The first indoor session often feels unfamiliar. The space is smaller, the game is faster and you are not allowed to hit the ball. These five tips help you settle in faster and get more out of your indoor season.
1. Bend your knees
Indoors everything happens close to the floor. Bend your knees and keep your stick flat on the ground. You get the ball under control faster and react better to an opponent. A light indoor stick helps you stay agile while playing low.
2. Receive the ball softly
On a smooth indoor floor the ball rolls faster than on turf. Give a little with your stick as the ball arrives. The ball stays on your stick and you can play on straight away.
3. Push instead of hit
Hitting is not allowed indoors. Everything is a push or a deflection. Practise a short, firm push pass with your wrists and your whole body behind the ball. Keep the ball low: deliberately raising it is only allowed for a shot at goal.
4. Use the side boards
Indoors there are side boards along the sidelines. The ball bounces back off them. Smart players use the boards as an extra teammate to get past an opponent.
5. Choose speed over power
Indoor hockey is won with short actions, quick turns and good timing. Move the ball on quickly, move straight after your pass and find the open space. With six players per team, keeper included, every lost ball is immediately dangerous.
The right gear helps
An indoor stick is lighter and built for control in tight spaces. A stick like the Brabo IT Elite 2 helps with tight passes, controlled dribbles and technical actions close to the floor. Pair it with the Indoor Tribute for grip on the indoor floor, and an Elite Indoor Glove to protect your hand.
