Quick answer
A deflection is a touch that redirects a fast pass or shot into the goal without stopping it. To deflect well, get to the right spot early, usually near a post or in front of the goalkeeper, hold your stick low with the face already angled towards the goal, and let the ball do the work. Don't swing at it: a small, firm touch is enough. Deflections matter because, under standard outdoor rules, a goal only counts if an attacker plays the ball inside the circle. Train them on the pitch with a feeder, starting with slow passes on the ground.
Key takeaways
- Get to the spot before the ball. Late runs make deflections impossible.
- Set the stick angle early, then hold it firm. The ball's speed creates the shot.
- Lower your body and your stick: most deflection chances come along the ground.
- Train both forehand and reverse stick deflections.
- Use slow ground passes to learn, and only add pace with supervision and full protective gear.
Why deflections score goals
A pass or shot from outside the goalkeeper's view is hard enough to save. A late change of direction close to goal is even harder, because the goalkeeper has already moved for the first ball. Teams use deflections from crosses along the baseline, from passes in from the wing, and from shots at penalty corners.
A rule point: in standard outdoor field hockey, the ball must be played by an attacker inside the circle for a goal to count. A shot from just outside the circle needs a touch in the circle. Rules for indoor, 5s and some youth formats can differ, so check your league's rules.
Technique: how to deflect
- Position. Go to the near post, the far post or the space in front of the goalkeeper. Arrive early and be on the move as the pass comes.
- Body. Low stance, knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet. Face the ball, with the goal in your peripheral vision.
- Grip. Hands apart for control, right hand well down the stick.
- Stick angle. Put the stick on the ground in the path of the ball, with the face angled towards the target corner. The angle decides where the ball goes.
- Contact. Firm hands, small movement. Push slightly into the ball if it is slow; just hold the angle if it is fast.
- Follow up. Keep moving towards goal for a rebound.
Forehand vs reverse stick deflections
| Type | When | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Forehand | Ball coming across from your left | Stick on the ground, face turned towards the goal |
| Reverse stick | Ball coming across from your right, often at the far post | Stick turned over and kept low; use a very small angle |
Common mistakes
- Swinging at the ball: you miss or slice it wide. Hold the angle instead.
- Standing still: defenders block you. Time a run to arrive with the ball.
- Stick too high: the ball runs under it. Keep the stick on the ground for ground passes.
- Using the body: playing the ball deliberately with your feet or body is not allowed. Only the stick counts.
Drills on the pitch
Do these with a coach or experienced feeder, with goalkeeper equipment for any goalkeeper, and shin guards and mouthguards for everyone.
Drill 1: Slow-pass redirect (3 × 10)
A feeder push passes from the side, 8–10 m (26–33 ft) away. You stand at the near post and redirect the ball into the goal. No goalkeeper at first. Focus on angle, not power.
Drill 2: Near post run (3 × 8)
Start at the top of the circle. As the feeder dribbles down the wing, time your run to the near post and deflect the pass. The feeder can use a push or a slap hit along the ground.
Drill 3: Far post reverse (3 × 8)
The pass comes across the goal mouth from the right. You arrive at the far post and deflect it in on the reverse stick. Keep the stick low and the angle small.
Drill 4: Target deflections (3 × 8)
Attach a Goal Target to the goal: six 42 × 42 cm (16.5 × 16.5 in) targets. The feeder calls a target before the pass, and you aim the deflection at it. Without targets, tie bibs or cones to the posts.
Drill 5: Live 2v1 in the circle
Two attackers against one defender and a goalkeeper. One attacker carries the ball along the baseline, the other times a run. This adds the decision of when to pass and where to run.
What you can do at home
At home you can train the hands and angle, but not the full skill. Pass a ball along the ground to a Rebounder or wall, and redirect the slow return through a cone gate 1 m (3 ft) wide placed to the side. Try 3 sets of 10 on each side. Ground passes only: no hitting or lifting indoors. The pace and pressure of real deflections belong on the pitch.
FAQ
What is a deflection in field hockey?
A touch with the stick that redirects a moving ball, usually a pass or shot, into the goal without stopping it first.
Does a goal count if the ball is not touched in the circle?
Under standard outdoor rules, no: an attacker must play the ball inside the circle. Some formats differ, so check your league's rules.
Where should I stand to deflect?
Usually the near post, the far post, or in front of the goalkeeper. Arrive just as the ball does, not too early, so defenders can't mark you.
Can I deflect with my foot or body?
No. You must use the stick. Deliberately playing the ball with your body or feet is an offence.
How do I practise deflections without a team?
At home, redirect slow ground passes from a wall or rebounder through a cone gate. For game-speed deflections you need a feeder on a pitch.
Related articles
- How to shoot in field hockey: shot types inside the circle
- Penalty corner basics for players
- Shooting accuracy drills with targets
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