Level III Hockey Coaching Course

Karnataka State Hockey Association, Bangalore
Conducted from April 16, 2003 to June 28, 2003

Class 1	Class 2	Class 3		Class 4	Class 5	Class 6
Turnovers By Harendra Singh				Shri Harendra Singh coached the Indian team in the 2004 Azlan Shah Cup, where India finished 7th out of 7 teams. He was the assistant coach to the Indian team that finished 7th in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He coached the Indian juniors to victory in the 2003 Junior Challenge in Poland, and the IHF Juniors to victory in the 2003 Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament in Chennai.
Class 7	Class 8	Class 9		Class 10	Class 11	Class 12

INTRODUCTION

Turnover are unpredictable or surprise loss of ball possession. Its severity depends on which zone a team concedes a turnover.

Which are the ball possessions which have an inherent threat of a turnover?

Case study – loss of ball possession close to your own goal, possible situation/opponents pressure

HOW TO DEFEND TURNOVERS

• All players to evaluate their positions and come up with individual reactions or an organised structure to face the turnover
   
• Thinking ahead/anticipation of the opponent's play after they force the turnover.
   
• Reduce the space behind the ball in to center
   
• Look for the shortest way to cut off the highest pass line
   
• Delay/pressure/force play
   
• Cover the more dangerous side/allow space on the less dangerous side
   
• Ball side players to have an offensive role
   
• Help side players - are they directly involved or not, if so, where and how they can help the shortest route to goal
   
• Effective communication - pre-match, during the match and post-match

Opponent-Specific Preparation

e.g. how you defend turnovers forced by Holland

What is their common trend after winning a turnover, based on the match situation. For example, do they do an aerial transfer of the ball?

Is that a team known to take risks (and hence allow chance for turnovers), or play with caution

MIDFIELD OVERLOAD

• Though employed in offensive situations, it allows rapid transition to defensive/recovery strategy
   
• Ability to carry ball/hold possession of the ball
   
• Minimise one-to-one play, minimise delays
   
• Carry ball at pace/acceleration rate
   
• Managing attack or defence while playing with one player down
   
• Requires multi-skilled, high work rate players who are very good in game reading

Preventing counter attacks from offensive midfield overload

• Recognise/read the dangerous area
   
• Prevent vertical channel passes
   
• Contain ball in congestion, or force the opponent/ball to an open, unmarked space
   
• Place ball carrier in 'no vision' situation
   
• Screening