The 23 long: an advantage, or a disadvantage?

So, hockey has a new rule. Getting new rules is usually pretty exciting, and to be honest from playing/watching with this new one, it’s no different. Instead of taking the ball out for a long corner when the defence hits it accidentally over the baseline, it is taken in line with where it went off back up at the 23 (I think – I really hope that’s right.)  It is supposed to open up the game, with the view being that players often get trapped and cut off in the corners. The game can reset with the attack going again from a more prime position.

Now, as a forward, I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but what about the defence? They may have driven the player outwards away from the D towards the baseline, and when it goes out of play coming off them, instead of restarting a metre away, the entire thing is repositioned and the forwards have a tonne more options. I mean I know it’s not really supposed to consider the defence. As I’m not a defender, I may be wrong – maybe it is less of a risk to have the players up on the 23. But it sort of seems to me that yes, the corners are hard to get out of, and then going back to 23 is almost like a get out of jail free card for the forwards. Surely if they get themselves into the sticky situation that is the corner, they should very well have to get themselves out again? Isn’t that just a rule of life?

I believe another argument for the rule was that it makes it a better spectator sport, because those watching often can’t see what’s going on in the corners, and if play goes from the 23 then they are more likely to get a better view. Now, if you’ve read my other posts you’ll know I’m all for promotion of the sport – anything that makes it better for the spectators can only be advantage, really. But - is this not why we have big screens at games, and replays? I used to love watching players go from corners, especially internationals. It’s like watching an action film – aren’t the best moments the ones where the stars are in the trickiest situations and they have to get out? There is a certain thrill in the “so how exactly are they going to do this” moments. And, fairly often, they astound you with how they can escape from that small space and past the tight circle of determined defenders. It is the moment when you often see fancy 3.D., neat spins, and dummy passes. They have to think outside the box, and improvisation is usually where you see the coolest things – take the Knowles to Gover’s aerial deflection goal against England as a prime example (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjFgNI-40C0).

It’s still possible to get “trapped” in the corners if the ball goes off the side line, so perhaps this new rule provides us with the best of both worlds. And, as my above example shows, these moments don’t just happen in the corners, they happen on all areas of the pitch; what we lose in the corners, we may gain in new skills in attacking from the 23.  I’m playing devil’s advocate really – I actually quite like this new rule. I’m merely pointing out that it has been brought in because it is “easier”, and the easier path in life is not always the best, or the most fun. Sometimes a challenge is welcomed.