The Hockey Site

​Included in our coach membership :) The High Press workshop, led by Russell Coates, focuses on developing effective high pressing strategies in field hockey. Participants will engage in a comprehensive practice session that covers all aspects of implementing a high press. The course offers a detailed breakdown of each component, providing insights into the tactical and technical elements essential for executing a successful high press. This workshop is designed for coaches aiming to enhance their defensive tactics and elevate their team's performance on the field.

Included in our coach membership :) Unlock the secrets to mastering the Full Press defensive system with Robert Noall in this comprehensive training session. This masterclass breaks down the fundamentals, tactics, and execution of the full press, providing coaches with the tools to effectively teach and implement this high-pressure strategy with their teams.

In this course, you'll learn:

• The key principles of the full press
• Player positioning and responsibilities
• How to train pressing triggers and communication
• Drills to build pressing habits and team cohesion
• Game scenarios and adjustments to break down opponents

Whether you're coaching at the youth, high school, or collegiate level, this course will give you the confidence to elevate your team's defensive play and create turnover opportunities.

Take your team's defensive game to the next level with How to Train Full Press with Robert Noall!

Included in our coach membership :) Success isn’t just about the final result, it’s about the journey. In this course, Jamilon Mülders explores how focusing on the process leads to sustainable development and long-term performance gains. Through real-world coaching insights, he breaks down the importance of training structure, team dynamics, and decision-making in shaping elite athletes.

Using practical examples and in-depth discussions, Mülders challenges traditional coaching perspectives, offering a fresh approach to player growth, adaptability, and success. This course will help you rethink performance, embrace the process, and build a winning mindset.

Join Katrina Powell, head coach of Australia's Hockeyroos, for an exclusive AMA about preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Gain insight into the strategies, leadership, and mental preparation required for high-level competition. Katrina, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and coaching pioneer, shares her journey and expertise in taking teams to the highest level. This course provides valuable takeaways for coaches and athletes alike looking to excel in their own careers, from handling pressure to developing team culture and navigating elite tournament preparation. Included in our coach membership :)

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you build. In this course, renowned Performance Psychologist Katie Warriner breaks down the myths surrounding confidence and reveals how you can develop it as both a choice and a skill.

You’ll learn:

• Confidence Myths : Debunk common misconceptions that hold you back.
• Confidence Mindset Moves: Practical strategies to build lasting self-belief.
• Q&A with Katie: Insights and answers to real-life confidence challenges.

This course will give you the tools to step up under pressure and perform at your best. Start training your confidence today!

Join esteemed coach Andreu Enrich in this comprehensive masterclass as he delves into the critical aspect of managing transitions in field hockey. With years of experience coaching in Spain and Germany and a recent addition to the German men's national team's coaching staff, Enrich offers invaluable insights into the moments when teams switch between attacking and defending.

In this session, you'll explore:

• Understanding Transitions: Grasp the dynamics of offensive and defensive transitions and their unpredictable nature.

• Duration and Management: Learn how long transitions last and strategies to regain team organization swiftly.

• Offensive Strategies: Balance aggressive drives with conservative plays to maintain possession and capitalize on opportunities.

• Defensive Techniques: Implement effective counter-pressing methods to reclaim possession promptly after a turnover.

• Training Integration: Incorporate transition scenarios into practice sessions to enhance players' adaptability and decision-making skills.

This masterclass is designed for coaches aiming to elevate their team's performance by mastering the art of transitions, a pivotal yet often overlooked component of the game.

Elevate your coaching approach by understanding and mastering transitions with Andreu Enrich's expert guidance.

Included in our coach membership :) Unlock the secrets to elite ball control with Andrew Wilson’s Dynamic Receiving Skills Masterclass. This course is designed for players and coaches looking to enhance their first touch, positioning, and decision-making under pressure. Through detailed instruction and game-specific drills, Andrew breaks down the mechanics of effective receiving, helping players develop quicker reactions, better spatial awareness, and smoother transitions into attack. This course provides the tools to elevate your game and dominate possession.

In his masterclass, Andrew Wilson delves into the critical aspects of dynamic receiving in field hockey, offering valuable insights for players and coaches aiming to elevate their game. The video covers:​

1. Fundamentals of Dynamic Receiving: Understanding the importance of first touch and positioning to maintain possession and create offensive opportunities.​

2. Techniques and Drills: Step-by-step demonstrations of drills designed to improve reaction time, spatial awareness, and ball control under pressure.​

3. Common Mistakes and Corrections: Identifying frequent errors players make during receiving and providing practical solutions to correct them.​

4. Game Application: Strategies to effectively apply dynamic receiving skills in match scenarios, enhancing overall performance and decision-making on the field.​

This comprehensive guide equips athletes with the tools needed to master dynamic receiving, fostering confidence and proficiency in high-pressure situations.

Included in our coach membership :) Unlock the key to elite field hockey performance with renowned strength and conditioning coach Wouter Blondeel. This course breaks down the essential physical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that drive speed, strength, and endurance on the field. Learn how to implement science-based training methods, use performance tracking technology, and optimize player development with proven strategies. This course will help you elevate your game and train smarter.

Included in our coach membership :) The Training Indoor Offensive Structures course by Robert Coates focuses on strategies for indoor hockey, emphasizing small-sided games to simulate real match scenarios. Key concepts include improving body positioning and shooting angles, using drills that enhance passing and decision-making under pressure, and implementing skill development restrictions such as backhand pushes or deflections. Coates stresses the importance of starting with dynamic, game-like training to engage players and develop effective offensive structures for indoor play.

Included in our coach membership :) Master the art of counter-attacking with Fede Tanuscio’s expert breakdown of key principles and strategies. This course covers the four essential steps of a successful counter attack: zone recovery, method of recovery, identifying free space, and making quick, informed decisions.

Learn how to capitalize on interceptions and duels, execute rapid transitions, and utilize vertical passing and diagonal runs to exploit defensive gaps. With targeted drills focusing on speed, positioning, and teamwork, this course equips players and coaches with the tools needed to enhance counter-attacking effectiveness.

Included in our coach membership :) Elevate your field hockey game with cutting-edge technology! The Added Value of New Tech for High-Performance is designed for coaches and performance analysts looking to integrate the latest innovations into training and competition.

This course explores how wearable technology, GPS tracking, video analysis, AI-driven insights, and data analytics can enhance player performance, refine coaching strategies, and optimize team tactics. Led by industry expert, Wouter Blondeel, you'll gain practical knowledge on how to leverage these tools for better decision-making, injury prevention, and tactical execution.

Stay ahead of the competition and revolutionize your approach to high-performance field hockey with the power of new technology!

Kickstart your season with Russell Coates' expert pre-season training masterclass. This session provides a structured approach to preparing your team physically, technically, and mentally for competition.

In this course, you'll learn:

• How to structure pre-season sessions for gradual intensity progression
• Dynamic warm-up routines to enhance mobility and reduce injury risk
• Passing drills focused on movement, scanning, and decision-making
• Small-sided games to simulate match situations and improve teamwork
• Conditioning exercises to build endurance and game-ready fitness

Set your team up for success with proven methods to maximize performance before the season begins!

This field hockey course, led by Russell Coates, focuses on improving defensive transitions. It covers essential skills for shifting from defense to offense effectively, helping players quickly regain possession and reposition. The course includes practical drills and strategies, aiming to enhance both individual and team defensive play.

Adam Commens played field hockey for Australia at the Sydney Olympics, winning bronze. He coached for both Belgium (men) and Australia (women), respectively at the Beijing and Rio Olympics and following Rio 2016 settled in Belgium to lead their high performance teams to further successes.

One of the key factors of the rise of Belgium in international field hockey has been their Values Based Coaching approach. Commens is one of the architects of the spectacular rise of Belgian hockey…

On October 16 in 2020 we spoke about the secret sauce for Belgium’s recent successes: values!

Included in our coach membership :) Unlock your full potential and elevate your game with Coach David Passmore’s Talent Development course. Designed for coaches at all levels, this course provides a comprehensive approach to enhancing hockey skills, building tactical awareness, and cultivating a high-performance mindset.

Drawing from his extensive experience as Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team, Coach Passmore shares his proven strategies for identifying and developing talent, creating a culture of success, and maximizing athletic performance. This course offers actionable insights, drills, and training techniques to help you succeed.

Key takeaways from the course include:

• Developing technical skills and tactical intelligence

• Building mental resilience for high-performance environments

• Understanding the principles of talent identification and player development

• Effective coaching methods to enhance team dynamics and individual growth

Join Coach Passmore in this course and take your talent development to the next level!

Join coach Bernardo Fernandes as he shares insights and experiences from the recent Indoor Hockey World Cup, where he guided the Croatian national team. This masterclass delves into the unique aspects of indoor hockey, offering valuable lessons for coaches aiming to enhance their team's performance in this fast-paced variant of the sport.

In this course, you'll explore:

• Tournament Overview: Understand the dynamics of the Indoor World Cup, including the high level of competition and the strategies employed by top teams.

• European Dominance: Analyze the factors contributing to the success of European teams in the tournament and how these insights can inform your coaching approach.

• Rule Implications: Gain clarity on key indoor hockey rules, such as trapping and penalty corner defenses, and learn how they influence game strategies and outcomes.

• Coaching Strategies: Discover effective coaching methods tailored for indoor hockey, focusing on adaptability, quick decision-making, and maximizing player strengths.

Equip yourself with practical knowledge and strategies to elevate your indoor hockey coaching and lead your team to success.

Enhance your team's offensive prowess with Robert Noall's masterclass on dynamic attacking in field hockey. This workshop delves into the art of creating space, dynamic receiving, prescanning, and effective player movements to break down defenses and generate scoring opportunities.

In this course, you'll learn:

• Techniques for creating space through effective leading and off-ball movement.
• The importance of dynamic receiving to maintain attacking momentum.
• How prescanning enhances decision-making and attacking efficiency.
• Player movement strategies, including leading, changing direction, and double movements, to outmaneuver defenders.
• Methods for analyzing game footage to identify patterns and improve attacking strategies.

Equip yourself with the tools to develop a versatile and unpredictable attacking style that keeps opponents on their toes.

Included in our coach membership :) Throughout the masterclass, Commens explores critical aspects such as values-based leadership, the development of cohesive team cultures, and the creation of high-performance environments. Drawing from his extensive experience, including coaching roles with both the Belgian and Australian national teams, he provides practical insights and strategies aimed at fostering sustained team success.​

This course is tailored for coaches seeking to deepen their understanding of the core elements that drive top-performing teams. Participants will gain valuable knowledge and actionable approaches to enhance team dynamics and performance.

Included in our coach membership :) The Defending the Aerial course on CoachTube is designed to equip players and coaches with the essential skills to defend one of the most dynamic and challenging aspects of modern field hockey—the aerial pass. In today’s game, aerials are used more frequently as an attacking weapon, making it crucial for defenders to understand how to effectively anticipate, intercept, and clear aerials into the circle.

Led by expert coach Fede Tanuscio, a former international player with extensive experience in top European leagues and the Technical Director for Luxembourg, this course breaks down the key techniques required to defend aerials with confidence and precision. Fede shares his proven strategies and insights, focusing on positioning, timing, communication, and decision-making under pressure.

Key topics covered in this course include:

• Aerial Reception: How to read and judge the flight of an aerial pass.

• Positioning: Optimal positioning to make yourself a strong defender and reduce the attacking options.

• Tactical Decision-Making: When to intercept, clear, or control the aerial, based on game situations.

• Defensive Mindset: Building confidence and resilience in aerial defense, even under high pressure.

Unlock the secrets to defending aerials and take your field hockey defense to the next level with this in-depth course!

Included in our coach membership :) The Creating Opportunities course on CoachTube, led by Fede Tanuscio, focuses on developing strategies to generate scoring opportunities within the attacking 25-yard zone. The course offers valuable insights, featuring numerous examples and training techniques that can be implemented to enhance gameplay. Designed for coaches aiming to improve tactical execution, this masterclass is a great resource for those looking to refine offensive strategies and create more goal-scoring chances.

​Included in our coach membership :) How to Train Attacking Through the Middle is a workshop led by Russell Coates, an experienced coach and technical director based in the Netherlands. This session focuses on enhancing field hockey teams' offensive strategies by effectively utilizing the channels or half-spaces on the field. Coates emphasizes the significance of these areas, often referred to as the "assist zones," as research indicates a high percentage of assists originate from these regions. Attacking through the assist zones offers players multiple options and reduces the likelihood of congestion compared to central attacks or those along the sidelines.​

Throughout the workshop, Coates introduces a series of drills designed to help players understand and exploit these critical areas:​

1. Three Versus Two Rondo (or Small-Sided Game): This drill encourages players to use the channels early in practice within a confined space, enhancing their ability to navigate and create opportunities in these zones.​

2. Unopposed Passing Drill: Aimed at developing players' passing accuracy and movement within the assist zones, this drill focuses on unopposed sequences to build confidence and technical proficiency.​

These exercises are part of a comprehensive session plan that Coates has developed to improve teams' attacking capabilities by focusing on the strategic use of the field's half-spaces.​

Learn the defensive principles and tactics that helped Great Britain secure Olympic gold with world-class coach Danny Kerry. This course provides an in-depth look at closing and tackling in a zone defense, equipping coaches with the strategies needed to shut down opponents effectively.

Course Highlights:

• Principles of Defense: Master the 4 D’s (Deny, Dictate, Disrupt, and Dispossess) to control the game and regain possession efficiently.
• Zone Defense Fundamentals: Understand how to position players, communicate effectively, and apply pressure as a unit.
• Video Clip Breakdowns: Gain exclusive insights as Coach Kerry analyzes real-game footage, breaking down elite-level defensive tactics.
• Interactive Q&A: Get answers to key tactical questions and learn how to apply these concepts to your team.

This course delivers proven strategies from one of the game’s best minds. Elevate your defensive game today!

The Practice Session Design masterclass by Fede Tanuscio provides a structured approach to training session planning for teams of all levels. It emphasizes tailoring practices based on team context and player development needs.

Structure of a Training Session:

• Warm-Up: Start with individual games or hockey drills that focus on technical and tactical principles.

• Main Activity: Engage in dynamic drills that mimic game situations, reinforcing learned skills.

• Cool Down: Wrap up with a review, highlighting key takeaways and improvement areas.

A +1 hour mini-course delivered by Joy Jouret (BEL)  about the use of social psychology in hockey in 6 chapters:

1. Intro
2. Objective
3. Definitions
4. Concepts
5. Recap & conclusions
6. Q&A

Included in our coach membership :) Take your goalkeeper coaching to the next level with Mili Arrotea’s three-part masterclass series on CoachTube! Designed for club-level coaches and goalkeepers, each session dives into key aspects of goalkeeper development, from junior training to high-performance preparation.

Masterclass 1: Junior Goalkeeper Development

Learn how to effectively integrate goalkeepers into team sessions, plan structured training, and apply fundamental drills for young goalkeepers. Includes practical examples and a live discussion on drill progressions and variations.

Masterclass 2: U18 & Senior Goalkeeper Development

Explore advanced training methods for older goalkeepers, including best practices for session planning, skill progression, and game-readiness. Features interactive discussions and real-world coaching insights.

Masterclass 3: High-Performance Goalkeeping 

Focuses on the elite goalkeeper pathway in Australia, covering technical, tactical, physical, and mental training, scheduling for major events, and high-level preparation strategies.

Each session is designed to be interactive and practical, so bring your coaching questions—because learning happens best through discussion!

Included in our coach membership :) This course, led by Fede Tanuscio, focuses on the crucial role of "circle priorities" in field hockey attacking play. Success in both the offensive and defensive circles often determines game outcomes, and this course provides key principles to enhance goal-scoring efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

• Circle Decision-Making: Players should instinctively know their best options (e.g., hit, backhand, deflection) to maximize scoring chances.

• Critical Priorities: Strategies such as crash balls, hit zones, first post battles, and far post positioning create high-percentage opportunities.

• Tactical Techniques: Methods like flicks into the circle, target balls, and drop-and-go plays help generate rebounds and penalty corners.

• Training Focus: Emphasizing speed of thought, tactical awareness, and confidence-building from the U14 level and beyond.

By implementing these principles, coaches and players can refine their offensive approach, improving decision-making and overall scoring success.

Included in our coach membership :) Unlock the potential of your players with Tips from Intelligent Players, a course on CoachTube designed to enhance both player skills and coaching strategies. This course focuses on building hockey IQ, improving confidence, and developing key technical moves that can elevate your team’s performance.

Course Agenda:

1. Build Your Confidence Level: Learn how to foster mental resilience in your players and boost their confidence on the field.

2. Carry with the Right-Hand High: Master the proper grip and stick handling techniques to enhance ball control and mobility.

3. Swing in Circles: Improve dribbling and maneuvering skills with effective circular swinging techniques.

4. Cut Inside the Opponent: Develop strategies for cutting inside and bypassing defenders with precision and timing.

5. Corner Surgeons: Perfect the art of corner play, including effective positioning and execution to create scoring opportunities.

6. Q&A: A dedicated session for coaches to ask questions and gain further insights into applying these strategies with their teams.

This course will provide you with the tools to develop smarter, more confident athletes who are equipped to think and react effectively during games.

Included in our coach membership :) In Diversity is a Superpower, coach Rein van Eijk explores how diverse coaching teams can enhance performance and create stronger, more cohesive groups. Drawing from his experience coaching in both the Netherlands and Germany, he shares practical strategies for leveraging diversity within teams. This course provides coaches with valuable insights on building inclusive environments that harness the strengths of individuals from different backgrounds, fostering collaboration, and achieving team success.

Included in our coach membership :) The Circle Positioning course on CoachTube, led by Russell Coates, focuses on mastering strategic positioning within the circle during hockey gameplay. Drawing inspiration from Alyson Annan's masterclass, this workshop offers a deep dive into understanding and improving a team's performance in the attacking and defensive zones. Coaches can expect detailed explanations of practice sessions, drills, and structured small-sided games (SSGs) designed to elevate tactical awareness and team cohesion.

Included in our coach membership :) The "Left Foot" course on The Hockey Site, led by Fede Tanuscio, focuses on developing training solutions for using the left foot effectively in hockey. The masterclass explores how to incorporate left-foot skills into game scenarios, enhancing player performance. Tanuscio, an experienced coach and former professional player, shares insights to improve technical abilities and understanding of left-foot play. This course is ideal for coaches looking to help players refine their skills and elevate gameplay.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Acceleration Techniques: Robert shared valuable tips on using one-hand acceleration, allowing players to run faster and maintain control.

4. Elimination Skills: We explored how changing speed and direction can create opportunities to bypass defenders.

5. 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.

6. Importance of Decision Making: Discussions included how players can decide when to attempt a 1v1, focusing on attacking space and reading the game effectively.

7. 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.

Included in our coach membership :) Learn the art of outletting from Russell Coates, an experienced hockey coach dedicated to developing smarter, more effective players. This course breaks down the key principles of outletting, focusing on positioning, passing accuracy, decision-making, and reading the play to execute seamless breakouts. Through detailed video analysis, expert insights, and practical drills, you'll gain the skills needed to move the puck efficiently and create offensive opportunities. This course provides the tools to elevate your performance.

Master the breakout. Control the game. Start learning today!

Included in our coach membership :) Unlock the secrets to building a solid defensive game with this comprehensive course, designed for coaches looking to enhance their team's defensive strategies. Led by seasoned coach Fede Tanuscio, this course covers essential defensive principles, common mistakes per line, and practical drills that will elevate your players' performance.

What You’ll Learn:

• Defensive Principles: Understand the key concepts that form the foundation of effective defense. Learn how to apply these principles across various game situations.

• Common Mistakes by Line: Gain insight into the most frequent mistakes made by defensive players in each position. Coach your team to avoid these pitfalls and improve overall defensive cohesion.

• Drills and Exercises: Explore a variety of drills and exercises that will reinforce defensive skills, enhance player agility, and promote better teamwork on the field.

• Q&A Session: Have your questions answered in an interactive Q&A segment. Get personalized advice on tackling specific defensive challenges in your team.

Whether you are coaching youth athletes or more advanced players, this course offers practical tools and valuable insights to refine your defensive game. Join Coach Fede Tanuscio and take your defense to the next level!

On Friday 2025-03-14 we were live with Raoul Ehren, the new head coach of the Dutch women. We had an AMA or Ask Me Anything session to allow coaches who joined in live to ask their own coaching questions. This is the full on demand replay video of that session.

Included in our coach membership :) In this workshop, Noall delves into essential skills such as spatial awareness, decision-making, and communication, which are crucial for overcoming zonal defenses. He emphasizes the importance of prescanning—continuously evaluating surroundings before receiving the ball—to enhance players' effectiveness in transitioning play. The session includes analysis of real-game video examples, illustrating how strategic positioning and quick decisions can create numerical advantages against zone marking.

To instill these skills, Noall proposes specific training techniques, including dynamic warm-up exercises that require prescanning, game situational drills to practice high ball plays, and feedback mechanisms to reinforce decision-making processes. By combining prescanning, one-touch passing, and high ball techniques into training sessions, coaches can develop well-rounded players capable of effectively navigating zonal defenses. 

This workshop is a valuable resource for field hockey coaches aiming to enhance their team's offensive strategies against zone marking systems.

​How to Train Outletting vs Man-to-Man Marking is a specialized workshop led by Robert Noall, an experienced coach and technical director based in the Netherlands. This course delves into effective strategies for outletting against man-to-man defenses in field hockey, emphasizing the development of individual skills such as dynamic receiving and elimination techniques. Participants will engage in a series of progressive training exercises, ranging from unopposed drills to competitive scrimmages, designed to enhance players' ability to navigate and overcome tight defensive marking. The workshop also explores the nuances of "man responsibility" defense—a hybrid approach combining elements of man-to-man and zonal marking—and discusses the balance between coaching and training to foster critical thinking and decision-making among players. This comprehensive session is tailored for coaches and players aiming to elevate their tactical understanding and on-field performance against man-to-man defensive strategies.

Included in our coach membership :) Join internationally renowned coach Andreu Enrich for an in-depth exploration of tactical dilemmas in field hockey. 

Through real-game scenarios, expert analysis, and interactive discussions, Andreu Enrich breaks down key tactical challenges faced by players and coaches, providing actionable insights to improve game intelligence, adaptability, and execution under pressure. 

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding and managing tactical dilemmas in dynamic game situations
• Strategic decision-making principles for both players and coaches
• Practical applications to improve team performance and adaptability

Stream now on CoachTube and take your tactical expertise to the next level!

In this exclusive AMA course, Shane McLeod, renowned coach of the Belgian men’s field hockey team, shares his insights and experiences preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Get a behind-the-scenes look at his coaching strategies, team dynamics, and the mental and tactical preparation required for top-level competition. This course provides valuable lessons for coaches and athletes aiming to elevate their game to international standards. Join Shane for a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field hockey world. Included in our coach membership :)

Prepare for the upcoming season with the Preseason Physical Program, designed specifically for field hockey athletes by expert strength and conditioning coach Phil Moreland. This program focuses on building endurance, agility, strength, and injury resilience, ensuring players enter the season at peak performance.

With a progressive training structure, this course includes sport-specific drills, mobility exercises, and conditioning workouts to enhance speed, power, and overall athleticism—key attributes for high-performance field hockey players. Whether you're an athlete looking to gain a competitive edge or a coach aiming to optimize your team's preseason preparation, this program delivers scientifically backed training methods used at elite levels.

Course Highlights:

✅ Sport-Specific Conditioning – Improve endurance, agility, and speed for field hockey
✅ Strength & Mobility Training – Reduce injury risk and enhance power on the field
✅ Speed & Agility Drills – Boost reaction time and quickness for game situations
✅ Expert Coaching – Learn from Phil Moreland’s extensive experience in high-performance training

Start your preseason the right way—train smarter, play stronger, and be game-ready! Sign up now on CoachTube.

Coaches know the majority of last touches or deflections resulting in a goal happen within the so called 9 yards area. So how can we improve our 9 yards scoring skills. Mike McCann will go through it all: rebounding, post work, shot selection, 1-2 contact goal shooting, deflections…

Included in our coach membership :) In this comprehensive masterclass, Matt Eyles, a renowned Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coach with extensive international experience, dives into effective injury reduction strategies specifically designed for athletes. Drawing from his time working with top-tier national teams, including the Dutch and Indian field hockey teams, Matt shares proven training methods to minimize the risk of injury, enhance athlete performance, and promote long-term durability.

This course focuses on strengthening areas of the body that are most prone to injury, such as the hamstrings, calves, and Achilles tendons. Matt’s injury reduction techniques are grounded in practical exercises and training protocols that target these vulnerable areas while improving overall strength, agility, and conditioning.

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for strengthening key injury-prone areas

• Proven exercises for improving mobility and flexibility

• Methods for optimizing strength and power development

• Insights into conditioning strategies for preventing injuries

• Best practices for integrating injury reduction into daily training

On Friday 2020-08-14 we hosted a Coach Chat. Topic of the day was the Pygmalion effect and we could think of no one better than Andreu Enrich to present the topic and answer your questions on this interesting topic.

Andreu Enrich will be coaching Mannheimer HC as of next season in the German Bundesliga, where he was still playing himself in the Belgian Honour Division for KHC Leuven until the season and his playing days got cut short because of COVID19. Though originally from the legendary club Atlètic Terrassa in Spain he played (and coached) all over the world. Author of several books on hockey with a particular philosophical view on our sport and coaching. Andreu Enrich also presented an earlier Coach Chat for us on small-sided games. So those who saw that one, know they will not want to miss out on the next Coach Chat

Before we forget. Andreu will bring along some friends to debate the topic. So the coaches talking about the Pygmalion effect will be: Ric Charlesworth, Davod Harte and Andreu himself.

Seamless transitions are the key to maintaining attacking momentum in field hockey. In Practicing Transitions in Offense, Russell Coates provides an in-depth breakdown of how to effectively shift from defense to attack, capitalize on turnovers, and create goal-scoring opportunities through structured transition play.

This course covers essential principles such as quick decision-making, off-the-ball movement, passing options, and exploiting space in transition. Through expert instruction, game scenarios, and targeted drills, players and coaches will learn how to increase their team’s speed, efficiency, and attacking threat during offensive transitions.

Key Topics Covered:

• Recognizing and executing fast breaks

• Structured transition patterns and positioning

• Effective passing and support play

• Creating numerical advantages in attack

• Drills to enhance speed, control, and decision-making

Master the art of offensive transitions and gain a tactical edge with insights from Russell Coates.

Included in our coach membership :) The Training Indoor Defensive Structures workshop, led by Russell Coates, provides an in-depth exploration of defensive strategies in indoor hockey. Coaches will gain insights into three primary defensive systems:​

• Man-to-Man Defense: Assigns each defender to mark a specific opponent, emphasizing individual defensive skills and direct pressure on the ball carrier.​

• Zonal Defense: Focuses on covering designated areas of the pitch, requiring strong communication and teamwork to guard passing lanes and protect critical zones.​

• Hybrid System: Combines elements of both man-to-man and zonal defenses, offering flexibility to adapt to various offensive strategies.​

The workshop also introduces practical drills, such as a Rondo-based warm-up exercise, designed to enhance players' defensive awareness and teamwork. This drill engages players both physically and mentally, reinforcing key defensive concepts in a dynamic setting.​

By participating in this workshop, coaches will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to implement effective indoor defensive structures, tailored to their team's needs and the challenges posed by different opponents.

Unlock the full potential of your goalkeeper with this masterclass by Pirmin Blaak, a legendary and outstanding goalkeeper himself. This course provides in-depth insights and techniques to develop key goalkeeping skills for all levels.

In this session, you'll learn:

• Technical Skills: Specific techniques, such as basic movements and reaction speed, to ensure goalkeepers are always in the right place to make crucial saves.
• Tactical Understanding: Game awareness, angle coverage, and decision making are important factors for goalkeepers to understand to anticipate and react to the flow of the game.
• Mental Fortitude: The three Cs - Confidence, Composure, and Communication. 

Equip your goalkeeper with the skills and mindset needed to perform at their best in any match situation!

Included in our coach membership :) ​Deep Defending is an in-depth practice session led by experienced coach Russell Coates, focusing on the strategies and techniques essential for effective deep defensive play in field hockey. Coates guides participants through a comprehensive training regimen, covering all aspects from warm-up routines to cool-down exercises. This course is designed to enhance players' understanding and execution of deep defending, providing valuable insights for both coaches and athletes aiming to strengthen their defensive skills.

In Lessons Learned from Paris, Jude Menezes shares insights gained from his experiences coaching at the international level, particularly his preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This course offers a deep dive into developing strategies for high-level competition, managing diverse teams, and adapting to evolving challenges. Through Menezes' expertise, you'll learn about the importance of mental resilience, tactical flexibility, and creating a cohesive team culture under pressure. It's an essential resource for coaches aiming to elevate their approach to global competition. Included in our coach membership :)

In our series of masterclasses we sometimes like to bring coaches & experts from outside of hockey. How to bring applied neurosciences into coaching will be brought to you by Andy Longley, from New Zealand and the sport of rugby rather than hockey.

How to bring applied neurosciences into coaching

We know it is the coach who makes the team-work, work! The majority of traditional sports coaching development focuses on skills, drills and tactics. But this neglects the most important element of high performance… the team environment. With their backgrounds in psychology, neuroscience and in elite sport from Olympians to the Premier League football they set themselves a challenge. They dedicated themselves to find a way to make the science of team performance available to sports coaches, no matter what the sport, no matter what the country, in a really practical way.

In our live & interactive masterclass, Andy sheds some light in 1 topic of how to start bringing applied neuroscience into your coaching. Following the masterclass we launched a more in-depth premium course for those among you who want to master the skills and apply these in your day-to-day coaching activities.

Here you ‘ll see the recording from this masterclass in full ↓ It will give you a first taste. If you like what you see consider getting the full in depth course with over 8 hours worth of video content & a certificate of completion at the end of it. Book the full course here : https://thehockeysite.com/courses/the-neuroscience-of-high-performance-coaching/ 

Included in our coach membership :) The GOT Metrics course on CoachTube teaches coaches how to leverage performance data to improve their hockey teams. It covers key metrics for evaluating player performance, team dynamics, and overall game strategies. By using data-driven insights, coaches will be better equipped to enhance training sessions and make informed decisions that contribute to winning results. This course is ideal for those looking to take their coaching to the next level with a focus on measurable outcomes.

Included in our coach membership :) The goal of the game is to win. That means scoring at least one time more than your opponent. Because this is hockey, that requires certain behaviour in the circle or D. So who better than Alyson Annan to explore the circle behaviour that gets us this winning goal…

Included in our coach membership :) Ric Charlesworth (AUS) gave his keynote on building winning teams at 9am (GMT) at 2017-12-15 for the Coach Conference hosted by HOCKEYtoday.cc . He talks about his extensive experience as coach for both the Australian women as well as men... winning almost everything.

His keynote was followed by 6 workshops:

- Santi Freixa (ESP) on how to excell at creating opportunities in the D
- Pirmin Blaak (NED) on training goalkeepers
- Justin Reid Ross (RSA) on the drag flick
- Laurine Delforge (BEL) on communication with the umpire
- Annemieke Griffin-Zijerveld (USA / NED) on mental toughness
- Mark Cairns (UK) on what hockey video analysts can learn from rugby

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Thehockeysite.com, formerly known as hockeytoday.cc spoke to Jamilon Mülders, former head coach for the national women's team from Germany & China in a Coach Chat session talking about communication and how it could influence your team. Learn from the best coaches in the world...