag moves the ball back and then out at an angle, away from the defender's stick.
• Keep the ball close and your knees bent. A wide, upright V-drag is easy to tackle.
• The key moment is the stick turn at the bottom of the V. Practise it slowly first.
• Use it when the defender is close and has committed, not when they are standing off.
• You can train it at home in a 2 × 2 m (6.5 × 6.5 ft) space.

What is a V-drag?

Imagine the letter V lying on the pitch. You start at the top of one arm with the ball on your forehand side. You drag it back down to the point of the V, close to your feet. Then you push it out along the other arm, on your reverse side. The defender, who was reaching for the ball on your forehand, is left on the wrong side.

It can also be done the other way, starting on the reverse side and finishing on the forehand. Learn the forehand-to-reverse version first.

Step by step (forehand to reverse)

1. Start position: dribble with the ball on your forehand side, slightly in front of your right foot. Knees bent, hands apart, head up.
2. Drag back: with the forehand, pull the ball back and inwards diagonally towards the middle of your feet. Keep the stick face over the ball so it stays under control.
3. Turn the stick: as the ball reaches the point of the V, roll your left wrist to turn the stick to the reverse side. Your right hand stays loose so the stick can rotate.
4. Push out: with the reverse stick, move the ball out to the left and forwards, along the second arm of the V.
5. Accelerate: follow the ball with a quick step to get past the defender and take the space.

Coaching points

• Small and quick beats big and slow: the V should be tight, about the width of your shoulders.
• Stay low: bending your knees lets you reach the ball at the bottom of the V without dropping your head.
• Ball under the stick: keep contact through the drag. If the ball runs away from the stick, you lose control at the turn.
• Sell the first direction: before the drag, show the defender you are going forward on the forehand. A small shoulder or head movement helps.
• Protect the ball: keep your body between the defender and the ball as you change direction.

When to use it

• The defender has committed to a tackle on your forehand side: drag away and go to the reverse side.
• You need a passing angle: a V-drag can move the ball a metre (3 ft) sideways and open a passing lane.
• At the edge of the circle: to move the ball out of a blocked shooting lane and onto the reverse side.

When not to use it: when the defender is standing off and waiting, or when there is a second defender covering your reverse side. Then a pass or a simple change of pace is usually better.

Drills

1. Slow-motion V (2 minutes)

Without moving forwards, do the V-drag on the spot. Count "drag, turn, push" out loud. 3 × 30 seconds, then switch to the reverse-to-forehand version.

2. Cone V (3 minutes)

Place a cone 3 m (10 ft) in front of you as the "defender". Dribble towards it, V-drag just before you reach it, and accelerate past on the reverse side. 8 reps each way.

3. Gate exit (3 minutes)

Set two small gates about 1.5 m (5 ft) to the left and right of the cone. After the V-drag, dribble through the gate on the side you went to. This forces a clear direction change.

4. Called V (3 minutes)

Dribble towards the cone. A partner calls "V" or "go". On "V", do the V-drag; on "go", carry on straight. This trains decision-making. With a Skiller and the free Field Hockey App, use colour calls instead of a partner.

5. Live defender (on the pitch)

1v1 in a 5 × 10 m (16 × 33 ft) channel. The attacker must use a V-drag to get past. The defender starts passive, then becomes active.

At home, drills 1–4 fit on a Skills Zone or a smooth floor of about 2 × 2 m (6.5 × 6.5 ft). Keep the ball on the floor.

Common mistakes

• Dragging too wide: the ball goes out of reach and the defender can poke it away.
• Standing up during the turn: you lose balance and speed.
• Looking only at the ball: you won't see the second defender. Glance up before and after the move.
• No acceleration after: the move only works if you take the space quickly.

FAQ

What is a V-drag in field hockey?

A move where you drag the ball back towards your body and then push it out at an angle on the other side, so its path forms a V. It is used to change direction and beat a defender.

Is the V-drag hard to learn?

It takes some practice, mainly the stick turn at the bottom of the V. Most players can do it slowly after a few sessions and at speed after a few weeks.

What is the difference between a V-drag and a pull-back?

A pull-back moves the ball straight back so you can turn or reset. A V-drag pulls the ball back at an angle and then moves it out to the other side.

Can I practise the V-drag at home?

Yes. It needs only about 2 × 2 m (6.5 × 6.5 ft) of smooth floor, a ball and a cone.

Which side should I learn first?

Start with forehand to reverse, which is the most common version, then learn reverse to forehand.

Related articles

• Elimination skills: how to beat a defender 1v1
• Indian dribble: step-by-step guide and drills
• How to do a pull-back (drag-back) in field hockey

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