A View From the Side

A new monthly feature from Andy Jackson, our Coaching Guru. Please tune in to read the "Great Ones" words of wisdom.

 

 

February - Haka or Hokoa?

For those from New Zealand the Haka has a resonance with rugby. Performed by the players in black it is battle cry made to the opponents, in part as a mark of respect but also as an intimidation tactic. The Hokoa is something very different, but can still provide a chill down player’s spines. 

In the 1980’s the Olympians of Britain preformed with such grace and poise that they secured a bronze in 84 and then the hallowed gold in Seoul. With a consistent line up of Leman, Dodds, Barber and Faulkner supporting the creativity of Bachelor and Sherwani and instinctive striking of Kerly Britain would be a match for any nation.  

But the main difference between success and failure came in the form of Ian Taylor. Who? You may well ask, but he was the man between the posts. He brought goalkeeping in Britain into a new era. His shot stopping especially at short corners and strokes was legendary he was undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the world. His ability took the pressure off the defence. The “D” was his domain, he patrolled it with guile and nothing ventured in to it unless it truly had to… and that included the defence. Against the best strikers in the world he regularly won the battle, giving Britain (and England) the platform on which they could build. As much as converting short corners helps stopping the opposition is equally important. 

Goalkeepers are a rare breed. In the Yorkshire Premier division we only have 12 of them. And rather than live by the haka they live by the hokoa. Hokoa for those who don’t speak goalie translates into - head over knee over ankle. The phrase helps pre-set goalies to clear the ball effectively. If they get it right they will put fear in opponents. 

Next time you warming up think about the guy who stands at the back. He is a big part of the team. He needs to be game ready, so warm him up properly don’t just shell balls at him. During training sessions make sure you work with him in as game realistic manner as you can.  Offer praise and realise stopping a ball, even with all that protection on, takes guts as well as a box!!!

So as the all blacks warm with the Haka, think about warming the Hokoa and the man at the back. He is a key facet behind your success, so use his intimidating presence to your advantage…… even if he wears pink!!!!

Yours with respect for the padded men

Action