Every field hockey hit needs a target and repetition for success

Opinion

Of the many highlights that the 2019 FIH Pro League provided, few can rival Germany’s third goal against Great Britain in their clash at Lee Valley. Indeed, if you are reading this somewhere quiet, then wander outside or open a window and you might still just catch the last few sound waves of Marco Miltkau’s wonderful strike going off the post, past the briefly endangered Harry Gibson – view the goal in the video below.

As a self-appointed “purist” of the game (which includes anyone who has ever played on grass) the admiration of Miltkau’s shot was that it was a wonderful example of that largely forgotten skill: the hit. And before you ask, this doesn’t include the reverse side examples where all players need do is connect with some part of the entire length of the stick’s inside edge.