On May 10 and 11, I had the opportunity to participate in USA Field hockey Nexus selection camp. Going into the weekend, I was both excited and nervous to be training with new coaches and to be competing against high-level players from different clubs and schools. I was prepared to come with confidence and was ready to make the most of the experience.
Day #1
From the very first drill, the level of intensity and speed was high. The water turf we played on added to the fast pace. Balls were everywhere, and jabs and tackles were coming from every direction. However, having my club teammate, Bea, in my group boosted my confidence and made the experience more fun. From the beginning, the drills required different skills, and focused on how to make quick decisions in tight situations.
At first, it was intimidating to play at such a high level, but as the day went on, I became more comfortable and confident in myself. I found my voice and used it to communicate to others on the field, calling for the ball and telling my teammates where I was. Many of the drills focused on my first-touch forward, quick restarts, off-ball movement, and having a plan before receiving the ball. This challenged my mind and forced me to react quicker under pressure.
Other drills pushed me to work with my teammates by making cuts, seeing open splits, anticipating passes, and recognizing when to score. One of my favorite drills involved a one-on-one with the goalie, followed by a 3V2 where I had to drop back and defend. As the drill progressed, more players were added, increasing the complexity and requiring more stamina and communication. I especially liked this drill because it challenged my ability to drop back to defend quickly while also working outnumbered in a small space. Communication was key in drills like these because you had to know where everyone was and make sure they knew where you were too. I did this by yelling my position or calling out “flat” or “through,” so my teammates could find me without having to look up.
Another thing that increased the pressure was the presence of the evaluators at every station. Knowing I was being watched closely during each drill definitely added to the pressure, but it also taught me to stay focused and calm. Even when I made a mistake, I made sure to not let it affect me for the rest of the day. Instead, I learned to move past it quickly, fix it, and keep playing my best. By the end of day one, I felt a boost in my confidence. I began to trust myself and my abilities, and realized it wasn't as scary or overwhelming as I thought it would be.
Day #2
As Day 2 started, I felt a lot more comfortable and was ready to take on new challenges. A significant part of day included 7v7s, emphasizing key defensive strategies such as man-to-man marking and zone marking. When we were man-to-man marking, I made sure to communicate to my teammates by letting them know who I was marking. However, I liked the zone marking more because it allowed me to cover more space, and most of the time, we won the ball faster.
As the day progressed, I finally got to the 4v4 drill led by Coach Gloria, focusing on quick shooting in a small space. Her presence on the field boosted my confidence, and encouraged me to play more aggressively. I made sure to pay close attention to her tips and applied them during the drill, shooting as soon as I got the ball, or seeing the pass to someone who had an open shot. This drill really helped shooting quickly and use quick decision-making as soon as I got the ball.
The day concluded with a 9v9 scrimmage, giving us an opportunity to show our abilities and strengths before leaving. I played my favorite position, center mid, and worked hard to make effective plays and maintain my position. I mainly focused on communication and my off-ball movement, making sure I was always an option for my teammates, and helping contribute to both the defensive and offensive sides of the game.
Overall, participating in the Nexus selection camp was a valuable experience, contributing to my growth as a player. I realized how important it is to strike forward, use off-ball movement, and have a strong first touch. These skills are essential for creating space, helping teammates, and attacking forward. Overall, I learned a lot, had so much fun, and I would encourage anyone who loves field hockey to try it!!
Credits:
Photos by Steven Ritchie and Amy Barrer.