Quick answer
For under-8s, field hockey should be mostly play. The first steps are holding the stick correctly, moving the ball with small taps, stopping it, and playing simple games with lots of touches. Keep sessions to about 30–45 minutes, with short activities of 3–5 minutes and plenty of praise. Use a stick of the right length, small groups and small areas. Safety rules come first: stick low, no swinging, and no hitting. Most young children learn best through games, not lines and lectures.
Key takeaways
- Fun first. If children enjoy it, they come back and improve.
- Teach three basics: grip, tap-dribble and stopping the ball.
- Stick low, below the waist, at all times.
- Short activities of 3–5 minutes keep attention.
- One ball per child, small areas, small teams.
The right stick and gear
A stick that is too long is the most common problem with young beginners. As a rough guide, the top of the stick should reach about the hip bone when it stands upright. Children also need shin guards and a mouthguard, and many US programs require protective eyewear. Check your club's or league's rules, and see our stick size chart for kids.
First skill 1: the grip
Teach it in simple words:
- Left hand at the top, like shaking hands with the stick.
- Right hand lower down, about halfway, holding gently.
- Flat side of the stick faces the ball.
Left-handed children use the same grip. Field hockey sticks are played from one side only, so everyone learns it this way.
Game: "Statues". Children walk around the area with their stick. When the coach shouts "statue", they freeze with the correct grip and the stick on the ground. Praise the best statue.
First skill 2: tap-dribble
Children push the ball with small taps on the flat side, keeping it close. Don't worry about the Indian dribble yet; that comes later.
Game: "Traffic lights". Children dribble in a 10 × 10 m (11 × 11 yd) area. Green means dribble, yellow means slow, red means stop the ball. Play 3–4 rounds of 1 minute.
First skill 3: stopping the ball
Stopping the ball under control is the start of receiving. Show them how to put the stick in front of the ball and let it "catch" it softly.
Game: "Parking". Each child dribbles to a cone, a hoop or a coloured tile and "parks" the ball there with the stick. The coach calls a colour each time. Colour cones work fine. Skills Zone tiles with colours and symbols are a playful option at home.
A sample 40-minute session
| Time | Activity | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 min | Tag game without sticks | Warm-up, energy |
| 5–10 min | Statues | Grip and stick safety |
| 10–18 min | Traffic lights | Tap-dribble and stopping |
| 18–25 min | Parking | Control and listening |
| 25–30 min | Drink break and passing to a partner, 3 m (10 ft) apart | First push passes |
| 30–40 min | Small game, 3v3 with small goals | Use the skills, have fun |
Many clubs use small-sided formats like 3v3 or 4v4 for this age. Formats and pitch sizes differ by country and association, so follow your club's approach.
Safety rules for little players
- Stick stays low, below the waist.
- No swinging and no hitting. Small pushes only.
- Give each child their own space when they practise.
- Shin guards and mouthguard on whenever there's a ball and sticks around.
Practising at home
At this age, 10 minutes of play a few times a week is plenty. A soft ball or a regular ball on a flat floor, a few cones and an adult or sibling to play with are all you need. A Skiller can turn ball control into a colour game, and the free Field Hockey App calls colours and numbers. Honest note: young children usually enjoy simple games with a parent more than any training aid. Start there.
Tips for parents and coaches
- Praise effort, not only goals.
- Keep instructions to one sentence, then let them play.
- Expect chaos in games. Everyone chasing the ball is normal at this age.
- Stop while they still want more. That's how you get them back next week.
FAQ
Can children under 8 play field hockey?
Yes. Many clubs offer mini or starter hockey for young children, with small teams, small pitches and lots of games.
How long should a session for under-8s be?
About 30–45 minutes, split into short activities of 3–5 minutes with drink breaks.
What should under-8s learn first?
The grip, small tap-dribbles, stopping the ball and stick safety. Everything else can wait.
Do young children need a mouthguard and shin guards?
Yes, in most programs. Many US programs also require protective eyewear. Check your league's rules.
Should my child practise at home?
A little, if they enjoy it. Ten minutes of play a few times a week is enough. Keep it fun and never force it.
Related articles
- What age to start field hockey
- Field hockey drills for kids (U8–U12)
- Fun field hockey games for kids at home
In the US? The Rebounder, Skiller and Skills Zone are also available on Amazon.
