Field Hockey Camp 101
Summer camp is a rite of passage for many young people. It is the time to stay away from home, if the camp is overnight, and to make friends that will last a lifetime. However, if you really want to enjoy a summer camp, then you don’t just pick any – you pick a camp that best reflects your interests. For those who enjoy theatrics, theatre camp might be the way to go. For those interested in science and technology, then science camp might be right for them. And if you love field hockey, then field hockey camp might just be for you.
If you are considering attending a field hockey camp for the first time, there are bound to be some questions you have.
What Will I Do at Field Hockey Camp?
What you will do at field hockey camp varies greatly by what type of camp you go to. For example, you could go to a day camp or an overnight camp.
At a day camp, it is likely to focus almost exclusively on field hockey. Other than a meal break, you will be learning skills and playing scrimmages all day. On the other hand, at overnight camp, you will likely have more free time to do other things and get to know your fellow campers; though your primary purpose will still be to develop skills and become the best player that you can be.
What Will I Learn at Camp?
There are a wide variety of field hockey skills that you will develop when you attend a summer camp. These skills vary by position, with special lessons for goalies. However, there are many things that every camper will learn. Examples are
- Goal scoring
- Team play
- Defense
- Tackling
- Positioning
- Ball control
- Passing and receiving
For goalies, there will be additional lessons.
- Communication
- Foot work
- Clearing
- Accuracy
- Kicking
- Diving
- Strokes
Do I Need to Be a Great Athlete to Enjoy a Summer Sports Camp?
You do not have to be the best athlete to enjoy a summer sports camp, and you do not need to be the best field hockey player in order to enjoy field hockey camp. In fact, that is what the camp is there for: to teach you to be a better player and to help you develop your skills to the best of your ability.
When you go to a camp such as these, you will most likely be divided into groups with other campers of similar age and skill level. This way you do not need to feel intimidated by older, more seasoned players, and you do not have to learn at their advanced level.
Do I Need to Be in Great Shape to Attend Field Hockey Camp?
You do not have to be in perfect shape. In fact, going to any summer sports camp is a great way to get into shape if you aren’t already. However, while you do not need to be in perfect shape, you do need to be in good health. You will need to fill out health waivers before going to camp, and in certain states, you will even need to get those waivers filled out by your doctor.
Field hockey is strenuous, and you are going to be doing a lot of work while you are there. While the joy of the sport makes the work worth it, it is a sport that requires a fairly decent level of fitness in order to endure the long days.
Where Are Field Hockey Camps Located?
Just like many other camps, you can find field hockey camps all over the country. In some places, field hockey has not yet been fully discovered and the sport is hard to find. However, if field hockey is big in your area, then it is likely that there will be a camp somewhat close to you.
If you are planning on attending an overnight camp, one will be even easier to find because you can go farther away to join. However, it is likely that you do not have to worry about traveling long distances. Field hockey camps are located in many different states.
What Should I Bring to Field Hockey Camp?
Again, what you should bring is determined a lot by what type of camp you are attending. At a sleep away camp, you will need a lot more stuff than at a day camp.
At an overnight field hockey camp, you will need to pack many of the same things that you need at any overnight camp.
- Pajamas
- Toiletries
- Shower shoes
- Bathing suits
- Towels
- Tennis shoes
- Flip flops
- Recreational activities for break times, such as paper and pen to write letters, cards and other games, and other small, safe activities
- Snacks
The list can go on. However, whatever camp you are attending, you will also need some field hockey gear.
- Stick
- Mouth guards
- Sunscreen
- Shin guards
- Goggles
- Pads, kickers, and gloves
- A helmet if you are a goalie or are interested in becoming one
- Socks
- Cleats
What Are the Coaches’ Backgrounds at These Camps?
The coaches that work at field hockey camps can vary by the level of play expected for that individual camp. For example, a more elite camp with campers planning on playing in college might have instructors that have more skilled knowledge and insider tips. Junior level camps, on the other hand, do not need this specialization, and they might be run by talented high school or college players.
No matter the level of the coach, what is almost guaranteed are trained, hard-working individuals who know how to play field hockey and love the sport and teaching it.
No matter your athletic ability or the type of field hockey camp you end up attending, if you love the sport, then you are sure to have a blast with people who share your interests.
