Bras-tic measures
DNA CorrespondentWednesday, May 6, 2009 3:11 IST Email
Mumbai: After months of uncertainty and confusion, India finally have a foreign coach. DNA presents him a 7-point charter that could lead to the revival of Indian hockey.
Attacking hockey
As Brasa himself concedes, India need to play skillful and attacking hockey because that is the best chance of beating top teams. He has to encourage building more attacks and the whole team will need to be galvanised for this.
Build a new wall
Conceding goals, especially towards the fag end of the game, has been a point of concern. Fending off attacks proves crucial in big matches and the defence led by an ageing Dilip Tirkey has to be solid.
Penalty corner conversion
Though Sandeep Singh gives hope with his drag-flicks, the test really will be against top teams. Converting penalty-corners is vital for any team to do well in the modern-day game.
Inspiration
If India are to go up the rankings, they need to raise their game when playing against top teams of the world. Beating teams like Australia and the Netherlands even on the odd occasion will be a big challenge.
Back-up players
The Spaniard may find it tough to find a second line, which is so important in a busy season, in a game as challenging as hockey. Rather than having new faces on a regular basis, the Indian team has been seeing a game of musical chairs in recent years. The team has to develop a set of core players for the long run.
Speed and accuracy
It may not be easy to stretch established players on this count but Brasa knows that he will have to work on each player individually in order to work out what might be best for the team.
Consistency
The team needs to be more consistent because only that will help it go up the rankings. Players like Arjun Halappa and Prabhjot Singh have done well but could help by being
more consistent.