Aerial Flick

Explanation: The aerial pass or flick can be useful if opponents are blocking the route through to a teammate, or to lift the ball over the defense for an attacker to run onto. The aerial flick can also be used to score goals if a goalkeeper comes out in a one on one situation, or for a penalty stroke. They are almost essential to make long passes on wet, uneven, grass pitches.

However the down side of these passes is the time it takes for the ball to travel to it's target. Because the ball has to go up and then come down it is traveling a much further distance than a pass along the ground over the same distance, this allows defenders more time to recover. Also this type of pass is harder to control for the receiver.

Description: In preparation for this shot the left shoulder should be pointing at the target, the shake-hands grip, with the hands separated, should be used to hold the stick. Body weight should be evenly distributed between the balls of the feet, with knees bent. The ball should be positioned somewhere between the center and the front of the control box, wherever is most comfortable. The players head should be positioned over the ball, with the head of the stick behind the ball.

To perform the shot drop the right shoulder and start to transfer body weight forward. Use the left hand to pull the stick forward, making sure the head of the stick is open. The right hand is used to guide the stick and pass in the right direction. As the left hand passes the same foot, extend the arms, keeping the head steady.

After lifting the ball into the air continue to transfer body weight through to the front foot, and the toe of the stick should follow through and end up pointing to the sky. The arms should be pointing at the target.

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