Article: The Noble Art of Hoofball | Gillingham FC, Football

The Noble Art of Hoofball​

Hoofball is a noble art with its roots dating back to the eighteenth century, many teams practice the art but it’s imperative that personnel and training are geared up to match the job. This might seem obvious but many could make a mistake if attempting to play hoof ball without the basics in place, below are a few ideas that might be useful for anyone going down this route.

1. A large center forward …. 6 foot + in height with physical strength and the ability to leave the ground with both feet. (the target man)

2. A fast and nippy forward to play just off the center forward and be able to run onto the flick-ons………..this does require both forwards to play as a team and not get separated by the width of the pitch.

3. Defenders/midfielders who can make a long pass and get the ball within 10 yards of their intended target…….the closer the better but we have to be realistic “don’t we?” (it might be useful to have all players on your team wearing the same colour tops for identification purposes) “what someone has already thought of that”

4. The cross field hoofball requires a fast winger with good ball control (the alternate target man)

5. Defenders/midfielders must aim the cross field pass to the empty space just in front of the winger……. Under no circumstances should the ball be played behind the winger and force him to receive the ball with his back to goal.


Follow the above rules and hoofball will survive the onslaught from the new movement (purists) who are trying to destroy the game with short passes to team members, fancy triangles of players, running into spaces rather than waiting to see where the ball goes first, and “wait for it” the ball stays on the ground, I know it sounds crazy but some people believe this is the way to go, I even heard a manager suggest that if a ball was meant to go that high they would have designed it with wings, yet every ardent fan of Harry Potter knows there is already a game called “quiditch” where the ball has wings.

 

It was Brian Clough who said: if we were meant to play with the ball in the air than God would have put grass on the clouds.

 

Lets not forget 'Defensive Hoof Ball Techniques' particulary in extra time

"Ball / Grandstand / OVER! '' don't mess about.....

 

That quote is always in my head, one of my favorite quotes. I doubt that Tony Pulis don't agreed with Clough on that one.

 

I must say I have never understood what people mean by "hoofball" which seems to be a very Gillingham term. I have assumed it means aimless whacks at the ball. This contrasts with the carefully aimed long ball game which is the most exciting aspect of English football exemplified by Beckham and Gerrard at their best. It is normal, of course to see a higher proportion of long ball passes go astray because the skill needed to perform is so much higher.
Personally I hate the most boring aspect of football when players push the ball 10 yards sideways and simply abdicate responsibility for making progress. Ray Wilkins almost single handedly destroyed entertainment in football in the 1980s when he conned people into admiring the sideways pass. that is not to say that there are times when a shortball game is appropriate in a game, its just that this will be an unexciting phase of a game. Good teams can play the long ball and short ball game as necessary.
So, what exactly is hoofball because if it is the long ball game played well, I love it.

 

My definition would be a lump upfield with no actual target, but just a hope that one of the front palyers gets within a few yards of the ball, or the defender that will inevitably be under the ball in the hope that he makes a mistake. It's really a game of chance.

I thoroughly agree with your view on the long pass - which is exactly that - a pass (i.e. ball with an intended target) over a long distance. There's been some wonderful examples in Serie A this year for those fortunate enough to have ESPN and not a lot to do on Sunday evenings.

 

this is nearly as entertaining as Gills brand of hoofball

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-teYnB8RRhc&feature=player_detailpage


edit - why has this thread been elevated to 'sticky' status ? - I would have thought that deletion would have been more appropriate - so that opposing teams do not find out our tactics before a game.

 

Well tim looking at your signature, and the way that we've been playing - I take it that you've had to endure a lot of despair !

 

If God had meant for football to be played along the floor, he would have filled the ball with cement.

 

Fortunately (in this situation) I've only been able to get to away games this season and so have't been able to comment on tactics at home!!

I do seem to be getting the betted part of the deal, but will have a more informed opinion at the end of March - 3 games to see by then....

 

In view of today's performance by the 'strikers', perhaps we should stick Leon up front with say, Callum and play 'Hoofball' to them
to see out the season

 

Leon is our new striker,


he just drops deep to collect the ball and plays out from the back (well no one else came close to scoring)

 

There is nothing remarkable about looking to central defenders as a supply of central strikers. There are plenty of examples over the years

 

Don't think he'll ever convert to being a true striker, but Craig Dawson scored 10 a season in his 2 full seasons at Rochdale, has scored 5 in 10 games for England U21's, and since going on loan from West Brom to Bolton at the end of January has scored 4 from 6 games for them (in fact those 4 in the last 3 games he's played).

 

Nyron did quite well as an 'emergency' forward a few years ago - mind you I don't see Kedwell filling in anywhere across the back at the moment .
<or 'filling' in front of goal either>

 

I remember another noble art-form when all around are performing like crappe where there are two options. One is to get the ball and run like someone possessed and an insane look on your face - create surprise and fear and run past the lot of them. The other version is to send the ball skywards and try to close down on its landing area like an express train intent on destruction - kick and run/armageddon. Does wonders for morale.

 

It seem llike that Nelson has an eye for the opposite goal - perhaps we should deploy ' rush goalkeepers ' I reckon he should be able to score from somewhere near the half way line ! - I can still remember playground football - everyone chasing after the ball at the same time ! ( happy days )

 

Nyron actually started life as a striker and reverted to defense.

 

Darius Charles can play as a defender and a striker, he has played all over the pitch however he don't get that many goals so not that effective.

 

HOADIE - ( not a rude question ) - why mention Wesley Charles ? ( looks a bit like Jason Brown )