Thank you to all of our campers and staff.  This was maybe our best summer yet!

But now, in two weeks my youngest daughter starts her last season of field hockey as a senior with the University of Richmond.  I’ve been watching my kids play hockey every fall for about 12 years now.  Everyone in my family is concerned with what I am going to do with myself next fall.

Which got me thinking about sports in the USA – or – What’s after College?. 

I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how other countries operate their sports programs – and honestly I’m not sure we have the best system for kids.  Certainly we are the best when it comes to pro sports and Olympic level programs.

But as an example, in Holland, they do not play sports in high schools or colleges.  It is played in a club system which is sponsored by their local government – just not in their school systems.

What that ultimately means is a few things  1) All players can play on a team regardless of their level of play   2) Players have access to a competitive sport team well after they turn 21 years of age  3) They play for the love of the game… they do not have to compete at an early age to secure the right spot on the right team so they can be seen by that college coach to either get a scholarship or get into the right school.  This type of pressure does not exist there as we know it.  If they have pressure – it is the competitive need to win.

It seems many of our kids play because they have to – not because they want to – and that is a shame.

Yet in our pyramid system where only the best can play as they get older – we are cutting girls from sports at the pre-teen or teenage years because they aren’t good enough to compete – just at a time in their lives in which studies suggest they benefit the most from these activities.  They have a better self-image, self esteem, less likely to get pregnant or become drug and alcohol dependant. http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/Content/Articles/Sports%20And%20Fitness/123/25%20Benefits%20of%20Girls%20Playing%20Sports.aspx

So when our World Camp Dutch and International staff introduce our campers to a new way of training – it is refreshing – and reenergizes a players desire and motivation to play the game.  Because players recognize that they can play the game for fun.  And our belief is, when you love something – you will excel at it.

Many camps and team training regimens are based on “hard work”.  Our US system of training is handed down to us from one of our earliest and best known sports – Football.  And this training philosophy is all about muscles, sweat and hard work.   No matter what your sport – I bet you hear this a lot – or have even asked it of your daughter – “Did you work hard today?” – or “Hard work-out today?” – equating hard work with a productive training session.

Maybe the better question is – “What did you learn today” or “What skill did you improve on today?”

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

But I don’t hear too much about the basics in our sport.  I believe this is because in the US we put too much focus on hard work and sweat in a training session.  I believe the reason we put so much focus on these training attributes is because we have, as a national body, limited ability to understand the motor skills of our sports skill-sets.  It’s easier to run a hard training session than a smart one.  Especially at a time when our kids need it the most – and that is at the very beginning of their learning.  They typically are being taught poorly, or not at all, by very young or inexperienced “coaches” during these early stages of development.   At a local high school, the freshman coach didn’t know how to play the game.  OK – many of our US coaches are great at COACHING for team dynamics, motivation and general tactics – but what about how to hold a stick?  Or how to strike the ball for power and accuracy?  How to pass to your right?

This is one of the reasons that the USFHA has introduced the COACHING ACCREDITATION program and training courses designated as Level I, Level II, Level II and Level III+.   This is an initiative to get all of the USA’s field hockey coaches teaching and/or learning the correct techniques along with a consistent curriculum to help US players develop the foundation needed to play the game at its highest levels – and to keep up with the rest of the world’s hockey community.  If you didn’t know, while the US has made great strides in the past few years – we are still way behind when compared to Holland, Germany and Australia, just to mention a few.

Every sport emphasizes the Basics.  You hear even with the pro sport teams who have gotten off track – they need to go back and practice the basics.  So, what are our Basics?

• The Ready Stance or Neutral Position
• Receiving
• Dribbling or moving with the ball
• Passing

We start here, with the first step  – the Ready Stance or Neutral Position.

Think of the Ready Stance or Neutral Position as you would when you watch a Tennis player waiting to receive the serve – or a baseball player in the field just before the pitch.  Even a football player’s stance on the line of scrimmage.  Well we have one too!

Watch this 3 minute video – outlined by Thomas Tichelman, a former Dutch National Team Coach and FIH Developmental Coach (and World Camp USA co-owner) – he’ll show you the correct way for this positioning and at the end a great drill that can be done inside in a small space.  Practice this drill – and you will “own” this stance – and then we’ll show you how to use it in the next steps for: receiving, dribbling and passing.

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

I haven’t blogged in a couple of weeks – I didn’t think you would miss me because of the Holidays. But now I’m back.

I have Futures on my mind.   Futures! and the New Year – Get it?

Seriously, I took the USFHA Level I coaching course before Christmas – as I will be coaching again (haven’t done that since my kids went off to college) this March at a Futures site here in Massachusetts.  So I thought maybe you’d like a run down on the hierarchy of the FUTURES process and agenda.  OK?

Most of this comes directly from the USFHA info sheet.  I have made a few edits to help clarify this all for you.

To recap from my previous Blogs on Futures:
You want to be part of Futures.  You have to join USFHA and test into Futures – and be selected from their testing.

USFHA’s agenda is clearly stated below as wanting to identify and train talented US athletes for the US National Team.

Your agenda most likely will be on a different path than our sport’s governing body.  Not at odds necessarily – but probably looking in another direction.

– Because you are interested in playing on a College team.

Regardless of your agendas not being in sync.  You still need to get plugged into Futures.  This is where much of college scouting is taking place.

In 1990 USA Field Hockey introduced its Olympic Development initiative — The Futures Program. Through Futures, USA Field Hockey evaluates and identifies talented young athletes. 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 overall strengthen the level of field hockey throughout the United States.

Future Selection & Training

All athletes enter the Futures Program through a trial procedure. FYI: Depending on where an athlete resides, different trial options may be available. By the end of the Futures Program, athletes will be identified for further development.

More than 4,800 athletes participate in specialized monthly training sessions from January to June that culminate with Regional Tournaments conducted in 11 regions nation-wide.
From these regional tournaments, athletes are selected to compete in the programs ultimate event, The National Futures Championship – held in Virginia Beach the end of June.

All participants receive initial coaching based on a nationwide curriculum developed by Terry Walsh, Technical Director for USA Field Hockey.    The curriculum is designed to improve a participant’s fundamentals and tactics and to teach advanced skills being used by Olympic level hockey players.
FYI:  Play and training is based on international rules – example: Futures plays with the new self-pass/self-start rule – your High School team in 2009 did not.

Athletes in the Futures Program are divided into age-group categories: Under 19, Under 16, and Under 14.
Athletes are again split into two training levels, Level I (regional best) and Level II (developmental). These levels are based on the athlete’s present skill level and/or the athlete’s potential for development as determined by the athlete’s performance based on the National Selection Criteria.
Further selection or advancement opportunities from the Futures Program begin with:

Regional Futures Tournament

Futures culminates with a Regional Tournament open to all athletes who have attended at least 70% of the training in the Futures Program.  Each region has a tournament.  The Regional Tournament is meant to give athletes the opportunity to display their talents in a competitive environment.  At the regional tournaments, selectors choose the athletes to represent their region at the National Futures Championship.

National Futures Championship

The National Futures Championship is held each year following the Futures Regional Tournament. The National Futures Championship features 16 under-19 teams, 16 under-16 teams, and 6 under-14 teams.  The National Futures Tournament is a six day event typically held late June.
Selectors at the Futures Championship choose athletes to become Futures Elite.

Futures Elite

Futures Elite represents the best high school field hockey athletes in the country. These athletes have been identified as having the skills, talent, and potential to successfully continue through the “Junior High Performance Program”. Futures Elite includes approximately 150 athletes spanning the U14, U16 and U19 age groups.  Additional athletes may also be selected to Futures Elite from the AAU Junior Olympics. Once an athlete is named to Futures Elite they are part of Junior High Performance.

::: AAU Juinio Olympic Games (U16 only)

Only Under 16 athletes may qualify or participate in the field hockey event of the AAU Junior Olympic Games. The Junior Olympic Games are sponsored by the Amateur Athletic Union.  USA Field Hockey is responsible for selecting athletes to attend Junior Olympic Games from the National Futures Championship.  From Junior Olympics the U-16s can be further identified for the Futures Elite program.

Futures Development Invitational Camp (FDIC)

The FDIC is an Invitational Development Camp open only to athletes in the Futures Elite Program and is Directed by the USA Field Hockey National Coaching staff and USA Field Hockey’s top Olympic Development and High Performance coaches.

Junion National Camp

The Junior National Camp (JNC), is a four-day camp held every June/July. Athletes are invited to attend the JNC from Futures Elite and the Senior and Junior Women’s National Championships.

Olympic Development Select Athletes

Starting in 2010, Olympic Development Select (ODS) will represent the group of athletes that comprise the U16, U19 and U21 National Teams. Olympic Development Select athletes are selected at the Junior National Camp (JNC).  ODS annually includes approximately 48-54 athletes.

Junior High Performance Centers

Junior High Performance (JHP) Centers are a new addition to the Junior High Performance Program in 2010.  There will be 4 sites, located within the North East and Mid-Atlantic areas of the country.  These sites will run for 8-10 weeks during the spring culminating with the Junior National Championships in Virginia Beach in June.

Closing Note: This may look like a confusing chain of events if you are reading it for the first time.  Don’t worry.  Concentrate on three things:

• Get into Futures
• Play your best at the Regional Tournament
• If you are selected to the Championship Tournament – Play Hard…

Junior Olympics and/or Futures Elite – and each step afterward will be understood by you better as you move up the food chain.

What if you don’t test into, or can’t participate, in Futures?  What if you don’t get selected to the National Championship?

Don’t worry (most kids don’t) – but there is a team out there for you too.  And that will be another Blog.

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

:::: Keep the questions coming – they help start a Blog…

I may contradict myself with this one, because there are so many different scenarios that can take place – that any one answer will not do.

I have assumed throughout writing my Blogs that top US high school talent isn’t seeking advice – therefore I haven’t addressed their needs. If you are in the top 2% of the talent pool – then you know it. So if you have to ask – you’re not there yet – and you’re not alone.

Who are the top tier players? Well in my state, Massachusetts – there will be two to four kids graduating every year that come close. These are the kids that can make an impact their freshman year in a top DI college program. While in the mid-Atlantic there will be more.

Why the difference in Regions? The mid-Atlantic states have prolific and robust club systems. They play year round – sometimes 5 days per week. They have coaches that are more in tune with the game – in all aspects. In Pennsylvania , in the past (no more), Field Hockey was played in the fall while soccer in the spring – giving field hockey a huge extra pool of athletes.

Regardless of region, there are also player attributes that cannot be trained that make an athlete attractive to a coach – such as speed and aggressiveness. Consider, why does one girl put the ball in the net constantly – while others try just as hard without the same success? — sometimes this is just an intangible that cannot be taught – like the dog that can catch a Frisbee – or the Bulldog that rides the skateboard. Coaches are looking for these athletic intangibles specific to our game.

However a girl with raw talent and aggression in 8th and 9th grade thought to be the next sensation – may not live up to her potential – because she never learned the technical side of the game.  Athleticism alone will not rule, as players get older and mature they need to learn the game.  Less athletically talented players can learn the skills that will help them surpass these naturally gifted athletes.  Sometimes a young player who has it all – develops a body type that is not conducive to hockey at the highest levels.  Things can change dramatically for players – especially from 8th through sophomore year.  I’ve even seen college players who came in as freshmen –won all Conference freshman awards – only to play at the same ability as a senior – sometimes not even making the starting rotation – never having progressed their game or living up to their perceived potential.

Back in the early 90’s most Colleges weren’t committing to a player until their senior year. Festival was all about looking and seeking seniors. Then a trend started – and junior year is the norm for the top 5 to 10% to commit to a college. But now that is even trending younger.

Back to the question… You have to ask yourself – would it do more harm or good to promote your daughter early. Is she ready to be “seen”. Will the coaches come away with a good impression – or will the first impression soil further dialogue with a respective coach?

Showcasing Skills

My two daughter’s did College Connection between sophomore & junior year – and again between junior & senior year. Festival every year from 9th grade to senior year. (the early years were for play and for them to see how they compared to other US players). They participated in Futures for two reasons.. 1) name recognition 2) to try and make it to the National Futures Championship (a selection). They never did even one college camp. (Camps and Training yes – but not to a coach or college sponsored camp). They never made it to the National Indoor Tournament.

In my daughters time (8 to 6 years ago) there was no Disney Showcase – and when it started only a handful of coaches went. Then mostly the DIII’s went. Now it seems it is taking some coaches away from Festival versus in addition to Festival.

I want to leave you with this one thought: COACHES ARE LOOKING FOR PLAYERS. You need to think of your daughter as a product and market her. Name recognition – along with opportunities for your market (coaches) to try (view) the product. Don’t bring the product to market until she is ready. Again, COACHES ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR DAUGHTER!

You have to evaluate her level of play constantly to determine where to concentrate your outreach efforts – and I think that is another Blog.

Sophomores and Juniors – Visit College Campuses this winter!!!!

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

Question:  “We just returned from festival (which was amazing).  A parent of a player on our club team who’s daughter will be playing for Georgetown, told me that my daughter should send out a thank you emails to all the schools she contacted before the festival, and to also include a little update on how she did in festival. Is this a good idea, and if so I’d like to get your thoughts on what it should say? or should I wait a couple of weeks to see if my daughter is contacted by any of the attending schools, since the festival has just ended? I saw lots of coaches at all of our clubs games.”

ANSWER: Some of you can expect to receive phone calls as soon as Festival is over – while some coaches will take their time depending on their needs.  Starting the 2nd Monday after Festival – I suggest reaching out to those schools and coaches you previously contacted before Festival (if you have not heard from them).

Each situation is unique.  Just like every date is unique (remember – in previous Blogs I describe the similarities of recruitment to dating / going steady / and getting married).  I have have included some sample emails you can send post-festival – but these of course should be specifically directed to conversations or correspondence you may have sent or received from a respective coach.

I’m not sure about telling coaches how well you did at Festival – or how good you are in genereal.  Your resume, video and showcasing opportunities should do this.  How good you think you did – or how good you think you are – is subjective.   There are no hard and fast rules here – but my kids never did this.  Their job is to get noticed – and evaluated by the school or coach of their dreams.  Beacuse in the end – the coach will make the decision – and you can’t shine a sneaker (another Blog).

If a coach reached out to you after festival…

Dear Coach XXXX,

Thank you for your email.

I was both excited and encouraged that you were able to see me play at Festival.

I have attached your completed questionnaire and my resume to this email as you requested.
In addition I have a video of my play at Bay State Games last summer and my first game on grass this season which I will mail to you.

I am starting my club practice for the USFHA Indoor Qualifier in New York on January 15.

Other than that I will be at Minutemen FHC in Boston on weekends and playing in some Indoor Tournaments when available.
I will be doing Futures again this winter and will be at College Connection at UNH next Spring.

I will update you as I know more about my hockey schedule.

I hope you’ll have a chance to see me play sometime.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you evaluate my game – and help you make a positive decision about my joining the XXXX TIGERS XXXXX.

Thank you
Cindy Sue Jones
Graduating 2011
————————–
PO Box XXXX
Anywhere, MA 02556
Phone: 508.555.xxxx
Fax: 508.555.xxxx
Email: xxxx@gmail.com

If you did not receive contact after festival …

Dear Coach XXXX,

I hope you were able to see me play at Festival.

I am still extremely interested in exploring the possibility of playing at XXXXX.

I am starting my club practice for the USFHA Indoor Qualifier in New York on January 15.

Other than that I will be at Minutemen FHC in Boston on weekends and playing in some Indoor Tournaments when available.
I will be doing Futures again this winter and will be at College Connection at UNH next Spring.

I will update you as I know more about my hockey schedule.

I hope you’ll have a chance to see me play sometime.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you evaluate my game – and help you make a positive decision about my joining the XXXX TIGERS XXXXX.

Thank you
Cindy Sue Jones
Graduating 2011
————————–
PO Box XXXX
Anywhere, MA 02556
Phone: 508.555.xxxx
Fax: 508.555.xxxx
Email: xxxx@gmail.com

And later – continue to update all coaches

- Whether winter, spring or summer games and tournaments….

Hi Coach,

I finally have my summer schedule together.
My SAT scores will be available June 26.

Here is where I will be playing this summer.

* June 25 – 28 ::: College Connection at UNH
Fri    June 30 at 4:30PM ::: Field #1
Sat   July   1 at  9:00AM ::: Field #1
Sun  July   2 at 10:40AM ::: Field #1
Mon  July   3     Cross over
Tues July   4     Cross over – medal rounds

* June 30 to July 4 ::: NFC at Virginia Beach
Team Concord ::: Uniform # 25

* July 13 to 16 ::: Bay State Games at UMass Lowell
Coastal Team ::: Uniform # 10
Thur. July 13 at 1PM
Fri.   July 14 at 1PM
Sat. July 15 at 9AM & 1PM
Sun. July 16 – Medal rounds 11AM or 12:30PM

July 16 to August 12 ::: European Camps – Amsterdam & Barcelona

Thank you
Cindy Sue Jones
Graduating 2011
————————–
PO Box XXXX
Anywhere, MA 02556
Phone: 508.555.xxxx
Fax: 508.555.xxxx
Email: xxxx@gmail.com

Now – Plan and start visiting schools – meet with coaches (they can have unlimited contact with you on their campus).  The great thing is – your school vacation schedule (except Christmas) will allow you to visit while they are in session.    Go – make an appointment.  If you cannot make an appointment – or you’re on campus spur-of-the-moment – then knock on their door.  Our family did it both ways.

In fact my youngest who plays for Univ. Richmond originally did this; spur-of-the-moment – knock on their door.   She was invited to a Junior Day at another University – and while we were in the area we decided to look at other schools.      FYI:  Do your team research before you start talking to coaches.  (Again – another Blog)

Good Luck.

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

The Resume below is  from my daughter.  Forgive the formatting errors as I copied and pasted from the original – and this blog software doesn’t want to cooperate.  The original fit on one page of 8.5 x 11 paper.

Coaches are first and foremost interested in your daughters hockey talent.  But they also need to get a feel for the caliber of kid they are looking at as well – to see if the potential recruit can compete within the academic rigors and standards of their respective University or College.

Just like any resume – don’t lie – but accentuate the positive.  Remember – You can’t shine a sneaker ~ meaning you may be able to get interest from any and all coaches – but in the end they will evaluate you for your true talent and potential for their team.   So be real.

Jane Doe – Graduating June 20xx

Contact & Personal Information

PO Box XXX – XXXX, MA XXXXX
Phone: 508-555-5555 – Fax: 508-555-5555    Email: XXXX@XXXX.com
Social Security #:  xxx-xx-xxx
Guidance Counselor: XXXXXXXX Email: XXXX@XXXX.com – Phone: (508)55555 ext 385

Biography

Jane has been exposed to sports at the Olympic Gold level in Europe since first grade; traveling extensively throughout Europe with her father’s business, an international field hockey training program. She has hosted Olympic Gold Medal athletes at her home and has worked for, and with, these same athletes. She has had incredible experiences attending European camps with kids from all over Europe.

Academics

• SAT Scores:        Verbal  640          Math  700
• Grade Point: 3.82 GPA (cumulative, unweighted)
• Ranked top 10% of her class
• Enrolled AP and High Honor Classes (Highest classes offered) – Consistently on High Honor Roll

Academic Awards

• Brown Book Award – 11^th grade
• 3^rdplace Falmouth High School Science Fair – Comparing field hockey stick vibration at different temperatures – 11^th grade
• 1^St place Cape Cod Times Sports Essay – 11^th grade
• Excellence/Outstanding Academic Achievement Recognition While Participating In Sports – ’01 to present
• Freshman Latin Student of the Year – 9^th grade
• Honorable mention, Boston Globe Photo contest – 8^th grade

Sports

• US Field Hockey Association “Futures Elite” selection – 12^th grade
• US Field Hockey Association “National Futures Tournament” selection – 12^th grade
• Field Hockey High School Team –  9^th through 12^th grade  (Co-captain 12^th grade)
• 2003/04 State South Sectional Field Hockey Champions – State Final 4 (High School Team)
• Track: Qualified for Massachusetts Class A’s – 9^th through 12^th grade

Extra Curricular Activities/Clubs

• National Honor Society member – 11^th grade to present
• Art Honor Society member – 11^th grade to present
• Adopt a Minefield – Raising money to clear minefields in Cambodia – 10^th grade to present
• Kicks Around the World  – Collecting used cleats & equipment for third world countries – 11^th & 12^th grade
• Various Class of ‘05 activities – ongoing

Community Service

• FalmouthService Center Volunteer – helping with low income family food distribution – 12 Grade
• Falmouth YouthField Hockey Club coach volunteer – working with young children  – 9^th grade to present
• Falmouth Road Race volunteer – 9^th grade to present
• St Elizabeth Seton CCD volunteer – 8^th grade to present
• JML Adult Day Health Care Center volunteer – 9^th grade to present
• Locks for Love – Hair donation

Employment

• Sport EuroTour – data entry/filing/paperwork & misc. jobs – 7^th grade to present
• World Camp USA – Camp duties plus data entry/filing/paperwork & misc. jobs – 10^th grade to present
• Child Care – 6^th grade to present

European Travel Programs

• Spain – ’02&‘04: European Hockey Federation Camp of Excellence
• the Netherlands – ’00&‘04: Top Hockey Camp
• France – ‘03: European Hockey Federation Camp of Excellence
• United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands & Germany – ’00,’01,’02&’03: Sport EuroTour
• Europe: Summers with parents while they were working in Europe – ’93 to present

Hobbies

• Ballroom Dancing
• Baking
• Long Distance Running

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

I’m a little uncomfortable as I write this, because I operate FH camps here and abroad.  I am afraid that those reading this will see it all as a prejudiced view – and maybe it is.  Partially because I am extremely proud of the product we deliver to US high school players…  with this caveat I’ll give you my view.

My two kids never went to a “College” camp.

Coaches are actively seeking and looking for talented players that will fit into their system.  Problem for them is – they are all fishing from the same pool – and this competition for talent is what will help you get your kid noticed.  THEY ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!

Coaches seek players who can play – not kids who have gone to their camps.

Certainly by going to a college camp you can be “discovered” – more likely it will help a college coach and her staff evaluate players on their watch list.

Here’s where I can get myself into trouble…   most camps are not run with a focus on the customers (YOU) need – but simply as an additional source of revenue for the coach or her program. (FYI: some teams need supplemented income to operate their program – and revenue does not necessarily go to the coach).  What really gets me is when a HS player is “invited” to attend – like it is a special privilege receiving this invitation – when it is nothing more than a marketing effort to get players to attend their camp.

Most players showing interest in a college program then become a camp prospect.   This in itself does not bother me.  The insinuation that it is a special invite and opportunity for the player to be seen is what gets to me.

Our family received many of these “invitations”.  But I relied on SHOWCASES and aggressive outreach to get interest from these coaches.

Now consider the source when I say this – but if you are going to a camp wanting to take your game to the next level – then you may want to think carefully where you should go.  But going to a camp at a college venue that really interests you – is a good way to get a feel for the campus and the team (as most college camps have their teammembers as the coaching staff).

I have said this before in my Blogs – There are three basic elements that a HS player must concentrate on…  TRAINING ::: GAME PLAY ::: SHOWCASES

BUT you should not Showcase your talents unless you can play.  I know a coach at a top end school and a very good DI hockey program who will not consider players who do not have the CORRECT basic skills for Hitting and Passing – regardless of their athletic accomplishments.  He doesn’t have the time to correct their mechanics – he’s focused on the next level.

Athletic ability can only get you so far – Skill is the next tool that needs to be developed – and most players are unwilling to put the time in.  Let’s face it – Players just want to play… and that’s another Blog.

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

So this week I’ll keep it short and to the point:

You have four key points to evaluate when considering going to, and playing on, a college team…

I was told early on by a wise parent to choose your school first.
- Yes you have to like your coach.  But coaches do leave – both my daughters were recruited by coaches who left before they started their pre-season.
- and Yes you should like your team – but the team dynamics can and do change.
- but the biggest reason to consider, if you ever have a career ending injury – will you be happy at this institution?

1)   School first… Is it the right school for you? (academics – student body – major – environment – size – location)

2)   Team / League level… meaning – will you be able to play during your four years?
Is it important for you to contribute to the team on the field?
Do you want to play early and often?
Be a starter by sophomore year?
Time commitment and effort to the sport: DI, II or III?
Too strong a team – and you may sit for a long time. Too weak and you may never experience the game at your full potential.  — check the team roster on the Internet – do they have the same resume as you? better/worse?

3)   the Team – can you see yourself with them.  This will be your family for four years.

4)   the Coach(es) – this is last because coaches may come and go.
But they can have a tremendous impact on your experience over 4 years.

Hope this gives you something to think about.
More next week.

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

Again, I separate high school hockey development into three balanced segments – without all three you will have a hard time competing for a college roster spot.  They are:
TRAINING
PLAYING
SHOWCASE

Festival for U19 players is one of the best SHOWCASE opportunities you’ll have.  All of the serious hockey programs are represented there.  College coaches go from field-to-field, game-to-game, watching athletes play throughout the weekend.  Very exciting – but with a price: high anxiety.

Don’t make the mistake that coaches are looking for a diamond in the rough.  Most, if not all, college coaches scouting games at Festival have a pre-determined, highlighted list that they are working from. They know before the day starts what field and at what time they will be there to watch what player(s).

Many players incorrectly assume that they will be discovered!  Because of this belief, they make little or no effort to pre-contact coaches.   Then they’re left saying “No coach contacted me. They didn’t like me”. These players can quickly get discouraged and begin to give up any hope of playing in college.

What is likely to have happened is that your daughter was not on a coaches “watch list” so they didn’t see her play.

Most college coaches go to Festival with a specific list of players to watch. This list usually consists of either top players, players who have been recommended or players that have contacted the coach with interest in playing for their program.

High school players need to do their homework first – and then expect to do some legwork.

Homework includes a realistic understanding of their ability and level of play – and then choosing the colleges that are an appropriate fit.

The legwork is to contact these schools and create a connection with the coaching staff. But first, check out their website – review their team roster – read their player bios.  Is your hockey resume similar to the high or low end of their roster?  If yes, then you have a good chance of getting some attention from this coach.

Trying to fit into a program that isn’t right for you will be a waste of time.  Because in the end you “Can’t shine a sneaker” and you very rarely can you fool a college coach into thinking a player is something they are not.  So be realistic.

Having said this, you can fall into a trap on the opposite side of this equation, that you aren’t good enough for a program.  Your daughter’s  job is to play and play well ::: Let coaches know she is out there ::: Create opportunities to be seen by coaches.    It is the coaches job (not yours or your daughters) to decide if she will be a fit for that respective college team.   You do your job and they will do theirs.  If they tell your daughter she doesn’t fit – then you have to respect their decision and move on (not quit) – there is a team for everyone.

CONTACT COACHES / SCHOOLS

• Send a letter of Introduction to College Coaches (NOW)
• Follow it up with an email
• A Video will most likely be requested  (more on this in a later blog)
• Later update the Coaches with Festival field numbers and match times, etc.
• Continue to show your interest – email to College Coaches with something to say – about new items to your FH resume  (league All-Star or special selection, – anything that can set you apart, etc.)

Communication is the key!

Consider your daughter a product.  (Sorry)  You must market her if you hope to get any interest.  You can’t “sell” a product if no one knows about.   Coaches are always looking for new talent – they want to buy.   This is in your favor.

NOTE: When contacting college coaches – have everything signed in your daughter’s name.  Send all emails from her email address.  Coaches do not want to hear from parents.  But you can help them craft their correspondence and all of the other support you think they need.

And remember: (this does not apply to current HS seniors) You are only trying to secure interest from a prospective coach – not a commitment or offer.  Your goal is to start a dialogue – and then get them to come see you play.

Here’s a good resource link to easily navigate to a prospective college program: http://www.usfieldhockey.com/links/collegiate_i.htm

Until next week.

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

Since USFHA Festival is around the corner – and some of you have asked, I thought this is a good subject.

For those of you who may not know…  the US Field Hockey Association’s “National Field Hockey Festival” is their marquis event – and the largest hockey tournament in the world – open to over 3000 teenagers and adults playing hockey for three days over Thanksgiving weekend.

This is big and really an awesome sight if you’ve never been.  26 fields carved out of Polo grounds in California.  You can go to:  http://www.usfieldhockey.com/events/nationalhockeyfestival/index.php for more info.

I separate high school hockey development into three segments:
TRAINING
PLAYING
SHOWCASE

You need all three in order to be good and get recruited.  But like most things – these should be balanced.  (More on that in later Blogs).

Festival for the players is primarily a SHOWCASE opportunity.  I say primarily, because for u19 players it is a SHOWCASE for college scouts, but for most U16 players it is not a recruiting vehicle - only a playing opportunity.  Sure, for the top 5% it may be a showcase – but for most players this age, it is not.  Showcasing at Festival typically starts for the 11^th grader.

Again, you have to go back to what I said in the previous blog about your level of commitment to this sport – and where you think your daughter’s game can go.  If you see potential – then I believe going to Festival on an U16 team to be worth the expense.

Why?  A couple of reasons…1) It’s energizing and will give any player a renewed sense of purpose.  2) It will help your daughter to measure herself against other players from around the country.  Either providing a reality check – and/or the understanding of what has to be done in order to compete in the national arena – and when it comes to College – she will be competing with players from all over the USA – not just your hometown or region.   3) Plus Festival will give her a quality playing opportunity.

The downside: 1) It can be expensive.  2) You cannot always find a team.  3) Your team may “need” to win and not play you equally – potentially giving her little playing time – or creating a less than exceptional experience.

There are two categories of teams:
“Legacy” status means the team is guaranteed to be accepted and entered into the Tournament.
“Lottery” status means the team has to enter a Lottery for selection every year.  With one caveat – that if they win their Pool at Festival the prior year – they are waived from having to enter the Lottery – and gain automatic acceptance for one year.

You will find that most teams are extremely competitive at Festival.  However the Lottery teams are in a do or die situation – and must win in order to guarantee a place at tournament the following year.  And Festival for most Club teams is critical for sustaining the recruitment of players into their system.

My advice to those joining a Festival team is to ask a few questions:
1) are they Lottery or Legacy? (this will determine club strategy and game agenda)
2) how many players will be on the team?  (this may determine playing time)
3) what is their interest or goal for the individual player vs the team?

For example – I have an U19 Legacy team – which we state as our goal:

“While we will be striving to field the best team possible – winning is not our final focus…   Our main Team Goal is to showcase the players to the best of their ability and help them get into the college of their choice.    We are connected to, and respected by, many college coaches – but we will not recommend players if their talent is not warranted to that team or Division.  Thus we will not want to take players who are not ready to demonstrate at this venue.”

We can do this because we have Legacy status and never worry about an invitation to return the following year.  Some Teams cannot afford to take this approach – and winning becomes the central theme.

RECAP:  Festival is worth the investment for U16 players.  But know why you are going.  And get your expectations in line with your teams agenda.  Freshman & Sophomore’s  - do not go expecting to be recruited.

Next week I’ll stay with Festival –  how u19’s can be proactive in getting coaches to watch your daughter.

Until then – Be supportive on the sidelines – Don’t coach.
(There is a Difference)

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