THE HOOK

Key Points

• Adopt the ready position.
• Take a position a hurley length plus an extended arms length behind the opponent, with the dominant side directly behind the side the opponent is going to strike from.
• Hold the hurley in the dominant hand and extend the arm while striding forward with the dominant foot to increase reach.
• Extend the hurley into the path of the opponent’s swing using a one handed grip.
• The hurley may be held with the toe facing upwards or flat with the toe to the side.
• Flick the wrist as the opponent’s hurley is deflected.
• Move in quickly to gain possession or prepare to hook a second time.
• Note that there may be less chance of hurley damage if the hurley is kept flat during the Hook.

Technical Drills

Drill 1 – Basic – Imaginary Hook

• This is a basic drill to practice the Hook technique.
• Position the players facing forward along a line.
• Allow approximately two meters between each player.
• On the whistle, the players move from the ready position to the hook position and back to the ready position.
• The coach may count or talk the players through the stages of the technique to help them with the sequence and the timing.
• Repeat the drill several times.
• When the players become more proficient at performing the technique in a stationary position, repeat the drill, first while walking, and eventually while jogging across the field.

Drill 2 – Basic –Imaginary Hook II

• This is a basic drill to practice the Hook technique.

• Players pair off, with Player A an extended hurley and arms length behind their partner.
• To ensure the players are in the correct position, begin with each player standing shoulder to shoulder with their partner along a line.
• Keep a distance of two meters between each pair.
• Player A takes 3 steps backwards and one to the side to position themselves behind Player B.
• Player A should adjust this position to ensure that their dominant arm is behind the side Player B is going to strike from.
• Player A begins in the ready position while Player B adopts the lock position.
• Player A strides into the Hooking position on the whistle.
• The coach may count or talk the players through the stages of the technique to help them with the sequence and the timing.
• Repeat the drill a number of times before changing roles.
• As the players become more proficient, the player in front strikes an imaginary ball while the player behind attempts the hook tackle.
• Eventually, introduce a ball like the First Touch hurling ball.

Drill 3 Intermediate – Jog and Hook

• This is an intermediate drill to practice the Hook technique
• Players pair off, with Player A an extended hurley and arms length behind their partner.
• Player A begins in the ready position while Player B adopts the lock position.
• Both players jog forward.
• On a signal, Player B strikes an imaginary ball as Player A attempts to hook them.
• Reverse the roles on the way back.
• For safety, ensure that all players are swinging in the same direction.

Drill 4 Intermediate – Chase and Hook

• This is an intermediate drill to practice the Hook technique
• Divide the players into pairs, one ball per pair.
• Player A is positioned approximately 2 meters behind Player B.
• Both Players begin in the ready position.
• Player B throws the ball out in front, runs and attempts to strike it on the ground, while Player A attempts to hook.
• Encourage Player A to follow up the tackle and gain possession by jab-lifting the ball.
• Switch roles after each successful hook and lift.