How do you grip a field hockey stick?

Answer 1

This assumes you are using a complete set of gear. If you aren't using a piece, skip that step:

1. The box or groin/abdomen guard: this is put on by sliding the legs in turn through the leg straps, then attaching the belt around the waist.
2. The thigh pads: these are put on the same way you would put a pair of shorts on. Check you have them the right way around before wearing them though; this means padding at the front, not the back.
3. Kickers: these are slid on over your shoes, not worn instead of them. Tap your toes into the ground or into a solid wall to make sure they are all the way on, check thaht the underfoot straps haven't twisted or gone over your shoe, and tie the buckle. This might be either a traditional metal shoe buckle, in which case you need to be careful when doint it up and taking it off, or the modern type, where you can simply connect it and tighten it to preference.
4. The legguards: These are put on one at a time. Check to see you have the correct pad to the correct leg, and place it on the leg. Do up the straps - starting with the bottom is usually better for the fit - and adjust to comfort. For both of these and the kickers, make sure they are not loose; tighter is better, since at least they won't come off.
5. The chest pad: These are fairly simple to get on. Tighten the strap(s) around your midriff so they hold the pad in place, but not so much you can't fully inhale and exhale. If the armpads are integrated, put those on and check their fit as well.
6. The armpads: If integrated with the chestpad, these will be put at the same time. If not, it is easy enough to simply slide them on and check the fit for them.
7. The shirt: This goes over the chestpad and armpads. Simple enough.
8. The collar/throat guard: Some keepers prefer to do this before the armpads or even the chestpad, just because they find it easier to get right without the added bulk in the way. It's up to you, really. As with the chestpad, make sure you can breathe.
9. The helmet: The defining item of goalkeeping, this is quite easy; just chuck it on top. If you are new to the position, or it is a new helmet, take some time (like fifteen minutes or so) before putting it on, adjusting the straps and buckles down to the best you can get them, to make certain it will stay where it needs to.
10. The handguards: These are fairly simple to put on as well. The two sides can be normally told apart by their shape: the left hand is usually a lot squarer and flatter, while the right hand is rounder and has an extra hole for the stick. It should be fairly obvious how to hold these and also how to hold the stick; most have either a molded hand shape, or internal hand straps to hold that can be adjusted. if you have trouble, your coach or a more experienced keeper should be able to help you out.

As mentioned, a coach or experienced goalkeeper should be able to help you with any trouble regarding how to put on and use your gear. What each piece is, and how to care for them, is better answered by other questions on the site and by devoted websites.

Answer 2

The stick is held in one hand, normally the right, about halfway down. That arm/hand is then placed at around midriff to shoulder height; sometimes higher, sometimes lower, depending on what they are doing or expecting at the time. When the goalie needs to slide- or dive-save, the arm and stick are extended, adding another half metre to their reach and letting them cover more of the goal; when they are grounded and the ball is within reach, the stick cvan be used to accurately clear the ball away from danger. If the goalie needs to save an aerial shot that is otherwise out of reach, they can also extend with the stick to deflect it away.

Answer 3

Good coordination, balance, reflexes and reaction speed, commitment, decent anaerobic fitness and a fair amount of bravery or craziness.

Answer 4

you place your right hand almost at the end of the rubber grip and your left hand a bit under the top of the stick. hope that helped :)