Hockey WA Performance and Pathways Strategy for 2024

CLUB & ASSOCIATIONS
Clubs First

In 2024, Hockey WA’s Performance and Pathways primary focus is to enhance club and association development programs and work closer with our performance and pathway players. 

Our goal is to equip clubs and associations with essential resources and the necessary tools to ensure high-quality training and game environments.

We value the continued role our clubs and associations play in athlete development; and are committed to complementing and elevating current development programs through collaboration and shared insights.

The scope of development opportunities and progression extends to coaches.  Hockey WA will host coaching workshops designed to reinforce our programs and improve the standard of coaching and athlete experiences. 

STATE PERFORMANCE AREA

Emerging Perth Thundersticks (ETP) Program

In alignment with our performance goals and strategy, the elite programming for Hockey WA takes a step forward by introducing our elite junior players to a series of mini camps, including specialist camps i.e. goalkeeping, goalscoring, penalty corner and penalty shootout development.  The mini camps will occur between Quarter 1, 2 and 3.

We will be using mini camps to target athlete performance, behaviour, performance enhancement, technical and tactical skills, and physical capacity.  Hockey WA have taken the lead from current Hockey Australia junior programs; delivering 2 – 5-day camps over the year.  Shorter training blocks allow us to minimise the impact and interruption on the clubs, season, and external athlete commitments.

In Quarter 4, the program returns to a six-to-eight-week training program, like a National Championships preparation phase, ahead of the International Youth Gryphon Cup.

Athlete identification for the program will include the 2023 State Team players in the Under 14, 16 and 18 age group categories. This is not an arbitrary position, and where reasonable and appropriate, athletes may be selected at any time, via the Talent Scout Program. 
The ‘Talent Scout’ is a talent identification program crafted to recognise junior players exhibiting the qualities of future elite athletes. 

Key Focus Areas:
 
Technical Focus:
The Talent Scout places a premium on identifying the technical excellence of potential stars. Our experts will be asked to evaluate the crucial areas such as stick skills, ball control, passing accuracy, goal-scoring abilities and defensive strategies.
 
Tactical Intelligence:
Understanding the details of the game is paramount. Talent Scouts will be able to identify players' decision-making abilities, positioning, and understanding of game dynamics. Our aim is to produce athletes who not only excel individually but also contribute seamlessly to team strategies.
 
Physical Prowess:
Recognizing the demands of modern field hockey, our program places a strong emphasis on physical fitness and conditioning. Tailored training regimes, nutrition guidance, and sports science expertise, ensure that participants develop the stamina, agility, and strength, required to compete at the highest levels.

Game Sense:
Beyond skills and fitness, Talent Scouts value the innate understanding of the game. They assess players' ability to read the field, anticipate opponents' moves, and make split-second decisions. Developing a heightened game sense is central to our approach in shaping well-rounded players.
 
Coachability:
The willingness to learn, adapt, and grow is a cornerstone of success. Hockey WA places a premium on coachability, recognizing that the journey to excellence is a collaborative effort. Players selected for the program will benefit from mentorship that fosters a positive attitude, a hunger for improvement, and the ability to absorb and implement coaching feedback effectively.
 
Hockey WA will be proactive in identifying new talent and are open to inviting athletes into the program.

STATE PATHWAYS AREA 
Perth Thundersticks (PTX) Academy

With the introduction of the Emerging Thundersticks Program, it has been timely to consider the intersection and progression of the PTX Academy.  In review of its six-year format and the current sporting landscape, we identified and considered:

•    Review and refinement of athlete pathways
•    Athletic and team development is multi-dimensional
•    Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) frameworks, models, and concept alignment
•    Diversifying support networks and community engagement
•    Academy sessions were lengthier compared to other code/sport academy sessions
•    Winter sport development programs are predominantly delivered in the off season (October to March)

These learnings have supported a new direction, including a re-design with our communities in mind.

Hockey WA will create training hubs at satellite venues, rather than the one centralised location at Perth Hockey Stadium.  The program will focus and deliver on:

•    Nurture a love and enjoyment of athlete and game development
•    Understanding the needs and gaps of young participants
•    Reduction of training costs, travel time and time commitments over the year
•    Identical training programs delivered across WA metropolitan and regional areas
•    Coach development in hub environments; encouraging players from local Premier League teams to provide support and inspiration to the next generation athlete
•    Focus on sport specific skill acquisition development and specialist areas as identified by Hockey Australia’s technical lead coaches. 
•    Athlete learning strategies, concept introductions, physical literacy, and relevant performance standards.

Regional Academies
Eastern Goldfields, Lower Great Southern, Midwest, Southwest, Wheatbelt

In 2024, Hockey WA will assist the five major Regional Academies to resource and deliver development programs, in alignment with the PTX Academy program.  

Important Note: 
•    These are not seen as trials or a prerequisite for WA State Teams. They are purely development opportunities to athletes to refine their skills outside the club environment. 
•    Athletes can be elevated in the ETP; from the Talent Scout Program and/or the Lead Coach at PTX Academy training hubs.