This new technique was one of the key points that helped these countries lead the field hockey world at that time.
Until the mid-1950s playing the ball on the right hand side was dominant but this changed following a tour by the German National team to Pakistan.
In 1954 players studied the Pakistan methods for four weeks, analysing their individual skills at controlling the ball in front of the body.
Due to the changed position of the ball, and with the help of new blades, players’ behaviour was less predictable; they had a greater variety of passing and deception options.
Among the changes was an easier mastery of the Indian dribble techniques, resulting in its usage in many countries and at all levels of competitive hockey.