Aerial Pass Execution
Passing
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Master the technique and execution of aerial passes to switch play over a press or deliver behind a defensive line.
What you need
- field hockey sticks
- field hockey ball
- cones (for variations)
Your focus
Aerial passes are among the most technically demanding and tactically decisive passes in elite field hockey. Players who can deliver an aerial pass accurately negate defensive structures instantly. The skill requires precise technique and confident execution under pressure.
Player at center field; receiver stands 30-40 yards away in space.
Ball carrier executes an aerial pass to the receiver's feet.
Receiver controls the aerial and immediately enters a 1v1 with a goalkeeper.
Complete 15 aerial passes; evaluate height, accuracy, and receiver's control.
Goal
You're doing it right when your aerial pass drops within a stick's reach of your teammate, they don't have to run to it.
Helpful cues
- Cup the ball face and follow through upward, not forward
- Aim for the receiver's leading foot
- Receiver calls the aerial, passer delivers to the call
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Practice aerial height without a receiver; hit to a target height marker.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a pressing defender to force the aerial under pressure.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.