The Perfect Storm
1. Look.
If the quick outlet isn’t there, start your check-down sequence. Look long first, then to the sides, then to a defender.
2. Analyze.
Evaluate your opponent’s ride.
If it’s a zone, longer passes may look open, but there’s time for defenders to catch up. Throw the ball into space.
If it’s a man-to-man, look for your midfielders or attackers cutting. See a teammate that’s closer to the goal than her defender? Throw a leading pass.
3. Throw.
Keep one hand at the bottom of your shaft and the other about 8-12 inches up. For longer clears, put more power into your legs, use your core, reach further back with your arms and follow through.
A running start — where your energy transfers from your back foot forward toward the target while your hips rotate — can help. Because goalie sticks are heavier and pockets tend to have more whip, get your body behind the throw.
PHOTO BY JOHN STROHSACKER