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Field Hockey · Level 5: Upper-Intermediate · Sub-level 5.4

The Mental Game

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 30 October 2026 · markdown

The KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide treats the mental side of hockey as a coaching task. The match starts before the umpire's first whistle: direct preparation has a physical and a mental part, and during the warm-up players start focusing on the game and the tactical aspects, avoiding chatting to each other or spectators. Players imagine good actions before doing them, which is mental visualisation. They also observe the playing environment and the opposition, though the coach should not expect young children to inspect the field or observe the opponents.

On motivation, the guide says to state 'why', link back to previous experiences and show enthusiasm, and to set challenges that fit individual differences. When correcting, stay positive and make one central point clearly; when stimulating, encourage and compliment. After a mistake, recovering at once matters, and simple routines bring focus back, because thinking of something else breaks concentration. Repetition in training builds trust in a skill, and set pieces become disciplined through practice. At the decisive moment of a penalty stroke the Rules still apply: feet on the line until the ball is played (Rule 13.7e). Team spirit comes from inclusion and shared credit, and the guide wants coaches to seek feedback, not only give it.

The facts below cover preparing before the whistle, concentration and visualisation, reading the opponents, motivation, positive correction, bouncing back from mistakes, confidence from preparation, pressure moments, team spirit and feedback.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1The match starts before the whistleTake a test

  1. 'The match starts before the umpire's first whistle.'

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  2. Avoid chatting to each other or spectators.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  3. Direct preparation consists of a physical and a mental part.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  4. During the warm-up players start focusing on the game and the tactical aspects.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  5. The team talk prior to the warm-up, led by the coach.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  6. Older children can discuss simple tactics and prepare mentally before matches.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  7. The coach should not expect young children to inspect the field or observe the opponents.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  8. Team, small groups, observation, focus.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  9. Talk, move, focus, play.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  10. Quiet focus before the whistle.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · applied

Test 2Concentration and visualisationTake a test

  1. Concentration and mental visualisation.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  2. Players imagine good actions before doing them.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  3. Part of the mental warm-up.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  4. Lack of concentration: busy thinking of something else.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication · recall

  5. Short routines bring attention back.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  6. Visualising the target helps execution.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  7. Intensity ranges between high concentration and pleasure.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training principles · recall

  8. Calm, see, see, act.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  9. Task focus first; chatting least.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  10. Picturing the action: visualisation.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · applied

Test 3Reading the opponentsTake a test

  1. Observation of the playing environment and opposition.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  2. Watching shows strengths and habits.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  3. Observation of the playing environment.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  4. Knowing what to expect lowers anxiety.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  5. Watching set pieces tells defenders what to expect.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Match analysis · recall

  6. Habits show which way they go.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  7. Do not expect young children to observe the opponents.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  8. Watch, spot, share, adapt.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  9. Field first, then warm-up, then play.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · applied

  10. Watching the opposition before the match.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · applied

Test 4MotivationTake a test

  1. When motivating: state 'why'.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating · recall

  2. Link back to previous experiences.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating · recall

  3. Show enthusiasm.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating · recall

  4. Create a positive motivated environment.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role · recall

  5. Motivation varies from recreational play to top competitive play.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role · recall

  6. Concentrate on individual differences and abilities: set challenges.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role · recall

  7. Understanding the purpose drives effort.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating · recall

  8. Why, past, enthusiasm.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating · recall

  9. Motivation ranges from fun to top level.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role · recall

  10. Enthusiasm in a team talk.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating · applied

Test 5Positive correctionTake a test

  1. When correcting: stay positive.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting · recall

  2. Clearly make one central point.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting · recall

  3. Show appreciation for input from others.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting · recall

  4. When stimulating: encourage and compliment.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When stimulating · recall

  5. Too much information at once confuses.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When speaking · recall

  6. Give feedback or ask for feedback as soon as possible.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication · recall

  7. Confirm that players understand.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When speaking · recall

  8. Praise, point, show, encourage.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting · recall

  9. One positive point helps most.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting · recall

  10. One clear point, delivered positively.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting · applied

Test 6Bouncing back from mistakesTake a test

  1. The next action matters more than the last.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  2. Encourage and compliment.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When stimulating · recall

  3. Thinking of something else breaks concentration.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication · recall

  4. Simple routines bring focus back.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  5. Stay positive, make one central point.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting · recall

  6. Training is where errors are corrected.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match · recall

  7. Evaluation follows the match.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match · recall

  8. Accept, reset, recover, go.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  9. Refocusing helps; arguing hurts.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  10. Recovering at once after a mistake.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied

Test 7Confidence from preparationTake a test

  1. Repetition in training builds trust in a skill.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training principles · recall

  2. Disciplined set pieces come from training.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Match analysis · recall

  3. A good warm-up prepares players for high intensity.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  4. Coaching sessions must emphasise progression of skill.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training session · recall

  5. All players must know and understand their roles.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Summary · recall

  6. Complacency loses focus.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  7. Incorporate match-oriented exercises.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Summary · recall

  8. Learn, drill, play, perform.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training session · recall

  9. The closer to the match, the more transfer.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Summary · recall

  10. Repeated practice makes set pieces reliable.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Match analysis · applied

Test 8Pressure momentsTake a test

  1. Decisive one-on-one and set-piece moments.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  2. A routine repeated in training steadies nerves.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  3. Quick scoring under pressure.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall

  4. Familiar situations feel less frightening.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  5. Process focus beats outcome worry.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  6. Calm breathing lowers tension.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  7. Feet on the line until the ball is played, then react.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e · recall

  8. Place, aim, calm, strike.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7 · recall

  9. The bigger the stakes, the bigger the pressure.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  10. Calming down before a decisive moment.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied

Test 9Team spiritTake a test

  1. Encourage and compliment.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When stimulating · recall

  2. A huddle lifts the team.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  3. Do not let players vent or react negatively towards each other.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time · recall

  4. Communication and support.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall

  5. Inclusion builds team spirit.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role · recall

  6. Shared credit builds team spirit.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  7. Positive comments on teamwork, the opponents and the umpires.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Directly after the match · recall

  8. Roles, goals, support, celebration.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  9. Encouragement helps; blame hurts.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When stimulating · recall

  10. Celebrating a team-mate's job.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied

Test 10FeedbackTake a test

  1. The guide wants coaches to seek feedback, not only give it.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication · recall

  2. The coach should keep talks as short as possible.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication · recall

  3. Check that everyone understands and give time for questions.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication · recall

  4. Only speak when you have players' attention.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When speaking · recall

  5. When doing a practical example do not talk for longer than about a minute.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When instructing · recall

  6. Explain the instructions step by step.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When instructing · recall

  7. Asking for feedback improves coaching.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication · recall

  8. Core, steps, check.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When instructing · recall

  9. Attention, brevity, clarity, check.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When speaking · recall

  10. Asking players for their view.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication · applied

Questions people ask

When does a match start for the players mentally?
The guide says the match starts before the umpire's first whistle. Direct preparation consists of a physical and a mental part, and the warm-up is where players start focusing on the game.
What is visualisation in hockey?
Players imagine good actions before doing them, as part of the mental warm-up. The guide says visualising the target helps execution.
Should young children be asked to study the opposition?
No. The guide says not to expect young children to inspect the field or observe the opponents, while older children can discuss simple tactics and prepare mentally before matches.
How should a coach motivate players?
State 'why', link back to previous experiences and show enthusiasm. The guide also asks for a positive motivated environment and challenges that suit individual differences and abilities.
How should a mistake be corrected?
Stay positive, make one central point clearly and show appreciation for input from others. The guide adds that too much information at once confuses.
How can a player recover from a mistake during a match?
By recovering at once, since the next action matters more than the last. Refocusing helps and arguing hurts, and simple routines bring focus back.
How does preparation build confidence under pressure?
Repetition in training builds trust in a skill, and a routine repeated in training steadies nerves. Familiar situations feel less frightening.
Why does the guide want coaches to ask for feedback?
Asking players for their view improves coaching. The coach should give or ask for feedback as soon as possible and check that players understand.

Sources

KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, USA Field Hockey 101, NFHCA notes, FIH history and official results; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered rules belong to the Rules category (Field Hockey - Rules of Hockey).

  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up25
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide20
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication8
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting7
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating6
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role5
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When stimulating4
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When speaking4
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Match analysis3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Summary3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When instructing3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training principles2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training session2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 12
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e1
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.71
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Directly after the match1