New coach Nobbs gears up for first hockey camp

BANGALORE: Chief coach Michael Jack Nobbs and camp in-charge SS Grewal arrived here in the evening, paving the way for a Monday that will see the first few steps taken towards streamlining the activities at the national hockey camp.

Nobbs, who had a lengthy meeting with the coaches and officials soon after his arrival, will meet the players on Monday morning.

Three groups will be formed and basic tests on speed and explosive strength conducted in the next few days. Personal interaction between the chief coach and players too has been planned.

“We will see a lot of hockey in the next 3-4 days,” said camp co-ordinator and in-charge SS Grewal.

“The coach wants to see the boys in action, ascertain their standard so that he can assign roles to them. We are awaiting the arrival of exercise physiologist David John, who has applied for visa.

“Once he reaches Bangalore, more tests will be done. We are looking at an eight-month plan, which will tell us how well the boys can peak during the Olympic qualifiers in February next year.” Once the performance levels are recorded, the think-tank will put in place a system specifying the roles of each player. “Then comes the formation which will suit the team. We expect everything to be done by 15 days,” Grewal said.