In modern hockey, with fast water-based pitches and deep bow sticks, 3D is THE trend. Where the game used to be played mainly on the ground, we now increasingly see spectacular 3D skills decide matches. From the short control lift to the refined seabass, 3D field hockey skills have become indispensable in today's game.
And there is a good reason why top coaches are putting these techniques into player development earlier and earlier. Virtually all modern tackles (jab, shave, block) happen on the ground. A player who plays the ball short, controlled and at the right moment through the third dimension bypasses the tackle entirely. English coach Russell Coates therefore calls 3D skills under-trained relative to their impact.
In this article we walk you through every individual 3D technique, how to learn it, when to use it and when you'll concede a free hit. Plus the latest rule interpretations from the FIH 2026 Outdoor Umpires' Briefing.
What are 3D hockey skills?
3D skills refer to all techniques where the ball is lifted off the pitch and deliberately manipulated in the air. Unlike traditional ground-based techniques, these skills add a vertical dimension to the game. The name '3D' comes from the three dimensions in which the ball is played: length, width and height.
The techniques fall roughly into four main families:
| Family | Goal | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Lifts | Briefly lift the ball with a scooping motion | forehand lift, reverse/tomahawk lift, jink |
| Chops / squeezes | Press the ball 'into the mat' so it springs up | chop, reverse chop, squeeze |
| Dragging skills | Move the ball laterally in preparation for a 3D | V-drag, Indian dribble, drag/dummy |
| Deception combinations | Threaten 2D, execute 3D | spin lift, lift-and-tap, fake into seabass |
Important to understand: a 3D skill does not work without a strong 2D foundation. A player who has not mastered the Indian dribble and V-drag won't draw a defender out, and without that entry a lift has no purpose (and often becomes dangerous).
The advantages of 3D hockey skills
Why are more and more hockey players, from recreational to professional, investing time in learning 3D skills? The benefits go well beyond the spectacular aspect:
Tactical superiority: by lifting the ball into the air, you bypass defenders who cover on the ground. That creates attacking opportunities that would otherwise be impossible.
Game acceleration: a well-executed 3D elimination can take out multiple defenders at once and launch an attack directly. Especially effective during counters or in zone 4.
Surprise effect: at amateur and youth level, opponents are often not prepared for 3D skills. An unexpected lift or jink can catch the defence completely off guard.
Technical development: learning 3D skills improves your overall stickhandling and ball feel. The precision and timing also benefit your regular game.
Self-confidence: mastering spectacular skills gives a huge boost to your confidence on the pitch.
The downsides and risks of 3D hockey
Although 3D skills offer many advantages, it is crucial to understand the flip side. These techniques are not without risk and require a realistic view of the challenges:
High difficulty: 3D skills are technically very demanding. They require hundreds of hours of practice to truly perfect.
Turnover risk: failed 3D skills often lead to immediate turnovers. In critical match moments, that can be fatal for your team.
Physical strain: many 3D skills require explosive movements and short, unnatural postures. This can lead to an increased injury risk in the wrist and shoulder.
Overuse: there is a risk that players become too reliant on flashy skills and neglect their basic techniques.
Regulation: 3D skills are subject to strict rules. A ball that goes too high or too close to an opponent can lead to free hits or even penalty corners against you.
And here's some great instruction on these 3D skills:
3D hockey skills one by one
1. The Lift (basic 3D technique)
What is it? The first real 3D skill every player learns. You lift the ball briefly (10-40 cm) off the ground with a forced scooping motion under the ball. No hit, no scoop, just a short, low lift to get over an outstretched stick.
How do you learn it?
Stick as flat to the ground as possible during the run. Top hand pushes toward the ground, not up.
Ball at the outside of your front foot, not in front of your body.
Short scooping motion from the wrist, not from the arm.
Head up, don't watch the ball.
Accelerate immediately after the lift. The mistake you see most often in beginners.
When? When the tackler comes in low and flat (jab/shave), when you have 2-3 m run-up and an outstretched stick in front of you, and when space opens up forward (lift in line with your run, not sideways).
Mistakes: kicking instead of scooping (ball flies uncontrolled), ball too far in front of the body, locked wrist (too soft), or lifting toward a player within 5 m, more on that in the rules chapter.
The reverse/tomahawk lift works identically, but with the concave side of the stick under the ball and the left hand on top (reversed grip).
2. The Chop
What is it? A short, sharp, downward strike on the 'head' (back) of the ball, causing it to bounce up. Unlike the lift, the stick strikes the ball instead of scooping under it. The chop is a typical water-pitch skill: it barely works on a sand-based pitch.
How do you learn it?
Ball outside your body (wide stance), not in front of your midline.
Stick almost vertical above the ball.
Short, hard diagonal tap downward on the upper-back of the ball, not a full hit.
The ball is 'squeezed' between stick and mat and springs up.
Sprint away immediately after the chop.
When? On a water-pitch, against an over-committing defender on an outstretched stick. Especially effective in zone 4 just before the circle.
Mistakes: tap too soft (ball doesn't come loose), too far in front of the body, or a chop on a dry/sand pitch (too risky, little height).
3. The Jink
What is it? A controlled, short lift with a change of direction, usually from your open stick side to your reverse, while lifting the ball over the defender's stick. The difference from a regular lift: the jink couples the lift to a body fake, you threaten left, go right.
How do you learn it?
Run frontally at the defender in Indian dribble.
Short sideways drag as a feint (left to right).
The moment the defender extends the stick: forehand lift over it.
Accelerate immediately on the outside landing, don't stop to see where the ball lands.
When? In classic 1-on-1 situations, especially in the 23 m zone and on the circle edge.
Mistakes: no convincing body fake (defender sees the lift coming), ball too high (5-metre rule issue), or failing to accelerate after landing.
4. The Seabass
What is it? The seabass is a modern, flashy 3D elimination popularised in the Belgian hockey scene by Tom Boon (Red Lions, four-time Olympian and 2018 world champion). In essence it is a short scooping motion in which the ball is lifted in front of the defender via the concave (reverse) side of the stick and played over or past the opponent in one fluid motion, a combination of forehand fake, short reverse lift and spin-out. The nickname refers to the way the ball briefly 'flips' upward, like a sea bass on dry land.
How do you learn it?
Dribble frontally at the defender with the ball on the forehand side.
Feint with shoulder and stick: fake a straight forehand pass or hit.
The moment the defender extends the stick: quickly flip your left hand and bring the stick under the ball on the reverse side.
Short, sharp wrist scoop under the ball: it pops 30-80 cm up, diagonally over the defender's stick.
Receive the ball on the other side or let it run for a quick passing line.
When? Just before or inside the circle, against defenders who extend their stick low and flat or commit too early. As an alternative to the reverse hit when you can't get it around the post.
Mistakes: starting too early (the defender must have the stick out before you start), no fake beforehand (the skill becomes a regular reverse lift), or ball too high (dangerous play within 5 m = almost always a free hit against).
5. Slice
What is it? A short tap with the stick at a 45-degree angle to lift the ball just over a defender's stick at low height. The slice is the most subtle 3D skill, the ball comes off the deck for just a few centimetres and is over the obstacle before the defender realises it.
How do you learn it?
Run open onto the defender with the ball on the forehand.
Position the stick at roughly 45 degrees over the ball.
Short downward tap with the open stick, the ball gets a low lift forward.
Acceleration after the slice is essential, the time gain is small.
When? At speed with a low defensive stick position, on a water-pitch in zone 4, or as a quick alternative to a full lift.
Mistakes: no convincing commitment in the tap and wrong stick angle, the ball goes too high or too low.
6. Drag / Dummy
What is it? A 2D elimination with a 3D finish. You drag the ball laterally (forehand or reverse) over a short distance, faking a pass or dribble to one side, then accelerate diagonally away. Combine with a lift when the defender extends.
How do you learn it?
Approach the defender perpendicular.
Short powerful drag (50-80 cm) sideways, weight on the same foot.
The moment the defender follows: reverse or push through with the other foot.
When? In wing zones to open the outside or inside. Used a lot by players like Florent Van Aubel on the right wing.
Mistakes: no convincing commitment in the drag (defender doesn't bite), or too slow (the tackler recovers).
7. Deception combinations: spin lift and lift-and-tap
Spin lift: during a 360-degree turn, set a lift to the outside. Hertzberger shows this regularly.
Lift-and-tap: a lift followed by a short tap with the stick on the descending ball to land it past the opponent. Hockey Heroes TV demonstrates this.
Backhand pull (elimination): Hockey Heroes TV.
Juggling skills (keeping the ball in the air)
What is it? Not a match skill, but the training foundation for all 3D technique. By continuously tapping the ball up (alternating open and reverse) you develop wrist feel, hand-eye coordination and stick-face control, the three basic conditions for lift, chop, jink and seabass.
How do you learn it?
Start against a wall or net, balance the ball on the stick.
Short open-stick taps, max 30 cm high.
Alternate open and reverse.
Grow the number of 'keepie-ups' per session (10 → 50 → 100).
Walk while juggling over a short distance.
When? Warm-up, individual homework, injury-free periods. Never as a showmove in a match, you lose ball control too easily and it can be whistled as dangerous play.
Key considerations for 3D skills
Successfully implementing 3D skills in your game goes beyond just mastering the technique. These five aspects determine not only whether your skills succeed but also whether you and your teammates stay safe.
Safety first
Preventing dangerous play is the most important rule for 3D skills. The ball may never be played in a way that endangers other players:
No lifts toward other players.
Be aware of players around you (scan before using it).
Let the ball land safely or control it yourself.
Timing and game situation
Pick your moment carefully. 3D skills are not always the best option:
Use them only when there is a clear advantage to gain.
Avoid unnecessary risks in your own defensive third.
Practise them dozens of hours before using them in matches.
Technical fundamentals
Build on a strong base:
First ensure excellent ground techniques (push, hit, stop, Indian dribble).
Develop good ball control and stickhandling.
Regularly train your hand-eye coordination via juggling.
Physical preparation
Prepare your body:
Work on your core stability for better balance during 3D movements.
Train flexibility in shoulders and wrists.
Develop explosive leg power, you need acceleration after the skill, not before.
Rules framework: FIH, KNHB and KBHB
All rules below are based on the FIH Rules of Hockey effective 1 March 2026, to which both KNHB and KBHB adhere, plus national interpretation agreements that are updated annually.
The three central rules for 3D skills
| Rule | FIH | KNHB | KBHB (Hockey Belgium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.8 Dangerous play | A ball that forces an opponent to take evasive action is by definition dangerous. | Follows FIH; Standaard Afspraken explain that there is no specific knee-height limit in the rules themselves for open play. | Follows FIH; confirmed in the annual Précisions règles du jeu. |
| 9.9 Intentionally raising the ball | Intentional hit raised in the field is prohibited (except shots on goal). Push, scoop and lift are allowed, provided not dangerous. | Same. High backhand hit is a growing point of attention. | Same. On small pitches (U7-U9) high balls are entirely prohibited. |
| 9.10 5 metres around a descending high ball | Opponents may not approach within 5 m of the receiver until the ball has been touched. | New 2025-26: opponent may already be within 5 m at first ball contact (previously: only after control on the ground). | Identically amended 2025-26: the receiver is defined the moment the ball starts to descend. |
New in 2026: the FIH guideline on 3D skills and knee height
In the FIH 2026 Outdoor Umpires' Briefing, the official document preparing international umpires for the new season, there is an important new guideline on 3D skills:
3D skills must not cause danger to opponents or make them take evasive action to avoid danger. Therefore, the use of 3D skills which is above knee height close to an opponent may be considered dangerous and a free hit awarded against the ball carrier.
Read the exact wording carefully: there are two important nuances easily missed:
'May be considered' dangerous: not an automatic offence. The umpire has discretion.
'Close to an opponent': only relevant within duel distance. For a free 3D in open space, knee height is not an issue.
In practice this means: if you play a 3D skill close to an opponent, keep the ball below knee height. Otherwise the umpire may decide it's dangerous and award a free hit against you. Lift, chop or jink in open space? No problem, even if the ball goes higher.
This guideline formalises something experienced umpires already did intuitively for years. It's guidance, not a change to Rule 9.8 itself, but it is the framework umpires will whistle by internationally from 1 March 2026 onward.
Per skill: when does the umpire whistle?
Lift
Allowed: low control lift (10-40 cm), in the line of the run, not toward an opponent within 5 m.
Whistle: lift aimed at a player within 5 m, dangerous play, free hit against.
Whistle: lift above knee height close to an opponent, free hit against (FIH 2026 guideline).
When in doubt: the player who raises the ball is responsible.
Chop
Allowed: short chop on water-pitch, low height, played away from the opponent.
Whistle: chop against or toward an opponent within 5 m, or so high that a second player is forced to take evasive action.
Important: because the chop by definition is a hit, it is regulatorily closer to an intentional high hit than a lift. Umpires pay extra attention to intent.
Jink
Same rule as the lift. Because the jink is lower and shorter, it is often easier to whistle as safe in matches.
Seabass / spin lift
Same basic rules. Extra attention point: due to the spectacular execution, the ball sometimes goes higher than intended, so the knee-height guideline becomes acute.
Indian dribble and V-drag
Almost never a rules issue (ball stays on the ground), unless the ball comes off your stick by a miscue.
Drag / dummy
No rules issue except obstruction (FIH 9.12): you may not shield the ball with your body. Always drag open, not with your back to the opponent.
Juggling / keepie-ups
In matches, prohibited the moment you force an opponent to take evasive action or deliberately keep the ball high within playing distance. On the training pitch no problem.
Differences between the Netherlands and Belgium
5-metre rule (2025-2026): identically amended in both federations. No more difference.
High backhand hit: KNHB Standaard Afspraken are explicit, a dangerous backhand hit must be whistled, a low non-dangerous one is fine. KBHB is less explicit but in practice stricter through direct application of Pro League standards.
Youth on small pitches: KBHB completely prohibits high balls at U7-U9 level. KNHB has no scoop in 3- and 6-a-side, but lifts in basic form are practised in skills training from a young age.
Penalty corner, mask: in both federations mandatory since 2025-26 for all PC defenders (youth and seniors).
Official rules sources
FIH Rules of Hockey 2026 (official PDF)
FIH Umpires' Briefings overview
Hockey.nl explanation of high-ball rules
KBHB Précisions règles du jeu 2025-26
KBHB Officials Division, Règles du jeu outdoor
How to learn 3D Hockey Skills: the roadmap
Learning 3D skills requires a systematic approach. You can't just start with the most advanced techniques. This roadmap helps you build your skills step by step.
Phase 1: Basic skills (weeks 1-4)
Focus on ball control and the very first lift technique:
Indian dribble at various speeds, left and right.
V-drag standing still and running.
Static lifts without movement, ball on the ground, train the scoop motion.
Small lifts over obstacles (a cup, foot, low cone).
Juggling, 10 to 30 to 50 keepie-ups.
Phase 2: Moving skills (weeks 5-8)
Lifts while dribbling.
Direction changes after a lift.
First chop attempts on water-pitch.
Forehand jink from right to left.
Build up speed.
Phase 3: Advanced techniques (weeks 9-12)
Reverse / tomahawk lift.
Lift-and-tap combinations.
Spin lift.
First seabass attempts (under supervision).
Beating opponents in 1v1 with a 3D finisher.
Phase 4: Match application (week 13+)
Practice matches focused on 3D in specific zones.
Pressure and stress situations.
Decision moments: pass, dribble or 3D?
Filming your own matches, mistakes show up fastest on video.
Bonus: phased by age
From the player and parent perspective on phasing:
U10-U12: Indian dribble, V-drag, basic lift over small obstacles.
U12-U14: chop on water-pitch, jink, drag/dummy.
U14-U16: reverse / tomahawk lift, spin lift, first seabass.
Senior amateur: add one 3D situation per training, not more. Always combine lift + acceleration.
International role models
If you want to truly learn a skill, watch who performs it at the highest level. Per skill a recommendation:
Tom Boon (BEL): seabass, reverse lifts in the circle, slick deception in zone 4. Olympic silver Rio 2016, gold Tokyo 2020, world champion 2018.
Florent Van Aubel (BEL): drag/dummy plus acceleration on the right wing, classic jink in 1-on-1.
Jeroen Hertzberger (NED): his YouTube channel HertzbergerTV is a reference source for Dutch players.
Florencia Habif (ARG): chop in 1-on-1 in the circle (see Inside Hockey demo).
Sohail Abbas (PAK): historic dragflick legend; for him 3D mostly comes from corners.
Indian and Pakistani teams of the 1950s: initiators of the Indian dribble at the 1956 Olympic Games.
| Level | What to practise | Recommended videos |
|---|---|---|
| Youth / starters | Grip, Indian dribble, control lift over a cup | Hertzberger TV 'Indian Dribble'; Hockey Heroes TV '3D Skills tutorial' |
| Advanced youth / senior amateur | V-drag, jink, forehand lift over the stick, chop on water-pitch | Jamie Kingstone 'Master the V-Drag'; Hockey Australia 'Jink R to L' and 'Jink L to R'; Inside Hockey with Habif 'The chop' |
| Elite youth / elite senior | Reverse / tomahawk lift, lift-and-tap, spin lift, seabass | Hockey Heroes TV '3D Elimination Skill Tutorial'; Hockey Heroes TV 'Lift and Tap'; Hertzberger TV '3D skills' |
| Rules insight (all levels) | High ball, dangerous play, 5 m rule, FIH 2026 guideline | Hockey.nl video Coen van Bunge; FIH 2026 Briefing (YouTube ID: h8N4DZBBZpA); KBHB Hockey Belgium playlist |
3D hockey: the future is here, get ready
3D hockey skills are the future of field hockey. With the continued evolution of the game and the increasing speed on modern pitches, these techniques are becoming ever more important. Whether you are a beginner who wants to learn your first lift, or an advanced player wanting to expand your repertoire with the seabass: the time to start is now.
Three things to walk away with:
First build your 2D foundation, Indian dribble and V-drag, before seriously tackling 3D.
Train juggling 5 minutes a day. Wrist, stickface and hand-eye coordination improve immediately.
Read the latest umpire briefings every season from your federation (KNHB Standaard Afspraken, KBHB Précisions règles du jeu, FIH Umpires' Briefing). Rules around 3D evolve quickly, the FIH 2026 knee-height guideline is the latest example.
Good luck on the pitch!
Disclaimer
Rules change every season. The FIH publishes new rule books every two years; federation-specific umpire agreements are updated annually. Check knhb.nl or hockey.be every season for the latest documents.
'Dangerous play' remains subjective. Outside the FIH 2026 knee-height guideline (which explicitly says may be considered), there is no fixed height number in open play. Two umpires can whistle the same lift differently.
Scoops are out of scope, although they are tactically and regulatorily related to lifts. For scoop-specific regulation see the KNHB video with Coen van Bunge and the KBHB 'Précisions règles du jeu 2025-26'.