Updated: January 2017 Half the size, double the excitement! More games, more goals, more fun Junior Hockey formats to aid recruitment and retention Stick2Hockey provides young hockey participants a fun introduction to the game of Hockey and a development pathway through the age groups. It provides plenty of action, attacking play and goal scoring. These specific formats have been developed for players under 11 years. Stick2Hockey has been designed to promote enjoyment and assist in the development of core hockey skills and techniques. These small sided games offer faster experiential learning through more touches and greater game involvement.
Evidence Based Science Stick2Hockey is an initiative by Hockey NSW to increase the participation of young players in associations throughout NSW. The initiative involves implementing Small Sided Games (SSG) for U11, U9 and U7 year old cohorts. Stick2Hockey is based on Australian and worldwide sport studies complied to increase the numbers of children in sport, while also assisting them to improve more rapidly, increase their enjoyment level and to ensure they continue to participate in future years. This evidence based science is factual, proven and statistically driven. The Facts Comprehensive studies have been completed throughout the world in hockey. SSG v Traditional Full Field Games Player Touches (possessions) - 4 ½: 1 Goal Shots 5: 1 Goals Scored 4: 1 Passes Made 4 ½: 1 Metres Run 2: 1 From June to September 2016 Hockey NSW conducted research using the RCC network to ascertain whether SSG impacted similarly. The results were congruent with international research studies with the following statistical findings. Player Touches (possessions) 4.7: 1 Goal Shots 4 ½: 1 Goals Scored 3: 1 Passes Made 4.8: 1 Metres Run 2 ½: 1 (no GPS data sort for this cohort) Challenging Tradition One of the greatest challenges hockey faces in Australia is the ability to change traditional coaching methods and create a better opportunity for young people to become involved and remain involved in our sport. Hockey NSW are committed to increasing the number of players in your association (recruitment) and providing initiatives to keep them playing (retention) The evidence suggests, by playing SSG it assists in developing better hockey players that have a greater understanding of the game and enhance their core skills at a younger age.
Hockey NSW Stick2Hockey Ambassadors Casey Sablowski Former Australian Hockeyroo and NSW Arrows player Casey Sablowski is one of our Stick2Hockey ambassadors supporting Small Sided Games as the future for junior hockey. I think it is important that we develop our young players and using the new Stick2Hockey format for our juniors will help them to not only have more fun through more touches of the ball and more goals but it also enables them to improve their core skills which will help them to become a better player for the future Casey Sablowski - Hockeyroos 2012 player of the year Simon Orchard Current Australian Kookaburra and NSW Waratah Player Simon Orchard is another of our Stick2Hockey Ambassadors supporting the idea of Small Sided Games for junior players. I think the idea of Stick2hockey is fantastic and I support this new concept that is aimed at making hockey more appealing to kids. In training, we facilitate Small Sided Games at the elite level to aid us in our development and preparation. The benefits can be transferred to junior hockey and help to keep kids in our sport and develop better core skills. Simon Orchard - 2012 Olympic Bronze medallist
Stick2Hockey Overview Stick2Hockey Hockey Joey s Mini Burra s Kookaburra 8 s Playing Format Under 7s Under 9s Under 11s Number 6 7 8 1 Standard Filed Standard field standard field Field Size 8 4 2 22.9 x 27m 22.9 x 55m 45.8 x 55m Circle area Flat markers* Flat markers* Flat markers* Goal size** Pop-up Nets 2m x 1m 1 Pop-up Nets 2m x 2m 1 Standard Hockey Goal 3.66m x 2.14m Goal type Pop-up Nets or Markers Pop-up Nets or Markers Goals or markers Ball type Kookaburra Joey Kookaburra Joey Kookaburra Joey Goal Keeper No Optional Yes Hitting/Slap Hitting Playing time No Pushing Only 3 x 12minutes First Third Coaching No Hitting Yes Slap Hitting 3 x 12minutes First Third Coaching Yes 2 x 25 minutes Time between thirds/halves 3 minutes 3 minutes 5minutes Penalty corners No No Yes 4 attackers on 3 defenders Umpire Instructing umpire*** Instructing umpire*** Instructing umpire*** Points table and finals No No Optional *Flat markers can be obtained from popular sports equipment suppliers. **The goal size can change depending on what facilities and equipment you have in your association. Hockey NSW can provide details on request for our recommended supplier. Stick2Hockey goals are user friendly and easy to store. At U11s Hockey NSW recommends a standard hockey goal to be used. ***An instructing umpire is a coach, parent or qualified umpire who can assist players on the field. An instructing umpire must have a basic understanding of the game and Rules of Hockey. Hockey NSW identifies U7 s and U9 s as an introduction level for junior umpires
Format U11 s Kookaburra 8s Teams a. Each team may have ten (10) to twelve (12) players. b. There are seven (7) outfield players and one (1) goalkeeper permitted on the pitch at any one time. c. Kicking backs are not allowed. d. The remaining players are interchange substitutes, all players must have equal time. e. Teams can be a mixture of each gender. Duration a. Two periods of twenty-five (25) minutes, each with intervals of no more than five (5) minutes. b. An alternative -format may be played with two halves of twenty (20) minutes each with an interval (half-time) of no more than five (5) minutes. This format is ideally suited to minitournament where four (4) or more teams might come together over several hours for a roundrobin or knock-out competition. Associations may also like to consider this option by incorporating it into their season s annual development program or preseason events. Rules Synopsis a. All rules are to be the same as the 2017 FIH Rules of Hockey (effective 1 st January 2017) EXCEPT o The ball cannot be raised above shin pad height in play o No reverse side hits known as "tomahawks". b. Penalty corners will consist of 4 attackers and 3 defenders (inclusive of GK). o ALL remaining players must be withdrawn to the defending team s circle at the opposite end of the field until the ball is played. o The corner will be played out like a standard penalty corner with the ball being pushed out from the back line to the attacking players at the top of the circle. o One pass to another attacking player of at least one (1) metre must be made before any shot on goal. Umpires a. Kookaburra 8 s shall be controlled by two umpires. b. Hockey NSW recommend a junior training umpire or community level umpire gain experience at this level. Instructing umpires can still be utilised where necessary. c. The umpires are responsible for all decisions and penalties.
Field Dimensions played on 1 2 field Length - 55 metres Width 45.8 metres A - Side line B - Penalty Corner Markers on the back-line 10 metres from each goal-post C - Penalty Stroke Spot - 5 metres from the goal-line into the pitch Alternate option is to conduct a one-on-one (Shootout) from half-way D - Shooting Circles (the same as a full-size hockey pitch) - Radius of 14.63 metres Implementation kit a. 1 Joey Ball per game. b. 8 hockey sticks per team. c. Protective equipment for all participants including mouth guard and shin pads. d. Full goalkeeper equipment see clothing and equipment. e. 2 x standard hockey goals per game. f. Netting or barrier across side lines for those wishing to conduct two or more games on one field at the same time (This is a recommended but not considered essential). g. 30+ stick down markers to mark out specific areas of the playing area such as shooting circle and half-way.
Player Equipment and Clothing a. It is essential that shin-pads and mouth-guards are worn by all players always. b. No players shall wear any equipment that may be dangerous to themselves or other players. This includes no jewellery, baseball caps with a stiffened peak and / or any sharp object. c. The use of appropriate footwear for the playing surface (trainers or turf shoes). Goalkeeper Equipment In the interest of safety, goalkeepers must wear full goalkeeping equipment including: a. Full helmet with throat guard b. Body protector (groin and chest areas) c. Hand protectors d. Leg protectors e. Feet protectors (kickers) f. Abdominal guard or box g. Goalkeepers should also have a stick
Rotation, Positions and Formation It is important to focus on the development of every player in all positions. Hockey NSW recommends that players are rotated in every position to ensure they can learn the different skills needed in modern day hockey. Ensure rotation is equal with all players. Suggested formats are: GK-2-2-3 GK-2-3-2 S S S S S M M M M M D D D D GK GK S = Striker M = Midfield D = Defender CD = Central Defender GK = Goal Keeper
Coaching Tips The key to remember when coaching juniors is to make it FUN, SIMPLE and create in environment for LEARNING. A great approach to use is the Australian Sports Commission s Playing for Life philosophy. What is Playing for Life? Playing for Life is an approach to coaching that uses games rather than drills to introduce the skills and tactics of the sport or structured physical activity being delivered. How is Playing for Life implemented? The playing for life approach is underpinned by the following key concepts: The game is the focus: Children develop sporting skills and tactics through fun games and activities (by playing the game ) rather than performing traditional skill based drills in isolation from the game. The game is the focus of the session, challenging children to think about what they are doing and why. Each session should be designed with a sporting outcome/skill development in mind, and games selected purposefully to achieve these objectives. Coach is a facilitator: Coaches play a facilitator role rather than a director s role. They set challenges for the children to find solutions through games rather than instructing children how to perform a skill. Coaches provide key coaching points for performing the skill then set the children a challenge that they must solve through activity. This engages children in the activity at a level that suits their own ability, and helps them to learn through self-discovery and working with and observing other children. Discrete coaching: Coach instructions and demonstrations are kept to a minimum and play should continue where possible. Discrete coaching is provided on the side in an unobtrusive way, creating an encouraging and supportive environment where children can develop at their own pace. It can help build a child s confidence and self-esteem and allows the participant to receive one on one support where needed. Role models: Use player role models during the activities to demonstrate and emphasize good technique or strategies. Be aware of cultural considerations when adopting this strategy. Ask the players: The use of questioning is a valuable strategy to engage the children themselves in changing the activity to increase participation and to make the activity more or less challenging. Feedback from the children will give a good indication of whether the game or activity is achieving the desired outcomes. CHANGE IT: Coaches constantly observe the game to ensure maximum engagement of children of all abilities by considering the following questions: o Are all children enjoying and/or engaged in the game? o Is the purpose of the game being achieved? o Are all children being challenged? (Is it too difficult, too easy, one-sided?)
The FISH acronym is another way of considering these questions: Is the game FUN Is the game INCLUSIVE Is the game SAFE Is the game ensuring HIGH involvement If the answer to any of these questions is no, then the game should be changed. Simple variations should be introduced to make the games easier or harder in order to accommodate all player ability levels and backgrounds, remembering to retain the integrity of the sporting outcome being delivered. Top Tips for Coaching Junior Hockey Keep it simple; ensure all players have a chance to play all positions and get equal time on the field. Key phrases to use to help direct the players during the game: Free Space: Junior players tend to bunch. Encourage the players to find free space by using this easy key phrase and player s will react and move away if you use it repetitively. One on One: To reinforce the rule that only one person can tackle another at any one time and encourage players to hold space and not get sucked in to where the ball is. Go high, stretch or elongate: This is to encourage the strikers to get high and pull away from the ball so that they can receive it in the circle to score. Transfer: This is to encourage ball movement from one side of the field to the other passing through the defenders and midfield. Wide: Getting players to hold their positions out wide to receive the ball. Swing: a term used with the defenders to get them to cover each other in defence. Training The focus on training should be development of core skills such as passing receiving and ball carrying (dribbling). These skills can be taught in isolation and then put into a game situation. Ensure the correct body position and techniques are being taught throughout and above all ensure they are having FUN, which will enhance their learning.
Hockey NSW Game Education Modern terminology has changed and roles of those players have evolved: Strikers Midfield (attacking midfield and defending midfield) Defenders Using this terminology with juniors will make it simple for them and will also aid transition into full field Hockey. Strikers: Try and encourage the strikers to stay high to create space for the ball to be passed into the attacking circle or to dribble the ball into the attacking circle. Promote a high work rate with lots or leading and re-leading in to space to receive the ball. Midfield: Keep midfielders wide again to create space and avoid bunching of players in one area. Midfielders have a role to play in both attack and defence, therefore it is important for them to understand that they support the strikers but must chase back and help the defence by marking. Defenders: Encourage the defenders to push up the field and attack also to understand to swing over to the side of play and cover the other defender. Marking is also an important concept to teach and stepping in front of the player to intercept the ball. Encourage the IFIT model which means In Front In Touch. Simple patters of play for: U7 s Hockey Joey s and U9 s Mini Burra s
Simple patterns of play for: U9 s Mini Burra s KEY: Player GK Ball movement Player movement Simple patterns of play for: U11 s Kookaburra 8 s Tips for Kookaburra 8s: Encourage the players to pass and move Encourage width from the outside midfielders Have the strikers high in the circle and leading out to receive the ball, encourage constant movement from the strikers Have the defenders pushing up and being involved in the attack and being an option for a transfer Encourage the players to hold possession by passing backwards to create more options on the other side of the field. * These patterns of play can occur on both sides of the field and are termed out-letting from defence.
Resources Technical Training and Core Skills It is vital that junior players are being taught the correct techniques at an early age. As coaches, we must ensure our players are taught the correct core skills of Hockey. Hockey Australia has developed a userfriendly Level 1 coaching manual that can assist you in ensuring players are taught the right techniques. For help with coaching practices and safety within sport, check out the Play by the Rules website https://www.playbytherules.net.au/ and the Australian Sports Commission s coaching page http://www.ausport.gov.au/ FIH Rules of Hockey 2017 (Effective 1 st January 2017) As a coach it is important to correct poor technique before it becomes a habit, visit the Hockey Australia www.hockey.org.au and Aussie Hockey website for videos and resources that can assist you coaching www.aussiehockey.com.au To support Stick2Hockey, Hockey NSW has developed an easy to use coaching program that helps coaches make hockey fun and easy to learn for young players. For your copy or for any other queries regarding Stick2Hockey, contact Hockey NSW: E: admin@hockeynsw.com.au P: 02 9764 1911