Running with the ball is about so much more than speed and skills

Running with the ball is not just about elimination. It’s about creating opportunities, exploiting space, and making the game flow...

Running with the ball is one of the most dynamic and impactful skills in field hockey. It’s not just about speed or technical ability, it’s about decision-making, spatial awareness, and understanding when and how to use this skill to benefit the team. Andrew Wilson, during a masterclass I hosted with him, put it perfectly:

“Running with the ball is not just about elimination. It’s about creating opportunities, exploiting space, and making the game flow” .

We’ll explore the principles of running with the ball, how to teach these principles effectively, and how to adapt them for different levels of players.

TLDR ;)

1. Purpose first: Make every carry intentional—eliminate, create space, or advance into danger. Design constraints in training that discourage aimless straight-line runs and reward runs into space.

2. Scan + control: Coach constant scanning with ball position that allows vision. Alternate close control in traffic with open control in space, and reduce unnecessary touches to keep tempo high.

3.Game-led decisions: Move quickly from basics to game-like problems. Use layered 1v1, 2v1, 3v2 and small-sided rules that force choices between pass vs run, highlight transition moments, and review with targeted video for reflection and refinement.

The Principles of Running with the Ball

Running with the ball is a skill that requires a combination of technical, tactical, and physical elements. Let’s break it down into its core principles:

1. Purposeful Running

One of the most common mistakes players make is running with the ball without a clear purpose. Andrew Wilson highlighted this during our session: “Too often, players run straight at defenders because they’ve been taught elimination drills, but they haven’t been taught how to run into space” . Purposeful running means understanding why you’re running with the ball:

• Are you trying to eliminate a defender?

• Are you creating space for a teammate?

• Are you advancing the ball into a dangerous area?

Every action should have a clear intention. Without purpose, running with the ball can lead to turnovers and disrupt the team’s structure.

2. Spatial Awareness

Running with the ball is as much about what’s happening around you as it is about what’s happening at your feet. Players need to constantly scan the field, assessing the positions of teammates, opponents, and open spaces. Robert Noall, in his session on decision-making, emphasized the importance of ball position and vision: “If you can’t see your options, you can’t make the right decision” . This means keeping the ball in a position where you can look up and assess your surroundings.

3. Ball Control

Good ball control is essential for effective running. This includes:

• Close control: Keeping the ball close to your stick when navigating tight spaces or under pressure.

• Open control: Pushing the ball further ahead when running into open space to maximize speed.

Andrew Wilson also pointed out that players should be trained to reduce unnecessary touches: “We ask players to minimize ball touches because it keeps the game faster and makes them harder to defend” .

4. Exploiting Space

Running with the ball is most effective when it’s used to exploit space. This could mean:

• Attacking gaps between defenders.

• Drawing defenders out of position to create space for teammates.

• Transitioning quickly from defense to attack during a counter.

As Wilson noted, “Running with the ball is not always about beating a player. Sometimes it’s about running into the space they’ve left behind” .

5. Decision-Making

The best players aren’t just fast or skillful—they’re smart. They know when to run with the ball and when to pass. This decision-making process is influenced by factors like:

• The position of defenders.

• The availability of passing options.

• The risk of losing possession.

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How to Teach Running with the Ball

Teaching players to run with the ball effectively requires a mix of technical drills, game-based scenarios, and guided discovery. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Start with the Basics

For younger or less experienced players, focus on the fundamentals:

• Teach them how to control the ball while running at different speeds.

• Emphasize the importance of keeping their head up to scan the field.

• Use simple drills, such as weaving through cones or running in straight lines while maintaining control.

2. Introduce Game-Like Scenarios

Once players have mastered the basics, introduce drills that replicate game situations. For example:

• 1v1 Drills: Teach players how to use running with the ball to eliminate a defender. Emphasize the importance of timing and body positioning.

• Open Space Drills: Create scenarios where players must run into open space with the ball, such as receiving a pass in midfield and driving forward.

Andrew Wilson stressed the importance of open-ended exercises:

“Players need to learn how to adapt to different situations. Give them the freedom to make decisions and discover what works” .

3. Focus on Decision-Making

Encourage players to think critically about when to run with the ball. Use drills that force them to make decisions, such as:

• 2v1 Drills: Should they pass or run with the ball to eliminate the defender?

• Small-Sided Games: Create rules that reward smart decision-making, such as awarding extra points for successful runs into the circle.

4. Use Video Analysis

Show players examples of effective running with the ball from games. Highlight moments where players made good decisions, exploited space, or created opportunities for their team. This can help them understand the principles in a real-world context.

Some of the sources used for the thoughts above and below are:
→ Andrew Wilson 🇬🇧 🇪🇸
→ Robert Noall 🇬🇧 🇳🇱

Looking for some ideas on reinforcing these principles for experienced teams and those less so?
Ask Assistant.Hockey or, if you’re a paid subscriber, read on for some suggestions ↓