Can our AI coach answer your field hockey coaching questions?
Ask AI about hockey with confidence, knowing it's answers come from the best minds in the game only
Did you know we have our very own AI coach? It’s a great tool to ask all of your field hockey coaching questions.
Sure, you could ask ChatGPT or its colleagues about hockey. However, you’ll find yourself in a conversation about pucks and skating skills before you know it. Even if it knows it should be talking about field hockey, it often is taking its cues from low quality sources. Continue your conversation to go a bit deeper and the so called “hallucination” will show up with some strange answers.
Best case scenario: you’ll have a good laugh. Worst case scenario: it misleads you with some bad advice.
So we decided to create our own AI supported coach and fill its mind with high quality knowledge sources, such as the best of our masterclasses.
The best AI coach for field hockey
When you ask our AI coach the question that’s on your mind ahead of your next practice session or game, it will not only provide you with a reliable high quality answer. It also cites the sources he used to provide you with this answer. Sources like gold medal winning coaches Shane McLeod, Alyson Annan, Danny Kerry, Jamilon Mülders,… So you can be confident the advice given is solid.
No, it will not create a full practice plan for you. That’s not what you want either way. You have, or should have, your own coaching philosophy. You know your own team. You know your players. So it should always be you, building the appropriate practice session.
Yes, it will give you some inspiration and help you remind what to take into account and why. Yes, it will explain pros and cons of certain systems, patterns and philosophies. So you can make the final decision what is best for your team, your players…
Example from some answers provided by our AI coach
So let me just show just with an example from a question one of our website visitors asked it recently…
The first question he asked was: “What are the most used defensive systems?”
Defensive systems in field hockey are typically categorized into two main approaches: **man-to-man marking** and **zonal defense**, with hybrid systems becoming increasingly popular in modern hockey. Let me break these down for you:
1. **Man-to-Man Marking**
This is one of the most traditional systems, where each defender is responsible for marking a specific opponent. The advantage is that it creates direct accountability, but it can lead to disorganization if players are dragged out of position. As Danny Kerry mentioned in one of our masterclasses, man-to-man systems can collapse when teams dominate possession, forcing defenders to chase the ball and lose their structure [2].
2. **Zonal Defense**
In a zonal system, defenders are responsible for specific areas of the field rather than individual players. This allows for better team structure and energy efficiency, as players don’t have to follow opponents all over the pitch. Danny Kerry highlighted that an effective zonal defense helps dictate the opposition’s play, allowing defenders to stay compact and organized while conserving energy [2][5]. A common setup for zonal defense is the **3-4-3 vertical zone**, where defenders form a diamond shape at the back to maintain coverage and balance [4].
3. **Hybrid Systems**
Many teams now use a combination of man-to-man and zonal principles, adapting their approach based on the situation. For example, Shane McLeod, during his time with the Belgian Red Lions, emphasized the importance of having two or three defensive systems that the team can execute well, switching between them depending on the game context [8]. This flexibility can confuse opponents and make it harder for them to exploit weaknesses.
4. **Pressing Systems**
While not a defensive system in the traditional sense, pressing strategies are a critical part of modern defense. Teams use various pressing triggers to force turnovers high up the pitch. These can be integrated into both man-to-man and zonal systems, depending on the team's overall strategy.
Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice often depends on the team's skill level, fitness, and tactical understanding. If you're looking to implement or refine a defensive system, starting with a simple zonal setup, like a box defense, can be a great way to teach the principles of positioning and teamwork, as Danny Kerry suggested [4][6].
If you'd like to dive deeper into these systems or learn how to train them effectively, you can always explore our masterclasses on The Hockey Site or book a session with a top coach at https://gotyourback.app . Let me know if you'd like more details!
The sources it cites from are:
[2, 4, 5, 6] : Danny Kerry
[8] : Shane McLeod
So our coach asks the follow up question: “Tell me about the most common hybrid systems“
Hybrid defensive systems in field hockey combine elements of both **man-to-man marking** and **zonal defense**, allowing teams to adapt dynamically to different phases of play or specific opposition tactics. These systems are increasingly common at the elite level because they provide flexibility and can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm. Let me outline some of the most common hybrid approaches:
1. **Zonal Base with Man-to-Man Elements**
This is one of the most frequently used hybrid systems. Teams maintain a zonal structure but apply man-to-man marking in critical areas, such as inside the defensive circle or when the opposition's key playmakers are in possession. Danny Kerry, in one of our masterclasses, highlighted how this approach allows defenders to stay compact while still neutralizing specific threats. For example, a team might use zonal principles to deny central penetration but switch to man-to-man marking when the ball enters the circle to prevent free shots on goal [2][3].
2. **Situational Switching**
Some teams adjust their defensive focus based on the location of the ball. Shane McLeod explained how the Belgian Red Lions used a zonal approach in midfield but shifted to man-to-man marking in the defensive third. This situational flexibility ensures that the team can maintain structure in open play while applying tighter marking in high-risk areas. McLeod emphasized the importance of mastering two or three systems to execute these transitions seamlessly during a match [8].
3. **Pressing Triggers within a Hybrid System**
Hybrid systems often incorporate pressing triggers to dictate when and where to apply pressure. For instance, a team might use a zonal setup to guide the ball into wide areas and then switch to aggressive man-to-man pressing to force turnovers. Danny Kerry referred to this as "deny, dictate, disrupt, dispossess," a sequence that helps teams control the opposition's options and regain possession effectively [3].
4. **Dynamic Role Assignments**
In some hybrid systems, players are assigned dual responsibilities. For example, a midfielder might mark an opponent man-to-man when they enter a specific zone but revert to zonal coverage when the ball moves away. This requires excellent communication and understanding among players, as well as a high level of tactical discipline. Kerry noted that this approach can be challenging to implement but is highly effective when executed well [3][5].
5. **Quarter-Based Adjustments**
Another variation involves changing defensive systems between quarters or halves. McLeod discussed how the Belgian team used natural breaks in the game to adjust their defensive focus, switching between zonal and man-to-man principles depending on the match situation. This approach keeps opponents guessing and allows the team to adapt to changing dynamics [8].
Hybrid systems are not a one-size-fits-all solution, they require careful planning, clear communication, and consistent practice to ensure players understand their roles and responsibilities. If you're looking to implement a hybrid system, start by mastering the basics of zonal and man-to-man defenses separately before combining them. And remember, as McLeod pointed out, it's better to execute two or three systems well than to spread your team too thin with overly complex strategies [8].
If you'd like to explore training methods for hybrid systems or learn how top coaches implement them, consider checking out our masterclasses on The Hockey Site or booking a session with a top coach at https://gotyourback.app . Let me know if you'd like more insights!
The sources it cites from are:
[2, 4, 5] : Danny Kerry
[8] : Shane McLeod
And he follows up with a third question: “Show me zonal systems“
Zonal defensive systems in field hockey are structured around players covering specific areas of the pitch rather than marking individual opponents. This approach emphasizes maintaining team shape, controlling space, and dictating the opposition's play. Let me walk you through some key zonal systems and their principles, drawing on insights from Danny Kerry's masterclass on this topic [1][2][5].
### 1. **The 3-4-3 Vertical Zone**
This is a classic zonal setup where defenders and midfielders form a compact structure to control central areas and force the opposition wide. The key principles include:
- **Compactness**: Players stay close together to deny central penetration.
- **Layered Defense**: The three defenders form the first line, supported by four midfielders who provide cover and balance.
- **Box Defense**: Within this system, a "box" shape is often used in the defensive third, with two central defenders and two midfielders forming a square to protect the circle [5].
Danny Kerry mentioned that this setup is particularly effective for teams new to zonal defense, as it provides clear roles and responsibilities while maintaining a strong defensive structure [5].
### 2. **The Box Zone**
This system is commonly used in the defensive third, especially during penalty corner defense or when the opposition is pressing hard. The setup involves:
- **Four Players in a Box**: Two defenders at the back and two midfielders in front, creating a square shape.
- **Sweeper Role**: A fifth player, often a sweeper or deep midfielder, provides additional cover behind the box.
- **Goalkeeper Involvement**: The goalkeeper plays an active role in managing the space within the box, particularly around the 5-meter marks, to maintain the integrity of the zone [2].
This system allows for efficient coverage of the circle and reduces the risk of being pulled out of position by opposition movement.
### 3. **Overload Management in Zones**
One of the challenges of zonal defense is dealing with overloads, where the opposition creates numerical superiority in a specific area. Danny Kerry emphasized the importance of "going forward in the zone" to disrupt the opposition's play and regain control [4]. Key strategies include:
- **Shifting the Zone**: Players adjust their positions to balance numbers and maintain coverage.
- **Pressing Triggers**: Identifying moments to step out and apply pressure, forcing the opposition into mistakes.
- **Scramble Defense**: If the opposition breaks through, defenders transition quickly to recover and re-establish the zone [4][5].
### 4. **Deny, Dictate, Disrupt, Dispossess**
This sequence, as explained by Danny Kerry, encapsulates the philosophy of zonal defense:
- **Deny**: Take away central passing lanes and force the opposition wide.
- **Dictate**: Control the pace and direction of play by maintaining a strong defensive shape.
- **Disrupt**: Apply pressure at the right moments to unsettle the opposition.
- **Dispossess**: Win the ball back through well-timed tackles or interceptions [6][7].
### Practical Application
To train zonal systems, Danny Kerry recommended small-sided games, such as 6v6, to help players understand their roles and develop the technical skills needed for effective zonal defense. For example:
- **Box Shape Drills**: Four defenders and a goalkeeper work together to maintain the box shape while responding to attacking movements.
- **Pressing Scenarios**: Players practice stepping out of the zone to apply pressure and then recovering to maintain structure [5][6].
Zonal systems require discipline, communication, and a deep understanding of positioning. If you're looking to implement or refine a zonal defense, starting with simple setups like the 3-4-3 vertical zone or the box defense can be highly effective. For more detailed insights and training methods, you can explore our masterclasses on The Hockey Site or book a session with a top coach at https://gotyourback.app. Let me know if you'd like further guidance!
The sources it cites from are:
[1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7] : Danny Kerry
Is it free?
As usual with us, the answer to this question is yes and no. We will allow you (for now) 5 questions every month for free. If you would like to ask it more we have to ask you for some $ €￡, because hosting and maintaining the AI coach unfortunately is costing us time and… money.
Got Your Back
Are you even more hungry for insights and knowledge? Take a look at https://gotyourback.app as suggested at the end of most answers by our AI coach ;)
It states it’s powered by HI, human interaction, instead of AI. And it’s where you can ask for one of the very best coaches in the world to analyze one of your own games and talk you through their analysis and suggestions in a 1 hour “in person” video call. Or even better, ask us to set you in a mentor program with a top coach. Make sure to check it out…
I hope you enjoy the AI coach as well as the option to be mentored by one of the absolute top coaches in the world. I appreciate the support from all of our subscribers who make this possible. Check out the options here ↓
