LADIES’ HOCKEY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 July 1939, Page 8

LADIES’ HOCKEY

ADVICE TO PLAYERS WHAT RECRUITS SHOULD KNOW. THE KEY POSITION. (BY LES. M. MURPHY). (Wellington Ladies’ Hockey Critic.) ? The most important position on the hockey field of play is that of the s centre-half, dealt with in this week s ■ article. Cross-passing in defence and variation of strokes are also covered. - Players who are undertaking the ' centre-half position for the first time J this season must realise by now that ' they have chosen perhaps the most im- ' portant position on the field. It is . really the key position, and the. player ; must act as a pivot round which the ; whole team works. She must be very fit at all times and prove a tireless ; worker. Her sense of anticipation ■ should be exceptionally strong to en- ■ able her to intercept cleverly and thus save herself needless running. She must pass and cultivate that elusive hockey sense so necessary for success, yet so hard to explain, but which results in being able to visualise at all times the exact position of all the players without having to look up for verification. A study, where possible, of the centre forwards in the teams she is likely to meet is also essential, for by doing this she will find that each has some particular weakness, such as selfishness, or a fondness for passing to one flank, she will be able to adapt her play to take advantage of the failing. The centre half must be continually following the run of play, always ready to support the forwards on attack, or ready to drop back quickly to cover up and help the backs on defence. How often do we see a central attack by the forwards fail through lack of support from the centre half? It will be seen that this player must cover a tremendous amount of ground : during a match, therefore her move- : ments should be made with a purpose. By wandering aimlessly about the field ' she is not only tiring herself need- ' lessly, but is also upsetting the play ■ of the other backs and losing position. 1 Although the centre half is allowed 1 more latitude in this respect than the ' other players, she should quickly curb 1 any roaming tendencies, for her correct positional play is of vital import- 1 ance to the success of her side. How 1 many centre halves in this district study their positions with the care and thoroughness it calls for? Sad to relate, from what I hear, few. To the young player trying out herself in this most difficult position, I make a strong appeal not to go half hearted into the task. To make a successful centre half she must tackle it with a will and determination. In fact few are suited for such a position.

CROSS PASS IN DEFENCE.

The cross pass can be effectively used by halves ancl lull-backs when the situation has become tense, and there seems no possibility of making contact with a player in front. A right fullback who occasionally finds herself harrassed by a set of determined forwards who appear to be concentrating upon her flank, should endeavour to anticipate such an attack by noting the exact position of her left back and be prepared to relieve the situation by a short cross-pass to her partner who. in all probability, iSs unhampered by the presence of attacking forwards. There is a tendency among backs to find a desperate remedy in striking the ball over his sideline, or in driving it across their own back line, thus conceding a considerable advantage to their opponents. A short cross-pass to either side of the defence, as the case might warrant, might have been al! that was required, and by this simple expedient they would have retained the ball, held the advantage, and conserved their own energy and strength otherwise expended in a wild and desperate hit. VARIATION OF PASSES.

On the field of play the players can be placed in an infinitely variable number of positions. As the game progresses the players change their respective positions, and accordingly the style of play must alter, and different passes be utilised to meet the demands of the situation. The skilful player knows when to apply the correct pass. The unprogressive player indulges in the persistently monotonous exploitation of the same stroke, and applies the same pass to every situation. Players should study the various types of passes, the long pass, cross-pass, back-pass, shortpass, through-pass, and should become thoroughly acquainted with their application, both in the creating of imaginary situations, outside the field of play, and in the practical use of them when engaged in games. A player who relies on one type of pass to suit all occasions must, of necessity, be at a loss in situations where its employment is ineffective and useless. The stereotyped player cannot achieve any groat measure of skill in this game of kaleidoscopical changes.

(To be continued next Monday.)