The "Victoria Grace Event - Nearside Forehand - Power, Distance and Direction" event took place on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 hosted by 3 goal player and certified coach Victoria Grace. If you missed this event and would llike to check it out the recording is available under Past Events. Click here and we have highlighted the key learning outcomes below:
1. Swing Mechanics:
Body Rotation: Critical for accuracy and power. Rotate the shoulders and align the body correctly with the ball's line.
Early Swing Preparation: Prepare the swing well before approaching the ball to ensure proper alignment and avoid rushed shots.
Generate Power from the Shoulder: Focus on generating the swing from the shoulder rather than the elbow or wrist for stronger shots.
Follow-through: Extend the follow-through forward to ensure better direction and consistency in hitting the ball.
2. Timing:
Hit Opposite Horse's Left Front Foot: Aim to make contact when the ball is aligned with the horse’s left front foot, ensuring proper timing.
Early Preparation: Begin twisting and preparing for the shot two strides before striking the ball. This helps set up the swing correctly.
3. Balance and Position in the Saddle:
Adopt a Good Half-Seat: The half-seat provides better balance and control. Sitting down in the saddle restricts movement and reduces shot effectiveness.
Weight Distribution: Focus on balancing your weight through your right knee while leaning left, which stabilizes the body and keeps you from leaning too far out.
4. Common Errors:
Improper Shoulder Rotation: If the shoulders aren’t properly aligned, the swing becomes inconsistent, and power is lost.
Late Swing Preparation: Waiting too long to prepare leads to rushed, inaccurate shots.
Elbow-Driven Swings: Avoid using the elbow as the primary source of motion, which reduces both power and accuracy.
Misalignment with the Plane: Keeping the elbow, hand, and stick head on the correct plane is crucial. If the stick head is misaligned, the shot will suffer.
5. Nearside Forehand in Game Play:
Solid Foundation in Training: Practicing with short sticks or wooden horses to master swing mechanics, then moving to the horse to incorporate timing and balance.
Focus on Consistency: Prioritize consistent body movement, swing mechanics, and balance to improve accuracy and power during real gameplay.