After months of intense preparation and countless hours training, some of the finest young 15 to 18 year old hockey players in the world took to the battle field against each other at the 13 day extravaganza event, the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. BUT THIS HOCKEY BATTLE HAS A DIFFERENCE….
It is not our traditional 11 a side game but the FIH Hockey5’s format [5 a side format], i.e.,
A few key points of the game:
- 55 metres by 41.7 metres pitch (half normal size).
- Three periods of 15 minutes of play
- Five players per side on the field at any time
- No drawn games (extra time)
- Scored from anywhere on the field
- One-on-one challenge instead of penalty corners.
Click here for official FIH Hockey5 RULES
The event in Nanjing is the second Youth Olympic Games, coming four years after the inaugural edition in Singapore. The Hockey competition was a massive success in 2010, introducing the world to a number of extraordinarily gifted individuals who would go on to achieve exceptional things over the next four years. Two such players were members of Australia’s Youth Olympic Gold medal winning ‘class of 2010’: Jeremy Hayward and Daniel Beale. This year, Hayward played a starring role as the mighty Kookaburras triumphed at Rabobank Hockey World Cup, being named Hero Best Young Player of the tournament in the process, while Beale featured in the squad that stormed to Gold at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
At the time of this article writing the action at Nanjing had been exciting with many goals scored and nations like favourite Australia challenged by the unpredictability that goes with the game. What do players say about the Youth Olympics and the hockey5’s game? Australian Youth players share their thoughts in this video.
FIH Hockey5s is hopefully here to stay. Hockey Australia has incorporated it as part of it corporate plan to grow hockey in Australia. It has many advantages.
Firstly, it lends itself through the fast flowing, high goal scoring format, a smaller field, fewer players to be sports marketing asset for the sport of hockey in general. Commercial TV, live streaming and crowd pleasing excitement potential will attract spectators and sponsors if marketed correctly when we show off our best players in action. Professional basketball has reaped much because of the nature of the game and the way it has been marketed.
In a recent article in the South China Post 3 times International Player of the Year Jamie Dwyer was quoted as saying it would provide a more entertaining spectacle on television and secure the future of the sport at the Games. “Hockey was in danger of being kicked out of the Olympics recently and I believe the main reason is that we have too many athletes taking part. With this in mind, I think fives would be perfect. I want to make sure that hockey remains in the Olympics and if this is the way to go, why not? It will be great. Fives will be better for entertainment. There will be more goals and more action, making it a better spectacle for television.” said Dwyer.
Secondly, FIH Hockey5’s lend itself a great participatory model for introducing hockey to beginners and I am not suggesting just children. It is a great way for getting parents and adult potential players to play hockey. Again if marketed correctly. At junior levels we may be at fault trying to get young players into 11 a side games too early, e.g., under 12 years. Hockey5’s provide a great way for them to explore more in the game and participate individually in the game to a higher level
Thirdly, the model lends itself to be used where hockey competitions struggle to field enough club teams. Masters hockey in country area competitions is an example. Another advantage for masters players is that it counteracts the problem where over 60 year olds are to play a long side fitter over 40 year olds. Normally they might struggle to touch the ball enough in a game whereas in the smaller field and having smaller numbers [5] they are involved more, therefore providing much more a richer game experience.
It is the viewpoint of Go Hockey News that FIH Hockey 5’s be here to stay but not without clear directions from International and National Hockey management to hockey associations and clubs in establishing and marketing Hockey5’s competitions
For all the action of the Hockey 5’s at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China go to You Tube – 2014 Youth Olympic – Hockey 5’s.
