On-Field Performance - What's Going On?
Jon Wyatt, FIH Sports Director, Explains All
It’s 18th January 2023 and a rest day at the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup. So, with one match to go in pool play, we took the opportunity to catch up with Jon Wyatt, FIH Sport Director and ex-England/GB player.
The World Cup is hockey at the highest level played by professional players so it can seem a long way away from club hockey.
We therefore asked Jon to point out some developments in play that hockey fans should be looking out for.
The game is developing rapidly with the players pushing their skills and fitness to the new levels, so the game is constantly evolving. Here are 7 things that have stood out to me so far:
1: Aerial ball = Spectacular!
The men’s game at the top level is becoming increasingly different to club level due to the elite player’s ability to throw 60+ meter aerial passes into space behind defences, often into the circle. Hockey has taken off – literally. And don’t forget the skill of the receiver!
2: 11-man swarm defence = Energy!
At this World Cup the 11-player swarm defence is employed by all the teams. They start pressing the ball as soon as it enters their half. Gone are the days of forwards left high up the field to have a rest – everyone is defending. Teams are very happy to have all 11 players sit very deep to protect space behind.
3: 3D = High Skill!
3D skills are now almost the only way to beat someone 1 v 1. The defenders are all so good and fit, and low-down tackles (‘shaves’) are so effective. Not just lifting the ball but dribbling / carrying it in the air is now common.
4: Breakout = Amazing Speed!
Winning a turnover and breaking out of defence at high speed is almost the only opportunity to be able to run with space. (See point 1 about 11-person defence). To support this, massive effort is required, players are sprinting forwards 70 to 80m to support the breakaway and get in front of the ball.
“Winning a turnover and breaking out of defence at high speed is almost the only opportunity to be able to run with space.”
5: Powerplay = Discipline!
Losing a player to the sin bin has a big impact. Lots of goals are scored when teams have a 1-player advantage. This shows the reliance on the full 11-player defense and the speed with which teams can unlock even the smallest space.
6: Poaching = Goals!
The high numbers of defenders in the circle and pressure on the ball means there is very little time to get shots away. This has resulted in lots of passing in the circle and shoveling the ball towards goal with the aim of picking up rebounds and deflections. This has, so far, resulted in lots of field goals (41 in 16 matches, compared to just 19 penalty corner goals). Currently there is an average of 4 goals per game, of which 2/3 are field goals.
7: Penalty Corner Defence = Bravery!
Penalty corner defence now involves two high runners covering half the goal which allows the goalkeeper to offset and cover the other half. You can see this on the TV coverage when the camera is behind the drag flicker. This has reduced the conversion rate significantly. Current conversion rate across all teams is only 11%. Australia have scored 4 from 14, but no one else is better than 1 in 6. Defenders with protective equipment are now so brave.