Activities For Field Hockey Players With Dogs
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Introduction
Running around, chasing a ball, having fun....does this sound more like playing with your dog or playing field hockey? Well, it can be both! Dogs and field hockey have a lot of things in common which means there are plenty of activities you can play with your pup that will incorporate your love of field hockey, too. Grab that ball and your stick and get ready to have a great time playing field hockey and playing with your dog!
Ball Handling
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Goal
Field Hockey Ball
Hockey Stick
Activity description
One of the most important things to practice in order to improve your field hockey game is how to better control the ball. If you are able to move quickly and keep the ball under your control, you will be a great player - simple as that! So, since you have to keep practicing your ball control frequently, why not bring your dog along because after all, your dog likes playing with balls, too! This activity is perfect for sunny days and is very inexpensive as long as you have a hockey stick, field hockey ball and a makeshift goal!
Step
1
Slow hits
Start by hitting the ball around the field slowly. Just go back and forth, walking around with the ball and having your dog walk with you by your side. Your dog may try to grab the ball from you but keep it away and keep it under your control! You don't want your pup to steal your ball, just as you don't want the other team to steal your ball.
Step
2
Shoot, score, retrieve
When you get close to the goal, shoot the ball and, of course, try to score! Let your dog grab the ball out of the net and bring it back to you so that you can start again. Give your dog a treat or a nice pat as a reward for their ball retrieval skills!
Step
3
Run and control
Now that your dog is used to walking with you as you hit the field hockey ball back and forth, go a little faster. Start running around the field, hitting the ball the whole way and not letting it get out of your control. If you hit the ball forward, you better get there before your dog has a chance to snatch it up! It's just like playing against another field hockey team!
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Running Drills
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Collar
Leash
Activity description
Field hockey involves a lot of running. That is just a pure and simple fact. When playing, you need to sprint, jog, run the length of the field and also learn to run in a crowded space. This means that you need to do quite a number of running drills in order to get in the best shape possible to keep up in field hockey. Know who is a great running partner? Your dog! Let your pup join you in your running drills and you will get a fun, free activity to enjoy with your pup. Go running in any kind of weather and you will be ready for whatever happens on the field!
Step
1
Sprints
There is a lot of sprinting in field hockey and practicing going from zero to lightning speed is essential. Head to a fenced in track where your dog can sprint with you. Do multiple short sprints, 50 yards to 100 yards over and over. Your dog will naturally chase you (and likely run faster than you!) and they will be getting out a lot of energy as well. Be prepared for a tired pup when you get home!
Step
2
Distance runs
While field hockey involves a lot of quick runs, you will be running constantly throughout the game. To build up your endurance, go for daily runs, a few miles or more. When running with your dog, always be aware of how they are feeling and never pull them along - if your dog needs to stop, let it be your excuse to take a break too! While all field hockey players need to be runners, not all dogs are built for distance.
Step
3
Run all day
When at home, run around your house instead of walking. You don't need to sprint but a simple jog from the kitchen to the fridge to the dog food will get your heart rate up. Your dog will find your running around exciting and likely join you in the jog, excited about the change of pace!
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Goalie Dog
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Easy
45 min
Items needed
Hockey Puck
Hockey Stick
Goal
Activity description
Being able to shoot goals is a field hockey essential. You obviously need to practice this and, don't worry, you have help - your dog! Thanks to your dog's love for playing with balls, they will make one of the best goalies out there. All you need is a goal, your stick and ball and a dog who is ready to play! It is free to practice shooting goals with your pup and you should do it any time the sun is shining. You will be happy you practiced so much when you are up against a tough goalie in a game, yet, they'll be no match for your pup!
Step
1
Set up for fun
Head to a field that is fenced in or just go out to your own yard to practice with your dog. Set up a goal and show your pup how to sit or stand in the goal and wait for the ball. Make sure your dog stays in their spot while you back up a little to practice your distance shots.
Step
2
Shoot
Start passing the ball back and forth with your stick, moving forward and then line up the ball and shoot it into the goal. Your dog will spring into action and immediately try to catch the ball coming at them, stopping it from going into the goal. Let your pup bring the ball back to you and start again.
Step
3
Who wins
Keep score and see who wins the game. Will you shoot more goals into the net or will your dog stop them quickly? After playing this game a few times, you will be a better shot but your dog will also likely get better at stopping the ball before it goes into the net. Either way, this practice will definitely help you in your real field hockey game!
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More Fun Ideas...
Agility
Set up a few cones in your yard and grab your stick and field hockey ball. Run around the cones, hitting your ball the whole way while your dog chases you. Switch the cones for a new path, making the turns more difficult.
Diving
Practice diving for the ball with your dog by your side. Throw the ball forward and lunge toward it. Who will get the ball first, you or your dog?
Conclusion
Field hockey is a game that is fun for everyone, even your four-legged friends. Thanks to the nice, soft ball and the fact that a whole lot of running is involved, your dog will be a big field hockey fan from the start. Set your pooch up as your goalie, take them on your runs and try to keep the ball away from them while you practice ball control and you will have a professional field hockey dog in no time!