Siegfried Aikman is the current head coach for the Japanese men, the Samurai. A coach who’s team was already qualified for the Tokyo Olympics as the host country, but nevertheless earned their participation on the field of play. Aikman has coached for many years in the Dutch hoofdklasse before taking on the challenge in Japan. He is also recognised as one of the leading coach educators for both the Asian federation as well as FIH Academy.
Unlocking the Power of Receiving: Insights from Siegfried Aikman on Elite Field Hockey Skills
In the fast-evolving world of elite field hockey, the technical nuances of receiving the ball have become a signature differentiator among top international teams. In this well-attended webinar for The Hockey Site, Japanese Men’s National Team Head Coach Siegfried Aikman stepped up as the expert guest, sharing deep insights about “the power of receiving.” Hosted by Ernst Baart, this session not only addressed the mechanics of receiving but also the central philosophy that receiving is about far more than merely stopping the ball. For coaches accustomed to focusing on passing, defensive structure, or attacking plays, this conversation highlighted why the moment of reception is so pivotal—that it is the platform from which every high-impact action or decisive error emerges.
Siegfried’s global perspective, developed through his experience coaching teams at the highest international level, sets the foundation for this rich exploration. What follows is an extensive summary of the key topics he covered, followed by a digest of the vibrant Q&A. The aim: to equip experienced coaches with actionable frameworks for taking their teams’ receiving abilities to world-class standards.
The Power of Receiving: More Than Just Stopping the Ball
The Real Definition of Receiving
Siegfried Aikman begins by challenging conventional terminology: in modern hockey, the notion of “stopping” the ball is nearly obsolete (04:43). Aside from penalty corner routines, where a true “stopper” is required, elite-level receiving is fundamentally about preparing for—and accelerating into—the next action. This means that the reception is rarely static; instead, players must always be on the move, using their first touch to generate options rather than simply control possession (04:48).
In Siegfried’s philosophy, every act of receiving is a step toward increasing time and space for the recipient and their team. The emphasis is not on trapping, but on dynamically manipulating the ball, body, and angles to either attack, maintain possession, or set up the next play.
Receiving and the Goalkeeper’s Expanded Role
He extends this concept to goalkeepers (05:30), advocating that they too should be trained as “passers” rather than stoppers. Drawing inspiration from football, Siegfried suggests that keepers are well-placed to initiate counterattacks and that modern keepers must be adept at using their hands, feet, and equipment not just to block, but to gather and distribute efficiently, always with the next attacking move in mind.
This systemic view reframes the goalkeeper’s technical training. Instead of simply focusing on keeping the ball out, training should include controlled receiving and passing with intent, thereby transforming defensive moments into the first step toward an effective transition.
Typologies and Tactical Implications of Receiving
Open, Semi-Open, and Closed Receiving
Aikman categorizes receiving into three tactical types, each defined by foot, body, and head orientation (17:00). An open receive aligns feet and face towards the opponent’s goal—an essential attacking reception in which the player is always positioned to move forward. The semi-open receive positions the body towards the sideline, granting a 180-degree view that balances attacking options with retention, useful in midfield transitions and when centrally located.
The closed receive, by contrast, is reserved for playing under pressure, often with intentions to reset and play backwards. Here, the player’s view is more limited, and the main focus is on protecting the ball and controlling possession until space or support emerges. Siegfried points out that understanding when to use each type, and transitioning fluidly between them, is a hallmark of top-level hockey.
The Centrality of Pre-Scanning
Underlying all forms of receiving is pre-scanning: players must visually survey the field before, during, and immediately after receiving the ball (11:16). This is a non-negotiable part of technical development. Elite receivers are always aware of options, defenders, and space—allowing them to select the ideal receiving posture and immediately execute the next action, whether that is a quick pass, dribble, or shot.
Structured pre-scanning drills and vision training are therefore essential, and Siegfried shares that he incorporates visual awareness exercises and competitive elements—such as copying teammates or tracking rivals during technical drills—to reinforce these habits.
First Touch: The Tactical Accelerator
Why Limiting Touches Matters
