158 MC Katrina Powell AMA about Paris 1

Speaker

  • Katrina Powell
    Katrina Powell
    Coach

    Katrina Powell, or Triny as she is known, is one of these coaches with an amazing track record as a player herself. Three Olympics Games resulted in two gold medals (Atlanta 1996 & Sydney 2000). With a World Cup gold in 1998 in between those Games to top that off. A playing career with 252 caps and 141 goals resulted in a coaching career at the highest level as well.

    In 2021 she was appointed head coach of the Hockeyroos. She was the first female coach for this team in 43 years…

Local Time

  • Timezone: America/New_York
  • Date: 2024-Aug-30
  • Time: 03:00 - 04:00
QR Code

Date

2024-Aug-30
Expired!

Time

09:00 - 10:00

Labels

Masterclass

Exclusive AMA about Paris 2024 with Katrina Powell answering your coaching questions

Following the Paris 2024 Games we’ll host several #AMA sessions with coaches who were at the Games so you can ask them your coaching questions. Katrina Powell, head coach for the Hockeyroos or national women’s team of Australia, was LIVE with us on Friday August 30.

The full video is available on demand here or in the XPS appGet XPS here if you don’t have this amazing coach app yet.

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Join us as we delve into the valuable lessons learned by Katrina Powell, following the Paris Olympics. In this interactive session, Katrina answers pressing questions from fellow coaches, shedding light on the intricacies of Olympic preparation, team selection, and performance strategies.

Insights from Katrina Powell: a summary of a few questions

Challenges of Team Selection

Katrina Powell on team selection challenges

Team selection is always a challenging process, made even more complex during the Olympics. Katrina emphasized the emotional toll on both the coach and the athletes who are not selected. She explained that it’s devastating to miss out on such a monumental event, and this often leads to difficult discussions. The emotional impact affects not only the individual athletes but also their teammates, creating a challenging environment when cuts are made.

Successes and Lessons from Olympic Preparation

Katrina discussing successes in preparation

When asked about the biggest successes in preparation, Katrina pointed to the centralization of training in Perth. This commitment allowed the team to work together consistently for six months leading up to the Olympics. She noted that this approach not only improved physical and technical skills but also fostered a strong team culture. The focus was on building a cohesive unit that could perform well together on the international stage.

Building Team Performance During Tournaments

Katrina on building team performance

Another coach inquired about maintaining team performance throughout the tournament. Katrina explained that there is no stopping point in an athlete’s or coach’s career. They must continue to build confidence and performance from the beginning to the end of the tournament. Reviewing each game and learning from experiences are crucial for development, ensuring that the team is prepared for every challenge they face.

Switching Mentality from Pool Games to Knockouts

Transitioning from pool games to knockout rounds can be challenging. Katrina stressed the importance of convincing athletes that every game matters equally. The focus should always be on the process, execution, and teamwork rather than simply the scoreboard. This mindset helps maintain a consistent performance level, regardless of the stakes involved.

Katrina discussing tactical decisions

Tactical Decisions in Critical Moments

In response to a question about tactical decisions, Katrina explained her reasoning for keeping the goalkeeper on the field, even when chasing a game. She emphasized the importance of space and the effectiveness of their world-class goalkeeper, which allows the team to maintain attacking opportunities without compromising defensive integrity.

Post-Game Reflections and Emotional Recovery

Katrina on post-game reflections

After a match, especially in high-stakes situations like the Olympics, Katrina emphasized the importance of allowing athletes to process their emotions. The team engages in recovery, family time, and reflection before moving on. This process fosters a sense of closure and helps athletes reconnect with their support systems, which is vital for their emotional well-being.

Planning for Future Events after Paris 2024

Finally, Katrina discussed the importance of reflecting on past experiences to inform future planning. She believes that understanding what went well and what didn’t is essential for growth. This reflection not only aids in personal coaching development but also ensures that the team is on the right path moving forward. It’s about building on successes and learning from setbacks to improve in the next cycle.

The Role of Domestic Leagues in Athlete Development

Katrina discussing the importance of domestic leagues

Katrina emphasized the importance of domestic leagues, particularly HockeyOne, in fostering athlete development. These leagues provide crucial competitive environments where players can refine their skills under pressure, which is essential for their growth as athletes.

Emphasizing Core Skills in Young Athletes

Young athletes often bring innovative techniques and skills to the game. However, Katrina highlighted the need to balance this creativity with a strong foundation in core skills such as passing, receiving, and stick-on-ball techniques. These fundamentals are vital for long-term success in the sport.

Katrina discussing feedback strategies

Balancing Feedback and Trust with Players

Effective feedback is crucial in high-performance environments. Katrina shared her approach to providing constructive feedback while maintaining athletes’ confidence. She believes in acknowledging what players do well and fostering a trusting relationship that allows for honest discussions about areas for improvement.

Developing World-Class Skills in Women’s Hockey

Katrina addressed the challenge of developing world-class skills in women’s hockey, particularly regarding drag flicking. She pointed out that while some countries consistently produce top-tier drag flickers, it requires a combination of natural talent, technical skill, and extensive practice over time.

Katrina on video analysis and information sharing

Information Sharing and Video Analysis

In modern coaching, video analysis plays a critical role. Katrina explained that effective information sharing must be tailored to the needs of individual players and the team as a whole. Balancing the amount of information provided, especially during high-stakes competitions like the Olympics, is key to ensuring athletes can perform at their best.

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Katrina concluded with a reflection on the importance of continuous improvement in coaching and athlete development. She believes that fostering a supportive environment where players can thrive will ultimately lead to better performance on the international stage.

The AMA session was a dynamic Q&A where Katrina addressed various topics, including managing player expectations, the strategic use of sports psychology, and how to ensure that the national program aligns with domestic league development. Her insights provided valuable takeaways for coaches at all levels.

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