1. Establishing Control Over First Touch Become – more proficient at handling the ball. A careful initial contact gives you time to consider your options and locate free areas. Try different methods such as guiding the ball strategically, use hard or soft hands, and trapping bouncing balls with both feet. To improve your skill set, practice receiving in a variety of situations, such as moving, standing still, and facing various directions.
2. Mastering the Hit Achieving – proficiency in hitting is challenging due to various factors like foot, ball, head, body position, hip rotation, swing, grip, wrist action, and follow through. Regardless of position, hitting is valuable. Defenders use it for precise passes, midfielders for crossing into the circle, and strikers for goal shots.
3. Leading & Positioning Effective – positioning enhances ball reception. Well-timed leads provide more decision-making time. Precision timing stems from understanding the ball carrier and anticipating the play. Re-leading is crucial; if the ball doesn’t come, create space by repositioning, complicating the defenders’ task.
4. Passing Precision – in passing is vital for successful plays, varying by position. Defenders may excel in fake slapping or overheads. Midfielders can enhance right foot passing or lifted passes. Strikers may prioritize 2 v 1 situations or perfecting one-touch passes.
5. Flat Stick Tackling It – is imperative that all players, especially goalkeepers and strikers, are proficient in clean flat stick tackles. Inaccuracies frequently result from improper placement or timing. In dangerous zones, bad tackles result in free hits, cards, and even brief suspensions. You can force opponents wide by keeping your stick down, moving inside, and deflecting them to less dangerous places. The secret to successful defense is to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to make a tackle.
6. Poke or jab tactics – The jab tackle is an underappreciated skill for strikers, midfielders, and defenders alike. Put pressure on the ball, change its direction, or create the illusion of space. Push adversaries towards less hazardous areas to impede their advancement. It is important to be precise when jabbing; do so to restrict space and divert the opposition. It’s a calculated set-up for a front stick tackle that will come next.
7. Reverse / Tomahawk Tomahawking – is an important yet difficult technique that requires practice, especially for left-handed people. Midfielders cross, forwards shoot from different angles, and defenders clear the ball along the line. A quicker but less powerful alternative for passing from the reverse side is the reverse slide. Use a hands-apart grip and a brief, low backswing to slice the ball.
8. V Drag (Dummy) – Vital for various positions Midfielders break lines for attacks, strikers create space for shots, and defenders get out of tight situations. To keep the ball away from defenders, pull it back in a V shape. Leap forward at a left or right angle, defeating the opponent quickly.
9. Vertical skills –  Defenders find lifted skills challenging to defend. Employing a controlled lift is especially effective against flat stick tacklers. After using these skills, defenders may hesitate in approaching you, creating doubt. Mastering basic lifts and jinks can be highly effective.
10. Deception – While not a technical skill, mastering deception is crucial for executing the mentioned skills effectively. Misleading opponents creates more space and time on the ball. For instance, dropping your shoulder before changing direction can unbalance the defender, enhancing your moves. Prioritise skills with practical value and avoid unnecessary complexity for efficient training.

The significance of positioning, jab tactics, and specialised techniques like the tomahawk and V drag cannot be overstated. Adding flair with 3D skills and perfecting the art of deception enhances your effectiveness on the field. Prioritise practical skills, and remember that patience and timing are crucial in executing these techniques. Dedicate your training time wisely to become a formidable and versatile field hockey player.