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Planet Field Hockey

I had the opportunity to experience a coaching seminar that I wish all coaches were able to participate in. The seminar was directed by Bill Gaudette (FIH Coach) who hosted Rodolfo Mendoza, the former Woman's Olympic and National Team Coach of Argentina and world class player Vanina Oneto.This high performance advanced seminar was a remarkable coaching experience. One particular area of the clinic that was of value was Argentina's approach to a free hit entering the attacking circle.

Rodolfo Mendoza's shed light onto an area that we here in the United States at all levels need to spend more time perfecting, the set play. In game play we find more and more teams overloading the circle making it even more difficult to penetrate. Obviously our first option is to play quickly before the opposing team sets, attempt to draw a corner or maintain possession. Argentina's approach is advancement of the ball into uncovered zones. These areas of the field include the outer regions of the circle and the baseline. Mendoza enlightened us how he would study NBA basketball tapes and analyze the motion offense and attempt to simulate it in a hockey match. With picking/screening occurring often at higher levels of hockey, he implemented plays that targeted specific areas instead of the goal.

Successful motion and execution of designed plays allowed for holes to occur later in the match do to the defense anticipating a run play.When the opponent shifted to anticipate, this provided a seam to hit for an open player for a deflection. Many of these are seen in the Men's World Cup video series from Planet Field Hockey. I encourage you to tape an NBA game, purchase these videos, slow them down and analyze the target areas of the plays. I have found personally that the Germans are very creative not only in hockey but also in soccer.

From these experiences players develop purpose in their movements and cutting. I highly encourage you to take the time and really watch the off the ball movement and apply it within your coaching philosophy and team personnel.

Good Luck,

Jeff

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