MK Kaushik, the newly appointed chief coach of mens hockey, has one big advantage. He has very little to lose. The game in India can go in only one direction from here. Busy revelling in past glory of eight Olympic golds, India didnt even realise how they have fallen behind the rest of the world in terms of mental and physical fitness, planning, vision, infrastructure and skill. With the administrators busy squabbling, politicking and taking each other to court, India missed out on an Olympic berth in Beijing — the first time ever in their proud history. What must he do on a war footing to lever the game in India back on track? Sreemoy Talukdar presents the incumbent coach with a five-point roadmap — issues which need immediate attention and if properly addressed, could just see the beginning of a new beginning
• Continuity in training methods
With the coaches being different at the senior and junior levels, the players suffer from a lack of coherence. What a fresher learns at the beginning of his career has to be unlearned at the mid-level. Confusion apart, it also hampers the natural progress of a player. Though it might not be entirely in his hands, Kaushik can, by way of better coordination with junior coaches, iron out a lot of issues.• Sports psychologist with international exposure
The game, at the highest level, is all about the mind. Successful teams in any discipline rely a lot on sports psychologists. The coach can seek the help of a full-time psychologist to cope with the rigours of the game at the highest level. Understanding a players psyche goes a long way in getting the maximum output from him. The support staff should also include medical teams conversant with the latest development in sports science.
• Keeping the faith
With the list of 48 probables in hand for all international events in the coming two years, Kaushik would do well to identify, assign and persist with players in specific roles. Constant chopping and changing undermines the confidence of a player.
• Assistance during rehabilitation
When a player becomes injured, thats when he is in the greatest need of help. Ensuring that the player has access to the latest physiotherapy and medical assistance during his recuperation should also be one of the coachs important jobs.
• Boosting the sagging morale
This should be one of the most obvious yet trickiest of tasks Kaushik has on hand. A team which has made losing its habit will take some time to turn around and adopt that winning mentality. Winning, much like losing, is also a habit and to achieve that goal, Kaushik needs to instill confidence in his young brigade.