Below are some training techniques that I have used in the past with myself and other athletes. One thing to be aware of is that everyone has their own way of learning, some are visual, some can put words into practice, some need video to watch, some need 3 weeks to get a technique – others need 10 minutes.

One thing I would suggest is to video as much as possible and purchase a video editing system such as IMovie™ or Gamebreaker™. However video is only useful if you can differentiate between useful video and not so useful video. Anyone can watch video for hours at a time but you have to ask the question, what can that person get out of the video that they are watching? When I am putting a video session together for a player I am coaching I will try and pick 10 flicks from a session of 200.
Try and pick flicks that are spread across a spectrum of bad – good. This will allow the flicker to see what is good and what is bad. If you have the capabilities, instant replay on the turf whilst coaching is very good. This allows the flicker to compare flicks and see what makes a good flick and see what they are getting right/wrong.

Footwork

Easiest way to practice footwork is to tape or spray footprints onto the turf and practice without a stick and ball. As with all things the only way to improve footwork is by repetition. Footwork is very important. If you get into bad habits, they are very difficult to break.

Hand Position

This can be helped by taping the index finger to the stick or placing a rubber washer above the right hand on the shaft. This stops the hand from sliding on the shaft.

Follow through

This can be helped by placing a water bottle or a cone where the stick should follow through on the turf. It can also be helped by working with a stick in the weight room attached to a butterfly weight machine.

Accuracy

This can be helped by placing tires in front of the goal and aiming past them. Accuracy can also be helped and improved by taping lines down the turf towards the goal for the flicker to aim down.

Power

Use extra heavy balls when flicking. For example you can use balls from a Jeu de boules game. Be sure to use the right technique as not to injure yourself and keep the balls low.

Finally……

Use your imagination to work on training techniques. All the above are things that I have thought of. If you are struggling with a certain part of the dragflick, try and break it down and relate some kind of exercise to it.