Trapping

When you receive a pass from a team-mate, you need to be able to stop the ball in a controlled way.

This is called trapping, stopping or receiving.

There are three rules to remember - get down low, get down low and get down low!

STEP ONE

Get your stick down early, keeping it low to the ground with a nice firm but relaxed grip. Bend from the knees, not just the waist.

Your hands should be approximately 30cms apart.

The left hand should be near the top of the stick and the right hand further down.

STEP TWO

Bend your knees and absorb the ball against your stick out in front of the right foot - ie it should feel as though you are allowing your stick to "give" a little on contact.

Keeping your hands relaxed at the point of contact will help.

This is sometimes called "soft" hands. Just imagine you're clutching an egg in your fist but don't want to break the shell.

STEP THREE

Your body should be in line with the ball as it approaches you.

Think of your stick as an extension of your thigh. This will allow a wider surface area for the stick to receive the ball.

You may need to angle your stick down to help control the ball.

If the ball is bouncing, hold the stick in a more upright position.

REVERSE SIDE

There's one more thing to remember when receiving the ball on the reverse side - get down low!

It is even more important on the reverse side when it is much harder to control the ball.

If you have time, the best way to receive the ball is with a flat, two-handed reverse stop.

Get in position early, with your stick flat on the ground to the left of your body with the shaft angled forward.

If you are not horizontal enough, the ball can bounce up off your stick or race beneath it.

You will see some players so low their knuckles touch the astro.