Mastering Circle Behaviour in Hockey: Insights from Alyson Annan

World-renowned hockey coach Alyson Annan shares her insights into the behaviour of strikers in the attacking circle. In this masterclass, she emphasizes the importance of understanding various types of passes, the significance of positioning, and the mental aspects that contribute to effective circle behaviour.

Understanding Pass Types and Their Intent

Alyson categorizes passes into three main types: build-up passes, attacking passes, and scoring passes. Each type serves a distinct purpose in creating time and space in the circle. For instance:

• Build-up Pass: This pass connects with midfielders to prepare for an attack.
• Attacking Pass: This pass accelerates the play forward, leading to potential scoring opportunities.
• Scoring Pass: This is crucial for enabling a teammate to receive the ball and shoot effectively.

Training should focus on the intent behind each pass rather than just the technique itself.

Stimulating Effective Circle Behaviour

Before entering the circle, it is vital to stimulate certain behaviours while avoiding others:

• Stimulate: Knowing your options,…
• Avoid: Ball watching,…

Alyson emphasizes the importance of the “T position,” where players should be aware of their options before entering the circle. This awareness can lead to more effective positioning and passing strategies.

Maintaining Position Within the Circle

Once in the circle, players should focus on:

• Staying in the circle to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
• Gathering information about the goal, teammates, and defenders.
• Avoiding unnecessary movement that can lead to confusion.

By maintaining a strong position and being aware of their surroundings, players can increase their chances of scoring.

The Mindset of Scoring

Alyson stresses that circle behavior is not just about technique but also about mindset. Players must be confident in their ability to receive and shoot, and they should be encouraged to practice shooting from various positions within the circle. The key is not to focus solely on scoring but to appreciate the entire process leading to a successful shot.

Watch the full masterclass to learn more

Mastering circle behaviour involves understanding the intent behind passes, maintaining effective positioning, and fostering a strong mindset. Coaches should focus on training these behaviors consistently to enhance their team’s performance in the circle. For a deeper dive into these concepts, watch the full masterclass on demand by clicking here.

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Some clips from the masterclass ↓