His answer sits off the pitch. Characters differ as much as playing styles, so a squad needs to spend as much time understanding each other as it does on fitness and technique, with players prepared to be open about themselves. Once teammates know why one player keeps going forward, they cover for him: whoever is a metre closer tracks back, trusting the other to pick up his man. Watch the full masterclass: Teun de Nooijer on nurturing talent in field hockey.
