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.

 

 

Paralysis by Analysis

Many have strived for the elusive elixr of life, that performance that marks them apart from all around them.  Often having experienced that all abiding glow they then strive for a repeat. The assumption is once the vistory, another will follow swiftly. Oh how the mighty have fallen, too often deluded by false hopes. What brough results can not always be assess and players in many sports have become fixated with the why and how rather than the feeling of pleasure and exileration of discovery. Perfection is what is at the root of this. Players feel that unless everything is right, even if they win, the result is somehow flawed. The consequence is paralysis by analysis.

Faldo, the greatest English golfer, won 6 majors analysing everything. It is wasn’t right then his sweet side kick (Fanny) would bellow fore. In the end he moved from a natural instinctive player to a rather mechanistic shadow of his former self.

So how does this relate to you as a hockey player? Well life coaches talk of self-assessment. Checking out your strengths and improving your areas of need (weaknesses to you and me). Whilst too much is made of analysis (for me creativity is the key to success…..too much analysis makes it easy for players and teams to be read!!!), it does provide a useful starting point for those who wish to develop. Below is a simple template which will enable you to quickly see where you are on the self discovery journey.

		Poor	Average	Good	V Good	Excellent
Technical	Moving the ball open / reverse Hit Clip Sweep Push Flick Aerial
	Defending skills Tackling open / reverse – Jab and block Shadowing Channelling
Athleticism	Speed – short and long Stamina
Decision making	Do I make the right pass? Do I read the game? Tackle or shadow ?

(Nb - - not exhaustive add in other areas to complete the picture)

So after … games how are you performing…”you” not the team. What are your strengths (good you have some!!), more importantly what needs development (even Robbo has some!!!)? The aim is therefore rather than blithely hitting balls prior to training or a game, try and work on those elements that will make you a better player.

Finally, if in doubt ask. Ask your teams mates, pal, players in high sides or even the coach….all will be happy to help.

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