Let’s talk a little bit about the field hockey penalty corner. It is fast, intense, precise and chaotic all at the same time. The play can be heart-stopping or gut-wrenching depending on your point of view as eight offensive players take on four defenders and a goalie.
On offense you have the insert, stick stoppers, the hitters/draggers, and the L1 and the R1 and R2s as tippers. It takes precision from each position to either score or defend, and the feeling when you see it cross the line is either exhilarating or defeating.
“I would say just keeping a calm head [is key to success on corners],” said Duke stick-stopper Mary Harkins.