Asking AI for help
Are field hockey coaches using AI? If yes, how?
We asked our own AI tool the questions below for a very specific situation. These kinds of questions work fine, but there are better ways to get more use from AI. I’ll explain more down below ;) But first a question for you ↓
So here are some questions to learn how AI could possibly help out…
We are down by one goal with 5 minutes left and the opponent is playing a deep defense. What are some unconventional offensive strategies we could try?
When you're down by a goal with five minutes left and the opponent is sitting in a deep defense, it’s all about creating chaos, exploiting gaps, and forcing mistakes. Here are some unconventional offensive strategies you could try:
1. Overload the Flanks
Push an extra player to one of the flanks to create a numerical overload. This forces the opponent to shift their defensive block, potentially opening gaps in the middle.
Use quick, short passes and overlaps to stretch the defense horizontally.
Encourage players to cut inside from the flanks (as Andreu Enrich calls it, "cutting inside from outside") to draw defenders inward and create shooting opportunities or space for overlapping runs [3].
2. Pull the Goalkeeper
If you’re feeling bold, pull your goalkeeper and add an extra outfield player. This gives you a numerical advantage in attack.
Use this extra player to sit high in the circle or as a pivot in the midfield to distribute the ball quickly.
Be prepared to counterpress aggressively if possession is lost, as this strategy leaves your goal exposed [8].
3. Use Aerials to Bypass the Block
If the opponent is compact and deep, aerial balls can bypass their defensive lines entirely. Target players positioned just outside the circle who can trap the ball and immediately attack.
Practice this in training to ensure players are comfortable receiving aerials under pressure [5].
4. Play Through the Baseline
Encourage players to attack the baseline rather than going directly at goal. This forces defenders to turn and opens up opportunities for cutbacks or rebounds.
Position strikers in the 9-yard area to capitalize on loose balls or deflections, a principle you’ve explored before when training strikers for efficiency in front of goal [1].
5. Create a Rotating Pivot
Assign one player to act as a pivot in the circle, constantly rotating and switching positions with other attackers. This movement can confuse defenders and create mismatches.
Use quick, one-touch passes to exploit any hesitation in the defense.
6. Force the Opponent to Step Out
Play deliberately slow and wide for a few moments to lure the opponent out of their deep block. Once they step forward, switch play quickly to exploit the space behind.
This tactic requires disciplined ball movement and excellent communication.
7. Flood the Circle
Commit multiple players into the circle, even if it feels crowded. The chaos can lead to deflections, rebounds, or forced errors.
Focus on quick, low passes into the circle rather than high-risk long hits.
8. Use a Decoy Press
Pretend to press high with your defenders, leaving gaps intentionally in midfield. This might tempt the opponent to play out, creating opportunities to intercept and counterattack quickly.
This strategy is risky but can disrupt their rhythm and force mistakes.
9. Play for Penalty Corners
Focus on earning penalty corners rather than scoring directly. Encourage players to drive into the circle and look for foot fouls or defensive errors.
Have a variety of penalty corner routines ready to keep the opponent guessing.
10. Encourage Unpredictability
Allow players the freedom to take risks and try unconventional moves, like reverse stick shots or surprise passes. Sometimes, breaking the structure of your own play can catch the opponent off guard.
Key Coaching Points
Clarity of Purpose: Make sure your team understands whether you’re playing for control or taking risks. As Andreu Enrich emphasizes, clarity in collective purpose is critical in high-pressure situations [6].
Communication: Players must communicate constantly to coordinate movements and exploit gaps.
Quick Transitions: If possession is lost, react immediately to press and regain the ball, as emphasized in defensive transition principles [7]
Sources:
Would you like to learn to use AI and get more out of it to help you coach and train your team?
Because there are better ways to get more use from AI. Click here ↓
By the way, we followed up the question above with these questions:
Why focus on penalty corners in this situation?
Can you expand on the suggestion to overload the flanks?
When should we choose to either force the opponent to step out vs when to flood the circle?
Can you expand on using the decoy press in this situation?
Let’s continue with the answers we got for these follow up questions ↓
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