‘Need specialist coaches’

The Indian hockey team’s national camp chief co-ordinator and assistant coach SS Grewal on Monday stressed the need to have specialist coaches of foreign origin, saying it would prove beneficial to both the players and the support staff tending to them.

“I feel we need to have coaches meant for specific roles,” said Grewal, who will be heading the national probables’ camp at the Sports Authority of India campus in the absence of chief coach Michael Nobbs, who has temporarily flown back to Australia.”

For example, we have Jugraj Singh as the penalty corner coach. There is no doubt in my mind that Jugraj was one the best drag-flickers in the world. But he has been out of the game for a while now.

A lot of changes has taken place during the interim period. If we get a foreign expert in complete sync with the game, then it would be great. Not only will it help the players but also Jugraj, who can upgrade himself. And this applies to every aspect of the game, from goalkeeping to defence to midfield and to attack,” said Grewal.

There are seven assistant coaches, including Grewal, at this camp. While the Punjabi is the chief co-ordinator, Jugraj works on penalty corners and defence, AB Subbaiah handles goalkeeping and Clarence Lobo does the video analysis. There are no specified roles for BJ Cariappa, Mohd Riaz and Baljit Singh Saini.

“I’ve spoken about this to Michael and he too is keen on roping in specialists. We don’t need someone permanently but one who can give his expertise on a consultant basis. This way, it won’t cost the government much. I’ve had a chat with a Hockey India official regarding this, let’s see what happens,” added the former India international.

Grewal also felt the team needed a few sessions with an expert sports psychologist who could boost the morale of the team. “Many teams have had success following morale-boosting sessions with sports psychologists. We as coaches will provide all the technical expertise but it all depends on how the players execute it. A nice pep talk could do wonders to their confidence.”

Emphasis on endurance

The shortlist of 48 probables hit their straps on Monday with emphasis being laid on endurance, speed and overall fitness. The players were split into two batches with one undergoing fitness tests and the other trying to sharpen its hitting skills.

“Until the start of the second phase next month, emphasis will be on improving the overall physical fitness of every player and rectification of errors. Exercise physiologist David John will be conducting a series of tests following which every player will be given a programme. Every evening from 7:30 to 9.00 pm, there will be video analysis where players will notified of their errors,” said Grewal.

Grewal also said the players for the development team had been identified and recommended that they work alongside the national team. He also asserted that every member in the core group of 25-26 — which will be identified next month — will be tried out in the next four months before finalising the squad for the Olympic qualifiers.