MALAYSIAN FIELD HOCKEY: DISSECTING THE RECENT SETBACKS AT THE ASIAN GAMES

Malaysian Field Hockey: Dissecting the Recent Setbacks at the Asian Games The Malaysian field hockey community has recently found itself grappling with the bitter taste of disappointment following the Asian Games. What were anticipated as moments of triumph turned into frustrating setbacks, raising critical questions about the state of the sport in the nation. In the wake of these disappointments, it is crucial to delve into the factors that contributed to the Malaysian field hockey team's struggles and chart a course for redemption. Technical Play: One area that warrants examination is the team's technical approach to the game. Were there moments when a lack of technical finesse impacted crucial plays? While field hockey is a game of strategy, precision, and execution, it is essential to scrutinize whether the team's technical abilities held up under pressure. Player Selection: The composition of the squad is another critical aspect to explore. Did the selection process align with the team's tactical needs and strategies? Were there instances where certain players could have provided the missing pieces of the puzzle, or were there questionable inclusions that disrupted team dynamics? Korea had players age 40 yet running all over the pitch. This were technical chosen players to keep composure & ball control when the need arises. Someone told be that’s the best we have! Then we have a problem I gladly replied. “Development failed at the roots and beyond. a. Exposure b. New pool of talents c. Groups ages of players at all levels d. Club developments e. Transparency in i. Plans ii. Development work iii. Assistance iv. Tournaments exposures v. Money utilised and also used for? vi. Support from all stake holders” Amarjeet Singh Peaking Before the Tournament: Peaking at the right time is an art in competitive sports. Did the team perhaps peak too early in their preparations, leading to a dip in performance when it mattered most during the tournament itself? Did we expose ourselves too early. This was rightly said by ex National Player Maninderjit Singh in his interview. Managing the delicate balance of training intensity is a challenge that needs careful consideration. Allowing Teams to Exploit Weaknesses: In the world of sports, adaptability is key. Did opposing teams manage to exploit the weaknesses of the Malaysian squad? More importantly, was there a proactive response from the Malaysian team to counteract these vulnerabilities during matches? The 2 goals by Indonesia exposed a weak side. What did we do to counter? Resistance to Changing Technical Approach: A reluctance to adapt to changing circumstances can be detrimental. Did the Malaysian team persist with a fixed technical approach, even when facing challenges that required flexibility and innovation? The teams such as Korea, Japan & China and regimental teams, meaning pure technical approach like our current play would not help. Why did we not change to the old school to irritate, use skills, ball control & possession, push on the half lines not in use. Wrong technical approach? Indonesia 1st Asian Games – yet they came and scored. A team of that should not be in our half at all based on the players we have. Did we not learn form the 2018 Asian Games? Did we not learn form the ASIAN Champions Trophy? The power of the collective is what a team is about, but the Speedy Tigers collapsed when it mattered most. In the final minute of the match, with the score tied at 4-4, they were awarded a penalty corner after an infringement by a Chinese player. Why power play was not adopted in the last quarter? Why the whole team was not up on the penalty corner? The score 4-4, China progress, The Shore 5-4, China Progress, what we needed was plain simple win – 4 – 5. China took their appeal upstairs, and it was a huge moment for the video umpire. Malaysia had to win, and China needed a draw to advance to the semi-finals. We led the game, yet due to our mental stage and also technical methods we allowed the team to be all over our game and play. The were virtually crawling and camping all over us. The penalty corner was given but a misstop by a nervy player ended Malaysia’s hope for a win.Why can this happen ? How did this happen? It was coach A Arulselvaraj’s second failure at the Asian Games having led the team that finished fourth at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Is this the end of the road for him and back to the drawing board for MHC. I learn this from watching football games and hockey from international teams, the coaches and managers with a head piece. Not listening to Tik Tok / You Tube Music, but to a team of technical guys in the stadium and on TV reviewing the opponents games. A well versed group mix of technical experts and also ex players. Leadership and Motivation: The presence of leaders and motivators within the team cannot be underestimated. Did the team have individuals who could drive morale and inspire peak performance? Leadership and motivation often become game-changers in the most challenging situations. In our previous teams we always had leaders and drivers in the team of the past. A question are we building leaders here also or we failed to do that? Are the people outside doing the thinking for the actual players on the field? Where are the thinkers on the field? For former hockey international Maninderjit Singh, the defeat is about “not being able to deliver when it matters most” this was rightly said. If this is true that 80% of the players were from the squad that broke hearts in the epic 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta where Japan came back from the dead, from 2-5 down to draw 6-6 and win the shootout 3-1, then MHC has a great hard hill to climb. China played tactically well, defended stoutly, sprung into counter-attacks and double-teamed excellently in defense, like I mentioned earlier, this was a regimental team approach. We can’t play the same game with every opponent. Did we not learn from the great teams? Tournament Focus vs. Rankings: Striking a balance between focusing on tournament performance and improving rankings can be delicate. Did the team's strategies veer more towards achieving better rankings, potentially at the expense of preparation for key tournaments like the Asian Games? South Korea, Japan and China went to the ASIAN Champions Trophy as part of their preparation to peak at the Asian Games, and they are all now in the semi-finals. Why? Exposure, exploit, learn, video each team, technical know how, and more. A question is to be raised here we went on what to be focus and to be achieved? China being a country with vision and planning has been there to ensure development continues with the appointment of South Korean Kim Sang-ryul. He was appointed as a technical director of Liaoning Province where four players of the current team come from. Former Malaysian hockey international Lim Chiow Chuan (our ex national player) is also part of this team who moved from Oman to get involved in the Chinese system. Did we see how Kim manage the Korean team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, he was the first to have his players rush out of the goal to defend penalty corners. Why? A technical approach which the other teams had good hitters and flickers. The Koreans did not, so defense was their strategy. It was a near-suicidal approach that caused multiple injuries to his team, but also ensured they qualified for an unprecedented final, winning the silver medal. Kim was tipped to coach Malaysia in mid-2000 but some felt his culture of regimented (we really needed such approach), no-nonsense training would not suit the local players. I love the old team of RMR where a regimented approach spooked many other teams. The days of YNS, Maybank, Kilat all had troubles with this teams, but technical changes brought victories to them. I recall Terry Walsh and others who had the same approach yet change technically by each opposing team game. Mindset and Motivation of Players: The mindset and motivation of players can significantly impact their performance. Were external factors influencing the players' mindset during the tournament? A deep dive into the mental aspect of the game is crucial. What have we done so far? Or just do it for the sake of doing it?  Step 1: Self-Assessment and Reflection Before diving into improving mindset and motivation, it's essential for both players and coaching staff to engage in self-assessment and reflection.  Step 2: Goal Setting Set clear and achievable goals for individual players and the team as a whole. Goals should be specific, measurable, and time-bound (SMART).  Step 3: Positive Reinforcement Create a culture of positive reinforcement within the team. Celebrate small victories, improvements, and hard work.  Step 4: Mindfulness and Visualization Techniques Introduce mindfulness and visualization techniques to help players stay focused and maintain a positive mindset. Mindfulness exercises can help reduce anxiety and improve concentration, while visualization techniques enable players to mentally rehearse successful plays and outcomes.  Step 5: Sports Psychology Support Consider enlisting the help of a sports psychologist or mental performance coach. These professionals can work with players individually or in groups to address specific mental challenges and provide tools to enhance motivation and resilience.  Step 6: Team Building and Communication Foster a sense of camaraderie and open communication within the team. Players should feel comfortable discussing their concerns and challenges with teammates and coaching staff.  Step 7: Goal-Setting Workshops Organize goal-setting workshops to help players define their personal and team goals. Workshops should involve setting short-term and long-term goals, breaking them down into actionable steps, and regularly reviewing progress.  Step 8: Mental Toughness Training Incorporate mental toughness training into regular practices. This can include drills that simulate high-pressure game situations, challenging players to maintain focus and composure under stress.  Step 9: Motivational Speakers and Role Models Invite motivational speakers or former players who have excelled in the sport to share their experiences and insights with the team. Hearing from role models can inspire players and provide valuable perspectives on overcoming obstacles.  Step 10: Individualized Support Recognize that players may have unique motivation triggers and challenges. Provide individualized support and coaching to address specific mindset and motivation issues.  Step 11: Monitor Progress Regularly assess the impact of these interventions on players' mindset and motivation. Conduct one-on-one check-ins with players to discuss their experiences and whether they feel more motivated and confident.  Step 12: Adapt and Evolve Be prepared to adapt and evolve your approach based on the feedback and results. What works for one player may not work for another, so flexibility and a willingness to adjust strategies are essential. Team Analysis and Opponent Analysis: Thorough self-analysis and opponent analysis are vital for success. Did the Malaysian team undertake comprehensive assessments to inform their strategies? Were these strategies rooted in a deep understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of their opponents? i. Data Analytics and Technology:  Invest in sports analytics software and technology that can provide in-depth statistics, including player performance metrics, game trends, and opponent tendencies.  Utilize tracking devices and video analysis tools to gather data during matches and training sessions.  Collaborate with data scientists and analysts to derive actionable insights from the collected data. ii. Scouting Network:  Establish a robust scouting network to monitor opponents' matches and gather information about their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses.  Develop a database of opponent profiles, including key players, playing styles, and recent performance trends.  Use scouts or analysts to attend matches or watch live broadcasts to provide real-time insights. iii. Video Analysis:  Record and analyze both your team's matches and opponents' matches.  Break down footage to study specific aspects such as penalty corners, fast breaks, or defensive strategies.  Identify recurring patterns and tendencies in opponents' play. iv. SWOT Analysis:  Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis for both your team and opponents.  Identify key areas of improvement and develop strategies to capitalize on weaknesses. v. Team Meetings and Collaboration:  Hold regular team meetings to discuss opponent analysis findings and strategies.  Encourage open dialogue among players and coaching staff to brainstorm tactics and game plans.  Foster a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to the analysis process. vi. Simulation and Practice:  Simulate opponent strategies during practice sessions to prepare players for specific game situations.  Develop drills that replicate scenarios likely to occur during matches.  Focus on counter-strategies to nullify opponents' strengths. vii. Mental Preparation:  Include opponent analysis in the mental preparation of players. Knowing the opponent's weaknesses can boost confidence and motivation.  Help players develop mental resilience to handle unexpected situations during matches. viii. Pre-Match Rituals:  Implement pre-match rituals that involve a final review of opponent analysis findings.  Use this time to reinforce key strategies and tactics that players need to execute during the game. ix. Continuous Learning:  Stay updated on the latest developments in sports analytics and opponent analysis techniques.  Attend coaching clinics, seminars, and workshops to enhance your skills in this area. x. Adaptive Strategy:  Be prepared to adapt your game plan during matches based on real-time opponent actions.  Train players to recognize and respond to changes in opponent strategies. xi. Feedback Loop:  Establish a feedback loop where players and coaches provide post-match analysis.  Learn from each game, win or lose, and use the insights to refine your analysis and strategy for future matches. By implementing these aggressive and comprehensive strategies for team analysis and opponent analysis, you can equip your field hockey team with a competitive edge, allowing them to make informed decisions and adapt effectively to different opponents and game situations. I have been following up how the owners of RED SOX and LIVERPOOL are using data analytics to the best they can in getting players, reading opponent plays and also a good set of technical team. Overconfidence in Other Tournaments: Overconfidence during less critical tournaments can lead to underestimating opponents on the grand stage. Were there instances where the team's successes in other events led to overconfidence when it truly mattered? Did the decision to send younger players for exposure impact performance? This we saw clearly the same team that beat the China in the Asian Champions Trophy played and lost it when it counted. Taking Responsibility and Moving Forward: In the aftermath of these disappointments, a crucial question arises: who should take responsibility? Coaches, administrators, and players all share a part in the collective journey. What steps will be taken to learn from these setbacks and set a course for improvement? In conclusion, the recent disappointments of the Malaysian field hockey team at the Asian Games serve as a powerful reminder of the multifaceted nature of competitive sports. It is a call for introspection, accountability, and a strategic approach to ensure better performance in future tournaments. Only through a comprehensive assessment of the factors at play can Malaysian field hockey chart a course for redemption and regain its standing on the international stage. I am sharing this not as a personal grudge or attack, rather as an improvement based on the inputs above.