Hockey

HOCKEY REPORT 2021

PROGRAM STAFF

Alex Mackay

Head Coach

Zac Nyrhinen Assistant Coach

The focus for the 2020/21 Illawarra Academy of Sport Hockey program was to improve the basic skills of the athletes, learn more advanced skills and develop the mental aptitude of the athletes involved. The core skills that were continually developed over the summer months to improve their consistency and develop healthy patterns in preparation for the 2021 hockey season. These skills include active receiving, hitting, pushing, slapping, tacking and various types of goal shooting. To also develop the athletes in the more advanced skills time was taken to develop specialist skills, including overheads, tomahawks and 3D skills. The expert coaching of Zac at this time was well utilised while guest coaches such as Daine Richards added an extra level of understanding to the athletes.

Within all of these sessions athletes were asked to develop their problem-solving skills and decision making in game based scenarios and various questioning techniques that the coaches had discussed with Derek Panchuk through the IAS Coach Development program assisted by QUBE Ports. Throughout the program initiative games and creative industries activities were used to develop universal skills related to all sports. The aim of this was to improve the problem solving, decision making, communication, teamwork and metacognitive strategies relevant in team sports.

Athletes had the opportunity to improve their strength and conditioning with sport specific programs through the IAS which was utilised by most athletes within their various Local Government Area. Although these were impacted in some part by COVID most athletes displayed their dedication to improve by finding ways to best improve themselves. By utilising the education programs offered athletes have been able to continue to develop the holistically and improve in various facets of what it means to be an athlete.

The Your Local Club Academy Games was held in the Central Coast with the IAS sending a team in both the men’s and women’s competitions. Over the 3 days of competition the boys team managed 3 goals for and 6 against. All of their matches tight encounters with many of the goals against coming late in the match. Player’s player was given to Oliver Hawker. A thank you must also go to the three SWSAS athletes who joined the side for the tournament. In the girl’s side, they had 2 goals for and 5 goals against. Some sterling defence and free flowing attack was on display, however, not being able to convert on chances created led to some tight matches. Player’s player went to Mia Vorster.

The 2020-21 Illawarra Academy of Sport Hockey program has been a success. On the hockey field all athletes have taken strides forward as they set their sights for AAP and state teams into the future. In this progression athletes have made their respective NSW School’s teams such as NSW Combined Independent Schools. At a more local level many athletes have made their 1st grade debut in both the men’s and women’s competitions which is a wonderful achievement considering the age and standard being set within the competition. A result of sixth place for both programs at the Academy Games shows the determination and skillset shown by the athletes and their willingness to learn is commended.