Darien Junior Field Hockey: 3rd & 4th Grade Field Hockey

“Third and fourth graders will focus on fundamentals and gain a general understanding of basic game play and strategy in an instructional clinic and small-sided scrimmage format.

Each clinic is similar in format and structure. When the athletes arrive, they will meet their instructors at their country flags. The instructors are all Darien High School students, and most of them are part of the Blue Wave Field Hockey program. All are excellent field hockey players and have played youth field hockey here in Darien.  

Athletes will then begin the first of four instructional stations for the day. At each station the BWFH instructors will lead the girls in skill building activities and games. Upon signal from the lead instructor, the athletes will rotate from station to station until they have completed the circuit. At the end of the clinic, everyone will meet in the center of the field for the session wrap-up and DJFH cheer.

Games are played either 6v6 or 7v7 on a reduced field, with no goalies. Games will typically consist of a ten-minute warm-up session, two 22-minute halves, and a 5-minute halftime. Every player will rotate through every position. Game play will introduce the athletes to concepts of teamwork and allow them to apply the skills they’ve learned in clinic. Each game will have a BWFH umpire that will also provide in game instructions. 

We do not keep score. Yes, the object of the game is to put the ball in the net. However, at this age, our program emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and teamwork.” 

Look for registration in May, with the season running from September through October or early November.