We are thrilled to bring you insights from our latest workshop, where we had the pleasure of hosting Robert Noall, a seasoned field hockey coach from the UK but coaching for over a decade already in The Netherlands. This session was all about mastering the one-on-one (1v1) situations in game scenarios – a vital skill in our hockey playbook!
Here's a snapshot of the key topics we covered:
Understanding Ball Position: Robert emphasized the importance of having the ball in the right position – specifically at two o’clock in front of you. This enables players to easily scan the field and make decisive moves.
Phases of 1v1: We dived deep into the three core phases of a 1v1 – ball position, acceleration, and elimination. Understanding these phases can help players outmaneuver their opponents effortlessly.
Acceleration Techniques: Robert shared valuable tips on using one-hand acceleration, allowing players to run faster and maintain control.
Elimination Skills: We explored how changing speed and direction can create opportunities to bypass defenders.
Crafting Effective Training Sessions: Robert walked us through creating a full practice session that incorporates all these elements, emphasizing the need for game-like scenarios rather than isolated drills.
Importance of Decision Making: Discussions included how players can decide when to attempt a 1v1, focusing on attacking space and reading the game effectively.
Mindset and Encouragement: "See space, attack space" – a mantra to encourage players to take on the 1v1 with confidence and creativity, without the fear of failure.
Fun Fact: Did you know that practicing 1v1s at full speed with no predetermined moves allows players to excel in real-game situations better than isolated drills?
The session was followed by an insightful exchange of ideas during the Q&A with those coaches who could join us while live
Ready to dive deeper? Catch the full workshop on demand above… or read on…
