Right Place at the Right Time

By Bob Whitcher | Sep 24, 2009 in Bob's Recruiting Info

If you have a daughter who shows a love for this game - then I am here to help. Most of us come to this sport having zero knowledge of what we should be doing to help our kids excel - or get the right breaks. I will try to help you here with advice and answers, for both the novice parent and the seasoned pro. I'm a father of two girls who have gone on to play in top Colleges. My guidance comes from both experience and having colleagues who coach at prominent Universities. So feel free to comment, ask questions - and lets Blog!

The younger you take advantage of your opportunities to play and get better – the more likely you are to excel against your peers – gain recognition and be noticed.

This seems self evident, but most families come into the game unaware of the possibilities and have no understanding of the direction needed to take. Many times a quality athlete finds themselves in their junior year left out of quality or critical opportunities because they were too late responding to an aggressive athletic timeline.

I hate to say it – but if you are behind in the spring of your Junior year of High School – then you probably will miss some decent opportunities. By behind I mean both in skill and ability on the field plus critical program(s) to be a part of.

This is all about being at the Right Place at the Right Time.

All my recommendations are based on incorporating into your game three key segments necessary to develop and excel – they are:
- TRAIN
- PLAY
- SHOWCASE

Here’s a list of programs I think worth your time and money

US Field Hockey Assoc. (USFHA) Festival U16 (PLAY) & U19 teams (SHOWCASE)
USFHA Futures – a little political – but necessary. You need to get plugged-in and develop name recognition. http://www.usfieldhockey.com/futures/index_new.php (TRAIN)
USFHA National Futures Championship- You must be Selected at your Regional Futures Tournament for this
- This is why you belong to Futures – for this first tier selection which puts you in the top 15% of hockey players in the USA. This is a list that coaches pay attention to and “mine” from for potential recruits. http://www.usfieldhockey.com/events/nationalfutureschampionship/index.php (SHOWCASE)
USFHA Indoor Championships – and Qualifiers to Main event – excellent hockey – dynamic and fast. Indoor hockey is a great game and a good way not only to keep skills sharp – but to develop new skills. (PLAY & SHOWCASE) http://www.usfieldhockey.com/events/nationalindoor/index.php
State Games – Bay State (MA), Empire (NY), Keystone (PA), Garden State (NJ) and the like. You must try-out for these. (PLAY & SHOWCASE)
Club Teams (Indoor and/or Outdoor) – not many to choose from – limited access depending on your area, age and skill level. (Hopefuly TRAIN – but many do not – PLAY & SHOWCASE)
College Connection – for rising Juniors and rising Seniors. I’ve heard they are going lower in age – if so, this may dilute the Showcasing potential – which has been excellent. (SHOWCASE)
Quality Camps – it is not enough to just play in tournaments – you must learn the correct way to play. US players have a terrible reputation when it comes to their technical skills. Hockey is a skill game. Talent and athletic ability is not enough to play in college. (more in a later Blog) www.worldcampusa.com (TRAIN)
International experience (expensive – but well worth the investment for those with potential) www.sport-eurotour.com (TRAIN)

Stay Tuned – Next weeks Blog (Not sure just yet)
Hockey is in full gear now – enjoy it.

Bob Whitcher
World Camp USA / Sport EuroTour
Top-Skill Training ~ at home and abroad
Where is Your Game Going?

Comments

Jeannette Ireland - Mt Hebron High School

Hi Bob,

Our girls have been part of your World Camp and Euro Tour for many years. I just discovered your blog and want you to know that the info you have shared is extremely valuable to coaches as well as parents. I found it very helpful.

Thanks,
J

Oct 27, 2009 at 11:02 am