Embracing Change: The Evolution of Field Hockey

In the dynamic world of sports, evolution is inevitable. Field hockey, once steeped in tradition, has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. From rule changes to shifts in gameplay dynamics, the sport has embraced innovation at every turn. Yet, amid this evolution, a chorus of critics often clamors for the past, clinging to outdated notions of the game. Terms like "cronyism" echo through the halls of discussion, but do they truly reflect the essence of progress? Field hockey today is a far cry from its former self. The pace is quicker, the strategies more intricate, and the approach decidedly modern. Coaches, entrusted with the task of sculpting winning teams, must adapt to this new reality. They must be given the freedom to craft their tactics, leveraging the strengths of their players and embracing cutting-edge methodologies. So, the next time criticism rears its head, let us remember: change is not to be feared but embraced. For in the evolution of field hockey lies the promise of a brighter, more exhilarating future for players and fans alike. Instead of dwelling on the relics of the past, let us look to the future of the sport. Let us envision a game where innovation reigns supreme, were skill and strategy triumph over nostalgia. It's time to cast aside the shackles of tradition and embrace the boundless potential of tomorrow's field hockey. Now for the critics look into this statement: “Some players are great when in a team and not as individual, some are great players individually and not as a team, what makes a great team” – Amarjeet Singh @ AJ – this we need to review and think about deeply. Evaluate it in detail. So what are we looking for as coaches as a critic in each player: 1. Basic – Good & Great 2. Communication – how to say and what to say 3. Team Player – it’s a team game 4. Mental Toughness – Having skills and natural ability is only one piece of the puzzle BUT it’s not enough on it’s own. Too many people don’t work on their mental toughness and struggle to deliver in the games that count. This can be due to things such as fear of failure, panicking under pressure, frustration or anger getting in the way, etc. 5. Confidence - I have seen some of the best players with a great range of skills and excellent technical ability but have missed out because they doubted their ability, lacked confidence and didn’t believe in themselves. 6. Decision Making - In sport we make instinctive decisions in the unconscious part of the brain (or we should anyway) and this is largely affected by our state of mind. If you feel under pressure or fear making mistakes you will more likely make the wrong decision. 7. Consistency - One of the key components to success is the ability to deliver consistent performances from game to game. How many games out of 10 are you happy with your performance? 8. Good Fitness Levels - As I’ve mentioned so many times before, fitness is such a huge part of field hockey. It is a demanding game on your body so you have to have a physically sound and durable body to keep up with the game. Get tired and your opposition could get one over you. 9. Speed - This is especially true for attacking players, but is also very useful for defensive players too, especially as they need to keep up with forwards who are generally the quicker players in teams. Speed can create dangerous attacks and leave the opposition wondering how you scored that goal. 10. Good Vision - The ability to see a through pass, read the game and anticipate what will happen next is such an important one but it is not easy to teach. Fortunately you can develop the ability to improve your vision by training your eyes with visual exercises. 11. Attitude - Just because you were successful in making a team last year doesn’t guarantee your spot for the upcoming season. Nothing is secured and you need to prove yourself all over again. There will be new faces competing for a spot on the team who might want it more than what you are showing. Simply going through the motions won’t be enough. Show why you’ll be a good teammate – treat others with respect, work hard and help your teammates. Take feedback and use it to improve, this shows you’re coachable and eager to learn. 12. Get Back on Defense - Help your team by going all out on a back check. Don’t let the other side get easy offensive opportunities. If you’re lazy getting back on defence, coaches will notice and it also leaves your teammates out to dry. If you’re in position, you’ve got a much better chance at making the proper play or decision and it can lead to offensive transition opportunities. 13. Preparedness - Did you come to the rink ready to go, or did your skates need to be sharpened…or did you forget your jerseys….or are you missing a piece of equipment… Those distractions before a tryout will be enough to drive any coach crazy. Missing a portion of a tryout because of something that you weren’t prepared for is frustrating for everyone. Make sure you’re ready to go when you get to the rink anytime – not just at tryouts. 14. Character - These talks more about you than any skill you may demonstrate on the ice. Are you continuously pushing yourself and giving it your best effort? If you make a mistake, how do you react to it? When you make a mistake, do you give up? Grab another ball in the drill? Slam your stick on …? When you make a mistake, brush yourself off, learn from it, and keep playing! Realize you will make mistakes, don’t hold yourself to the impossible standard of being perfect, or you’ll never live up to your own expectations and you’ll always be frustrated! Frustrated players seldom perform well! Coaches understand that players will make mistakes when first learning new skills or concepts. 15. Follow the Drill - Pay attention when coaches are explaining drills. There’s nothing more frustrating than a player who is fourth in line and messes the drill up after the first three executed it without problem. That’s a lack of focus! Give a full effort in the drill whether you’re are first in the line or last. 16. Leadership - Will you step up and lead a drill? Help other players out? Or will you sneak to the back of the line so that the coaches won’t notice your mistakes? Everyone is a leader, but in different ways. If you’re a talker – talk. If you’re a worker – work. If you’re enthusiastic – be enthusiastic 17. Field Hockey IQ: Student-athletes need to have good vision and the ability to make quick decisions. The more experience an athlete has and the better they know the games, the more likely they are to evaluate a situation and think on their feet in high-pressure competition. Looking at the list above alone, how many players do we have with such qualities? Under pressure many breakdown, not only players even coaches and at times us when in a normal game played in our backyard. Field hockey is an evolving sport, but it is unclear whether performance analysis techniques are reflective of current best practice. Performance analysis is the discipline of observing and analyzing tactical and strategical behavior in sport. The purpose of performance analysis is to provide objective information about a sporting performance that can be used to identify team and player strengths, and areas that can be improved.