The body swerve of a well executed dummy is a powerful and commanding manoeuvre which catches your opposition tackler off guard when executed at the right time. Such a surprise move will undoubtedly give the attacker a distinct advantage. It is an advanced skill that a player should strive to include in his or her repertoire because of its uniqueness. However it is a skill that requires practice and more practice.
What is a dummy dribble?
Dummy dribble actions are employed to deceive opponents. They are used to wrong foot an opponent by suddenly transferring the bodyweight from one side to another or sudden would-be meaningful actions of the body and stick to distract an opponent.
The well executed dummy occurs approximately two metres away from an opponent. It is important to maintain good balance when transferring your body weight from one side to another. The types of dummy manoeuvres which are employed to divert an opponent’s concentration include;
- Slowing down, change direction and accelerating
- Faking a hit or push by passing the stick over the top of the ball to go one way , then change direction and accelerate
- Faking a pass to a supporting player, then change direction and accelerate
Check out the video below
Dummy Body Swerve Dribble
Whatever faking manoeuvre is selected and then combined with a change in direction and change in speed it is important to practice the component of the skill in isolated steps before combining them together to create a fluent movement. As such practice a number of times each of the following steps only moving from one step to the next when the skill progression is mastered;
- The stick fake in a stationary position
- Add to the stick fake while still in a stationary position the shift in body weight as you do the first part of changing body direction
- Walk Dribble towards a non moving opponent [i.e., a cone or marker]and when around two metres away complete 2 above
- Repeat 3 but Run dribble
- Repeat 4 but after the weight transfer has occurred accelerate forward with the ball to prevent the opponent from back tackling
- Add to 5 above an opponent
- Execute in a game environment
Source: adapted Canada Hockey
