Pre-season news, happenings, and events.

Pre-Season approaches and feelings...

This time of year brings much excitement to us hockey players, with the season very much underway, (at least a lot of running has been done) and the first league game within touching distance.

Wearing many hats, I look at hockey from a number on angles, and always trying to improve my knowledge base. For example with Wotton-U-Edge Mens first XI we've been talking about 'Creating you environment' in which to learn and train. Making sure that it's not solely the coach's (me) responsibility to motivate and encourage, but actually that of fellow players and individually to set high standards.

Being prepared to constantly learn and be a student to the game, accepting circumstances and saying 'I can always improve'.

I was once told that, 'The best sportsmen/women, are the best observers"....

Outside of club hockey, working with Cheltenham Ladies College first XI, we have been focusing on confidence on the ball, and experimenting with how to achieve this. Elements like:

1, Hand speed

2, Driving away from players

3, Scanning your area

4, Communicating

Although we are asked to move away from drill based learning, and that game and match-play brings the best method of training, it's important to not forget that trapping a ball or pushing a ball needs to be practiced in controlled environments. What I'm saying is that we recognise the balance needed for coaching and what is appropriate for differing ages and abilities. GB men would be expected to hit 20 balls flat, but sometimes there is a necessity to do it, just to reinforce the skill.

What we're up to

Plenty happening around the South-West with us at the moment.

1, Introduction to Hockey Coaching course this Sunday at Badminton School. Thirteen learners working with Tam our England Hockey Tutor.

2, Working in clubs: Lansdown HC delivering performance based sessions to all ages. Lead by Richard Owen. A masterclass at Bath Buccs junior session in a couple of weeks time.

3, Goalkeeper Academy continues next Monday, along with Small Group Sessions on the other half of the pitch.

4, After School Club delivery at Berkhampstead School, kicks off next week.

5, Masterclass at St Edward's Senior school last week went down a storm.

6, We've worked hard to bring in new coaches to our growing team, including EHL players, and Internationals. Soon to be working with your children.

Events

For our full list of events, please click on the below link:

We look forward to seeing children at October Half Term.

Five Year Anniversary

We're please to remind everyone that it is our 5th Anniversary of running courses and camps, and we'll be celebrating by giving away even more prizes, star player appearances and more...

Thanks, Matt & the Team.