Speed is key

Run fast! Dribble fast! Think fast! Speed matters in Field hockey

Speed. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot in field hockey, and for good reason. Whether it’s running speed, speed in stick handling, or speed in decision-making, the ability to execute quickly and effectively is often what separates the good teams from the great ones. In fact, Raoul Ehren, head coach of the Dutch women’s national team, once said during a live session:

“International hockey is all about speed at the moment. If you don’t have it, you’ll get in trouble” .

That statement captures the essence of modern hockey: speed isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity.

But speed is a multifaceted concept in our sport. It’s not just about how fast a player can sprint down the field, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s also about how quickly they can manipulate the ball under pressure, how rapidly they can process information and make decisions, and how effectively they can adapt to the ever-changing tactical demands of the game. For coaches, understanding and developing these different types of speed is critical—not just for individual players, but for the team as a whole. Let’s dive into why speed matters so much and how it impacts tactical choices for a coach.

Running Speed: The Foundation of Physical Dominance

Let’s start with the most obvious form of speed: running speed. Field hockey is a game of high-intensity, intermittent efforts. Players are constantly accelerating, decelerating, and changing direction, often at full tilt. According to research, players can expect to cover up to 8 kilometers or more per game, with forwards performing the highest volume of high-speed running and explosive actions . These bursts of speed are often the difference between creating a scoring opportunity and losing possession.

Raoul Ehren emphasized the importance of speed when building a team, noting that while technical skills and tactical awareness are crucial, speed is non-negotiable at the international level . Why? Because the game is faster than ever. Defensive lines press higher, counterattacks unfold in seconds, and players need to cover ground quickly to exploit gaps or recover defensively. Without speed, even the most tactically sound team will struggle to keep up.

For coaches, this means prioritizing speed development in training. Phil Moreland, a strength and conditioning expert, highlighted the importance of not just training players to be fast, but training them to sustain that speed over repeated efforts.

“It’s good to do it once, but we need them to be able to do it again. Then we need them to be able to do it again,”

he said during a masterclass on preseason preparation . This requires a combination of sprint training, agility work, and conditioning to build both explosive power and endurance.

From a tactical perspective, running speed opens up a world of possibilities. A fast forward can stretch the opposition’s defense, creating space for midfielders to exploit. A quick defender can recover from a high press or shut down a counterattack before it becomes dangerous. And in transition moments—those chaotic, high-stakes periods when possession changes hands—speed often determines who gains the upper hand. As a coach, understanding how to leverage your team’s speed (or compensate for a lack of it) is key to making effective tactical decisions.

Speed in Stick Handling: Precision Under Pressure

If running speed is about covering ground, stick-handling speed is about what you do once you get there. In modern hockey, players rarely have the luxury of time and space. Defenders close down quickly, and the ability to control the ball under pressure is critical. This is where speed in stick handling comes into play.

Ben Bishop, a former coach for the Australian junior men’s national team, often spoke about the importance of technical skills in high-pressure situations. “Hockey is a fast-paced, complicated team activity, and it requires a very high level of skill,” he said during a masterclass on off-ball skills . Stick-handling speed isn’t just about moving the ball quickly, it’s about doing so with precision and purpose. A player who can receive, control, and pass the ball in one fluid motion is far more effective than one who needs multiple touches to settle the ball.

For coaches, developing stick-handling speed means creating training environments that replicate the intensity and pressure of a game. Small-sided games, tight-space drills, and scenarios that force players to make quick decisions with the ball are all effective. It’s also about teaching players to use their body positioning and footwork to protect the ball and create time for themselves.

Tactically, stick-handling speed can transform the way a team plays. A midfielder with quick hands can break through a press with a sharp turn and a well-placed pass. A forward with rapid stick skills can eliminate a defender in a one-on-one situation, creating a clear path to goal. And in the circle, where space is at a premium, the ability to execute quickly can mean the difference between a goal and a missed opportunity. As a coach, encouraging your players to develop this skill can give your team a significant edge.

Speed in Decision-Making: The Hallmark of Hockey IQ

Perhaps the most underrated form of speed in hockey is decision-making speed. The best players aren’t just fast with their legs or their hands—they’re fast with their minds. They can read the game, anticipate what’s coming next, and make split-second decisions that change the course of a match.

During a discussion on hockey IQ, Ben Bishop shared a fascinating insight about video analysis. He referenced a study suggesting that watching game footage at 1.5 or 2 times the normal speed can help players develop their decision-making and awareness skills . The idea is that by training their brains to process information more quickly, players can improve their ability to react in real time.

For coaches, fostering decision-making speed requires a focus on game intelligence. This means encouraging players to think critically about the game, understand tactical concepts, and develop their ability to adapt to different situations. It also means creating training scenarios that challenge players to make decisions under pressure. For example, you might design a drill where players have to choose between multiple passing options while being pressed by defenders. The goal is to simulate the cognitive demands of a game and help players develop the mental agility they need to succeed.

From a tactical standpoint, decision-making speed is invaluable. A player who can quickly assess their options and execute the right decision can break down even the most organized defense. Conversely, a player who hesitates or makes poor decisions can disrupt the flow of the game and give the opposition an advantage. As a coach, your role is to help your players develop the confidence and clarity they need to make smart decisions at speed.

The Interplay of Speed and Tactics

Ultimately, the different types of speed—running speed, stick-handling speed, and decision-making speed—are interconnected. A fast runner who can’t control the ball or make good decisions is unlikely to be effective. Similarly, a player with great stick skills but no physical speed may struggle to keep up with the pace of the game. And even the most intelligent player will be limited if they lack the physical and technical tools to execute their ideas.

For coaches, the challenge is to develop all three types of speed in a way that aligns with your team’s tactical approach. Are you a high-pressing team that relies on speed to win the ball back quickly? Or do you prefer a more patient, possession-based style that requires quick decision-making and precise stick work? Understanding how speed fits into your tactical framework is key to maximizing your team’s potential.

As Raoul Ehren pointed out, the best teams combine speed with intelligence. “If you only have fast players, you also have to have brains in your team. It’s a combination of speed and range,” he said . This balance is what allows teams to play at a high tempo without losing control.

Speed is the heartbeat of modern hockey. It shapes the way we train, the way we play, and the way we think about the game. As a coach, your ability to develop and harness speed—whether it’s physical, technical, or mental—can have a profound impact on your team’s success.

So, how are you incorporating speed into your coaching? Are you focusing on all three dimensions, or are there areas where you could improve?

Some of the sources:
 →  Raoul Ehren's masterclass
 →  Phil Moreland's masterclass

Read on if you’re a paid subscriber for an example of a 90 minute practice session for youth teams to work on these 3 types of speed ↓