In the evolving landscape of elite field hockey, coaching philosophies have become as crucial to success as tactical expertise and physical preparation. One approach that's gaining worldwide traction is values based coaching—a method championed by Adam Commens, the High Performance Director of the Belgian Hockey Federation.
Commens brings a rare breadth of experience: Olympic player for Australia, head coach of the Australian women’s national team, and a foundational figure in Belgium’s meteoric rise to world and Olympic champion status. In a robust conversation Commens delves deep into how core values are embedded within Belgium hockey’s DNA, and shares practical insight on building teams that thrive under pressure—on and off the pitch.
Rethinking Success: The Essence of Values Based Coaching
The Belgian Rise and the Challenge of Sustained Excellence
Commens opens by contextualizing Belgium’s ascent from a mid-tier nation to perennial contenders and recent gold medalists. Initial progress required tactical sophistication and technical enhancement, but plateauing at “finalist but not gold” provoked deeper introspection. The question wasn’t just “How do we win?” but “What kind of team do we want to be, and how do we manifest that consistently?” The answer pointed towards mindset and belief systems fostered by clear, actionable team values.
Why Some Coaches—and Teams—Peak When It Matters
Adam poses a critical reflection: Why do some teams and coaches consistently deliver peak performances at decisive tournaments, while others falter despite technical or tactical excellence? He emphasizes that at the top tier, the coaching gap isn’t primarily about tactical know-how, but the ability to shape a culture where athletes are empowered to bring their best in pressure moments.
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