Futures Tournament ::: Secrets of Selection

You’ve participated in Futures.  Whether you found it of value or not doesn’t matter.  Because now you go to the Regional Futures Tournament (RFT) to compete for a spot at The National Futures Championship (NFC) in Virginia Beach.

This is the stated mission of Futures…
“The Mission of the Futures Program is to regionally develop the best athletes for the purpose of identifying talented ‘future’ Olympic level athletes and to strengthen the level of field hockey throughout the United States. “  - United States Field Hockey Association

Because it is a talent identification program – college coaches use this selection process as a way to gauge a players strength and abilities – for recruitment.  You made it on to a list with the top 12% of the country’s players.  And that makes the National Championship the premier recruiting hot spot.

Now what you may not know is that only about 10% of the players at the Regional’s are getting a serious look or consideration during that Tournament.  Are you surprised?  Don’t be.  It is stated in the Futures Criteria – how a player trains and plays during their 30 hours of Futures will determine their placement at the RFT’s. 
“The Head Coach must complete this form and return it to your Regional Coaching Director. The athletes listed below will be pre-identified into the first round of the Regional Tournament Selection.” Check this out for more.

In our State we have an Elite site where all the previous year’s selected players attend.  These players already have an advantage of being selected again over most players who attend the Futures training at the entry level sites.  Your selection chances are slim to none if you have not been nominated out of your site.  Even if you have been nominated you have an uphill battle.

So, what can you do to help your chances?  Well, if you dogged it at Futures it’s too late.  Regardless, I believe there are some things that all players can do to help elevate their status on the field at RFT’s.  They may sound simple – but they can make all the difference.

1)      Be AGGRESSIVE.  If you lose the ball to a tackle – go back for it.  A pass to you is too far away to get – stretch and give it everything you have to get it.  A ball is going out the side line – again save that ball!  Be Aggressive.  Leave it ALL on the field.  Run Hard – Work Hard.  Even if you have an off day technically – you can never feel bad about giving 100%.  And coaches notice that.

2)      Be LOUD, TALK & COMMUNICATE..  Yell on the field: where you are – where you’re going – where a defender may be. 

3)      MOVE off the ball.  Many players just watch, follow the play or run with the ball carrier.  That’s not good enough – You have to be a part of the play.  Think ahead of the play.  Where should you be?  8 times out of 10 you will not receive the ball – but this is how the game is played correctly.  And those two times you do get the ball… you’ll be in great positioning.

4)      Demand the ball & Hunt for the Ball.  Control the game – without being a ball hog.  Make a difference to the way the game is being played.  And look for open space and run there.

5)      Many players can start a play – but how many can finish.  Did you progress the play – or did you just look good doing what you do.  What was the final outcome of you having had the ball or doing a defensive move?

6)      You cannot wear crazy clothes on the field – you are restricted.  But you can wear wrist bands – head bands – color shoes – hair in French braids – a hockey glove – or something that stands out.

And that is the point – stand out.  Make it easy for the coach selectors to see and notice you.  Not just by what you wear – but how you play.

Good luck!

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