LYA Field Hockey

General Information

Field hockey is organized and played differently than other LYA sports. In Field Hockey the option to travel to other sites is offered but not required. This opportunity exposes the players to different skill levels and experiences. One tournament is offered but not required. Players are divided by grade level and practice one day per week (the day is determined by the volunteered coaching staff). All games are played on Saturdays. Practices and home games are played at the Lionville Park on field J and the Lionville Middle School. The park is located at Devon Drive.

3rd & 4th Grade Program

3rd & 4th grade players compete on a mini-field with 6 to 7 players per team. This encourgages continual involvement in play and improved stick manipulation. We do not play with goalies at this level.

5th & 6th Grade Program

5th and 6th graders play both on the mini-field and on the regulation field. When playing on the larger field 11 players compete. Again at this level we do not play with goalies.

What is taught?

Basic skills such as: the grip, stick and ball manipulation, dribbling, drags and dodges, push passes, tackling, reverse stick manipulation, penalty corners and pass backs are fundamentals taught in all of our programs.

Equipment needed for play:

> Stick
> Mouth guard
> Shin guards
> Field Hockey Stick

When purchasing a stick get a "feel" for the stick. It should be well balanced and feel
comfortable in your hands. While the length of the stick is often determined by height, players often select the longest stick they can handle comfortably. As a guideline:

Your Child’s Height	Recommended Stick Length
4’ – 4’ 3”	28”
4’ 4” – 4’ 6”	32”
4’ 7” – 5’	34”

A flexible stick that absorbs shock is the stick of choice for beginning or novice players. A midi or shorti-toe length should be selected.