The first independent website for Belgian tophockey

Sometime around 1994/1995, a new skill of Sweep Hit was introduced to the world of hockey. I don’t know exactly which coach, player or country invented it, but we all know that the Sweep Hit has taken the world of hockey by storm.

The Sweep Hit has transformed the way the game is played, especially by the wing half-backs (right-half, left-half) and the deep defenders (right back, left back, center back, sweeper back). This technique has overtaken the traditional way of hitting the ball, especially in game situations involving long range passing, crossing or scoring goals.

We have discarded a basic and an effective skill (Hit) with a variation (Sweep Hit) for use in passing, crossing and scoring. In a way this is a shame, as the skill of basic hitting has lot to offer to the game.

The Australian men’s team is one top-ranking team that understands the true value of the Traditional Hit, and uses it optimally and frequently in match situations to dominate and eventually win games.

Let’s compare and contrast Sweep Hit versus the Traditional Hit, using photographs of match scenarios to illustrate key points.