If you’re looking to get into a sport, ball hockey is a great choice. Hockey fans betting online at GGBet IN can’t get enough of the game with many asking how to improve at hockey as a beginner. But even though the game itself is a blast, new players consistently make the same mistakes when first starting out. Fortunately, these can be easily remedied with some practical advice and the will to improve. Let’s explore some typical newbie ball hockey errors and how to get around them, before looking at the progression of skills that comes with continuous play and structured practice. Achieving a decent level in any sport is a question of drive and training, and the only way you’re ever going to raise your game is by identifying and resolving gaps in your skillset. Start with fixing the issues outlined below.

Incorrect grip and stance

Mistake: New players often struggle with holding the stick correctly and maintaining a proper stance. An incorrect grip can affect passing, shooting and tackling, while a poor stance can negatively impact balance and movement.

Solution: When you first start playing ball hockey, constantly think about your physical position. Ensure your hands are spaced comfortably apart on the stick, with your lower hand near the middle and your top hand high, near the butt end. Your stance should be slightly bent at the knees, with your weight balanced on the balls of your feet. Positioning your body like this will mean you’ll have better reactions and be ready to move in any direction. It’s not quite gaming the sport, but a decent grip makes everything easier.

Progression: As you practice, your grip and stance will become automatic. Until you get this right, you’re going to struggle to to focus more on the strategic aspects of the game, so this really is the first step on your road to successful play.

Poor communication

Mistake: Many beginners grossly underestimate the importance of team communication, a very common starter mistake in many team sports and perhaps an edge for those betting online. Lack of clear communication leads to missed passes, missed plays and overall disorganization.

Solution: Develop simple, clear calls and signals with your teammates, and learn how to use stick position and body language as non-verbal communication. Always keep your head up and be aware of your teammates’ positions. This is an instinct you’ll have to work to develop, but it’s critical to winning games.

Progression: Over time, effective communication will make for coordinated plays and more goals. Success in team sports always, without exception, depends on cohesion with the other players. Focus on learning how to work with others.

Neglecting defense

Mistake: Now you’re holding the stick correctly and you’re communicating effectively, it’s all about the goals, right? Wrong. Focusing too much on scoring is a common rookie error that leaves your team vulnerable to counterattacks.

Solution: Even if you’re primarily an offensive player, you always have to be mindful of defense. Try to learn to anticipate the opponent team’s intentions and position yourself to intercept their passes.

Progression: Developing strong defensive skills will ensure you’re a well-rounded player, contributing to your team’s success both offensively and defensively.

Inaccurate passing and shooting

Mistake: Beginners often struggle to make accurate passes and shots, leading to missed opportunities and turnovers. Inaccurate ball skills just mean your opponents will profit.

Solution: Practice is key. Spend time away from live games to work on passing and shooting techniques, on hitting targets at various ranges and at various movement speeds. Focus on making crisp, accurate passes and hitting different parts of the goal.

Progression: As your accuracy improves, you’ll find it easier to set up plays and score goals, increasing your confidence on the ball. Your value as a team player will dramatically increase and you’ll soon be receiving more passes from the rest of the squad as your teammates learn to rely on you.

Over-reliance on individual skills

Mistake: This is often called “trying to be the hero,” and is inherent in all team sports. Trying to do everything yourself can be tempting, but often leads to turnovers and, critically, to losing matches.

Solution: Trust your teammates. Ball hockey is a team sport. Constantly assess opportunities for your next pass, try to set up give-and-go plays and always work with teammates to score goals and close down your opponents’ attacks.

Progression: As you learn to trust and collaborate with your team, you’ll see an improvement in match results. You should almost never be going it alone.

A great sport

That’s it! Ball hockey is a fantastic sport which explains why so many are betting online and gaming with hockey in mind, but if you’re just starting out you need to be aware of the traps beginners often fall into to the detriment of their team. Follow these tips and your passing, shooting and team-play will all improve over time, meaning a more rewarding experience for the entire team and, most importantly, more wins. Check out the International Street & Ball Hockey Federation’s official website for information about upcoming events and the sport itself.