Quick answer
The reverse stick shot is a strike with the stick turned over, used mostly when the ball is on your left side in the circle. It lets you shoot quickly without moving the ball to your forehand, which often surprises the goalkeeper. The keys are a low body, the ball slightly ahead of your feet, the stick turned so its face meets the ball, a short backswing and a firm follow-through toward the target. Learn it slowly on the pitch, with supervision and protective gear, and never practise hitting indoors or at home.
Key takeaways
- The reverse stick shot saves time: no need to move the ball to the forehand.
- Get low. Most missed reverse shots come from standing too upright.
- Accuracy first, power later. Aim for the corners.
- Train hitting only on the pitch, with supervision and protective gear.
- At home, train the setup: footwork, reverse receiving and ball position.
When to use it
- The ball is on your left in the circle and a defender is closing in.
- You receive on the reverse and there's no time to move the ball across.
- You want to shoot across the goalkeeper toward the far post.
It also works as a fast reverse pass, but in this guide we focus on shooting. In indoor hockey, hitting is not allowed, so this is a shot for the outdoor game. Check your league's rules.
Technique step by step
1. Approach and ball position
Approach so the ball sits slightly ahead and to the left of your body. Too close to the feet and you'll scoop or miss; too far and you lose power and balance.
2. Grip
Left hand at the top turns the stick over. Many players slide the right hand a little lower than for a dribble for more control. Some shorten the grip for a quick, compact swing. Try both with your coach.
3. Body
Bend your knees and get low, with your weight moving toward the ball. Your shoulders should turn so the stick can swing across your body from right to left toward the target.
4. Backswing
Keep it short and controlled. A long backswing is slow, easy to read and less accurate. Power comes from the legs and the turn of the shoulders, not only the arms.
5. Contact
Meet the ball with the stick close to the ground and the shaft angled so you strike through the middle of the ball. Some players use the edge of the stick for this shot. Ask your coach which technique fits you, and check your league's rules.
6. Follow-through
Finish low, toward the target. A high follow-through can lift the ball and make the shot dangerous. Keep the ball on the ground or low until you have full control.
Drills on the pitch
| Drill | Distance | Reps | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static reverse shot | 8–10 m (9–11 yd) from goal | 3 × 8 | Ball position, contact |
| Carry and shoot | Start at the top of the circle | 3 × 6 | Footwork before the shot |
| Receive and shoot | Pass from the right side | 3 × 6 | Receive on reverse, shoot in one or two touches |
| Target practice | 8–12 m (9–13 yd) | 20 shots | Accuracy to the corners |
Static reverse shot
Place balls in a line 8–10 m (9–11 yd) from an empty goal or a goal with a fully equipped goalkeeper. Shoot each one at 60–70% power. Focus on low body and clean contact.
Carry and shoot
Dribble from the top of the circle, move the ball to the left, and shoot on the reverse before you get too close to the baseline.
Receive and shoot
A teammate passes from the right side of the circle. Receive on the reverse and shoot with one setup touch, then try it with none.
Target practice
Aim for the bottom corners. The Goal Target attaches 6 targets of 42 × 42 cm to the goal and gives you clear aiming points. Count hits out of 20 and write the score down. Cones or bibs tied in the corners also work.
Safety: never shoot when someone is between you and the goal, check the area behind the goal, and only practise with a goalkeeper who wears full protective gear. Hard hits are for the pitch, under supervision.
What you can train at home
You can't practise the shot indoors, but you can practise everything around it:
- Reverse stick receiving: push passes against a wall or Rebounder at 3–4 m (10–13 ft), receiving on the reverse. 3 × 1 minute.
- Moving the ball to the shooting spot: receive on the reverse, then push the ball one step ahead and to the left, where you'd shoot from. 3 × 10 reps.
- Footwork: short, quick steps around the ball to set up a low base.
Keep the ball on the floor at home: no hitting and no lifting.
Common mistakes
- Standing too upright: the stick can't get low enough and you top the ball.
- Ball too close to the feet: no room to swing.
- Swinging too hard too soon: technique breaks down. Build power over weeks.
- High follow-through: the ball lifts and the shot becomes dangerous.
FAQ
What is a reverse stick shot in field hockey?
A shot played with the stick turned over, usually when the ball is on your left. It lets you shoot without first moving the ball to your forehand.
Is the reverse stick shot legal?
Yes, in outdoor field hockey. Some details, such as edge use and hitting in indoor hockey, depend on the rules of your competition, so check your league's rules.
How do I get more power on a reverse shot?
Get lower, keep the backswing short and use your legs and shoulder turn. Clean contact gives more power than a bigger swing.
Can I practise the reverse stick shot at home?
Not the shot itself. At home, train reverse receiving, ball position and footwork with push passes only. Practise hitting on the pitch with supervision.
Where should I aim?
Low and toward the corners. Low shots are harder for goalkeepers and safer for everyone on the pitch.
Related articles
- How to shoot in field hockey: shot types inside the circle
- Field hockey shooting accuracy drills with targets
- Tomahawk shot in field hockey: technique and drills
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