Quick answer
Teach kids the reverse stick in small steps: first the grip turn, then stopping a slow ball, then moving the ball, then dribbling. Show them that the left hand turns the stick over while the right hand stays loose, so the flat face points left and the ball is played in front of the left foot. Use games instead of long explanations, keep each block to 5–10 minutes and let them use a light, correctly sized stick. Most young players learn the basic grip in one or two sessions, but control takes weeks of short, regular practice. Keep the ball on the ground.
Key takeaways
- The left hand does the turning; the right hand stays relaxed and slides.
- The ball is played in front of the left foot, not beside or behind it.
- Teach in steps: grip, stop, move, dribble.
- Use short games and challenges; kids learn by doing, not by listening.
- Only the flat side of the stick may play the ball, which is why the stick must turn over.
Why kids find the reverse stick hard
In field hockey only the flat side of the stick may be used to play the ball. To play on the left side of the body, players must turn the stick over so the flat side faces left. For young players this feels strange: the wrist turns, the toe of the stick points down, and the ball seems to be on the "wrong" side. Most kids try to avoid it by running around the ball. Patient, playful teaching fixes this early.
Step 1: The grip turn (5 minutes)
- Left hand at the top of the stick, right hand lower down.
- Keep the right hand loose, like holding a bicycle handle without squeezing.
- Turn the stick with the left hand only, until the flat side faces left and the toe points down.
- Turn back to the forehand.
Game: "Flip it". The coach or parent calls "forehand" or "reverse". The child turns the stick as fast as possible. 10 calls, then swap so the child calls for the adult. Add a ball on the ground once the turn is quick.
Step 2: Stop a slow ball (5–10 minutes)
Stand 3 m (10 ft) apart. Roll or gently push the ball to the child's left side.
- The child turns the stick, puts it on the ground and stops the ball in front of the left foot.
- Knees bent, eyes on the ball.
- 10 balls, then 10 more a little faster.
Common fix: if the ball goes under the stick, the stick is too upright. Ask them to lay the stick a little flatter, closer to the ground.
Step 3: Move the ball (5 minutes)
- Side-to-side taps: ball in front of the feet. Tap it from forehand to reverse and back. 3 × 20 seconds.
- Reverse pull: on the reverse stick, pull the ball across to the forehand side. 10 reps.
- Reverse push: gently push the ball forward with the reverse stick to a parent 3 m (10 ft) away. 10 reps.
Step 4: Dribble (5–10 minutes)
Set 4–6 cones in a line, 1.5 m (5 ft) apart for younger players.
- Reverse only: dribble down the left side of the cones on the reverse stick. 4 runs.
- Weave: forehand around one cone, reverse around the next. 4 runs.
- Race: race a sibling or parent, but the ball must touch the reverse stick at every cone.
A Skiller gives younger kids a compact, colourful target for the same idea. The free Field Hockey App can call colours so they choose forehand or reverse side by themselves.
What to expect by age
| Age | Realistic goal | Session length |
|---|---|---|
| U8 | Turn the stick and stop a slow, rolled ball | 5–10 minutes of play |
| U10 | Stop a push pass and dribble slowly on the reverse stick | 10–15 minutes |
| U12 | Dribble at speed, receive on the reverse stick and move to the forehand | 15–20 minutes |
Every child learns at a different pace. Use these as rough guides, not targets.
Tips for parents and coaches
- Praise the attempt, not just the result: "Great turn!" helps more than "Don't miss it."
- Keep it short. Five good minutes beat twenty frustrated ones.
- Check the stick size. A stick that is too long makes the reverse stick much harder.
- Play on a smooth surface at first, so the ball rolls true.
- Keep the ball on the ground at home. No hitting or lifting indoors.
FAQ
At what age should kids learn the reverse stick?
As soon as they start playing. Even U8 players can learn the grip turn and stop a slow ball through simple games.
Why can't kids just use the back of the stick?
The rules only allow the flat side of the stick to play the ball. On the left side of the body, players must turn the stick over to use the flat side.
Which hand turns the stick?
The left hand at the top of the stick does the turning. The right hand stays loose so the stick can rotate inside it.
How often should kids practise the reverse stick?
Little and often: 5–10 minutes, three or four times a week, works better than one long session.
Related articles
- Reverse stick dribbling drills
- Field hockey drills for kids (U8–U12)
- Field hockey stick size chart for kids
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