# The Mental Game · Field Hockey Level 5: Upper-Intermediate

Field Hockey · Level 5: Upper-Intermediate · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/field-hockey/level-5/the-mental-game/)

The mental side of hockey as the guide describes it: preparing before the whistle, concentration and visualisation, reading the opponents, motivation and positive correction, recovering from mistakes, confidence, pressure moments, team spirit and feedback.

## Test 1: The match starts before the whistle

- Preparation starts before the whistle: the physical warm-up and mental focus decide the first minutes. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Chatting breaks focus just when players need to concentrate on the game. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- The physical part is the warm-up. The mental part is focus on the game, the tactics and the opposition. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- The warm-up is when the mind switches to the match as well as the body. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- The coach's talk before the warm-up sets the tactical focus for what follows. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Older children can discuss simple tactics and prepare mentally before matches. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- The coach should not expect young children to inspect the field or observe the opponents. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- The team talk comes first, then small groups or individuals, then watching the field and opponents, and finally concentration and visualisation. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- The team talk sets the plan, the warm-up prepares the body, quiet focus prepares the mind and then play begins. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Standing quiet with eyes on the field is the mental preparation of getting focused. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)

## Test 2: Concentration and visualisation

- Concentration keeps the mind on the game and visualisation pictures good actions in advance. Together they form the mental warm-up. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Players imagine good actions before doing them. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Part of the mental warm-up. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Lack of concentration: busy thinking of something else. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication)
- Short routines bring attention back. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Visualising the target helps execution. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Training mixes demanding concentration with enjoyment. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training principles)
- The hitter breathes calmly, pictures the stop, pictures the shot and then takes position. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Task focus first; chatting least. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Picturing a skill going well before doing it prepares the mind for the corner. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)

## Test 3: Reading the opponents

- Watching opponents is part of the mental warm-up and gives players information about them. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Watching shows strengths and habits. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- A wet or dry surface changes how fast the ball moves, so players adjust their passing. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Knowing what to expect lowers anxiety. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Watching set pieces tells defenders what to expect. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Match analysis)
- Habits show which way they go. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Young children are still learning the game, so inspecting opponents is left for older players. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Players watch the opposition's warm-up, spot the key players, share what they saw and adjust during play. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Players inspect the field before the match, watch the opposition's warm-up later and see set pieces only in play. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Watching an opposition warm-up shows their habits and set pieces before the match begins. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)

## Test 4: Motivation

- Giving the reason makes the task meaningful, so players try harder. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating)
- Remembering past successes reminds players what they can do. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating)
- Visible enthusiasm spreads to the players. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating)
- A positive atmosphere makes players want to play and learn. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role)
- Motivating a recreational player differs from motivating a top competitor, so the coach adapts. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role)
- Challenges set to each player's level keep them stretched but not overwhelmed. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role)
- Understanding the purpose drives effort. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating)
- The coach states why the task matters, links it to past experiences and shows enthusiasm. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating)
- Recreational play is about fun, a club league adds competition, and top competition demands the greatest drive. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role)
- Energy and enthusiasm in a team talk help motivate players. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When motivating)

## Test 5: Positive correction

- Positive corrections keep players willing to try again, where harsh ones make them tense. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting)
- One central point is easy to remember and act on. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting)
- Appreciating input from others encourages them to keep sharing ideas. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting)
- Encouragement and compliments build confidence and the wish to try more. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When stimulating)
- Too much information at once confuses. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When speaking)
- Early feedback links to an action that is still fresh in the player's mind. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication)
- Confirming understanding shows whether players can do what was explained. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When speaking)
- The coach praises what went well, names one thing to change, shows how and encourages the next try. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting)
- One clear, positive point is easy to act on, several at once confuse, and angry shouting puts players off. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting)
- One clear change given with a smile is a positive correction that players can act on. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting)

## Test 6: Bouncing back from mistakes

- The next action matters more than the last. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Encouragement lifts the player who erred and keeps them involved. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When stimulating)
- Thinking of something else breaks concentration. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication)
- Simple routines bring focus back. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A calm tone with one helpful point supports the player instead of adding pressure. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting)
- Training is where errors are corrected. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match)
- A calm review after the match lets players think, whereas during it they must keep playing. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match)
- The player accepts the miss, breathes, recovers position and then wins the next ball. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Refocusing helps; arguing hurts. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Sprinting back into position instead of dwelling on the miss is the bounce-back the team needs. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)

## Test 7: Confidence from preparation

- Repetition in training builds trust in a skill. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training principles)
- Disciplined set pieces come from training. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Match analysis)
- A good warm-up prepares players for high intensity. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up)
- Coaching sessions must emphasise progression of skill. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training session)
- All players must know and understand their roles. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Summary)
- Complacency loses focus. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Training that copies match situations makes the real thing feel familiar. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Summary)
- A new skill is learnt slowly, repeated in drills, used in small games and finally used in matches. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Training session)
- The closer to the match, the more transfer. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Summary)
- Repeated practice makes set pieces reliable. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Match analysis)

## Test 8: Pressure moments

- Decisive one-on-one and set-piece moments. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- A routine repeated in training steadies nerves. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Scoring quickly when pressed is a skill that must be trained to work in matches. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1)
- Familiar situations feel less frightening. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Process focus beats outcome worry. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Calm breathing lowers tension. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Feet on the line until the ball is played, then react. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e)
- The taker places the ball, picks the target, breathes and shoots on the whistle. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7)
- The bigger the stakes, the bigger the pressure. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Slow breathing before a shoot-out is a way of managing pressure. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)

## Test 9: Team spirit

- Praising good actions encourages team-mates and keeps morale high. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When stimulating)
- A huddle lifts the team. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Do not let players vent or react negatively towards each other. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time)
- Communication and support. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1)
- Inclusion builds team spirit. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Coach's role)
- Shared credit builds team spirit. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Positive comments on teamwork, the opponents and the umpires. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Directly after the match)
- A team starts with clear roles, adds shared goals, supports each other in hard moments and celebrates together. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Encouragement helps; blame hurts. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When stimulating)
- Rushing to praise the keeper shows the team values every role, which is team spirit. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)

## Test 10: Feedback

- Asking for feedback tells the coach what players understand and what works. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication)
- Short talks hold attention and leave more time to play. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication)
- Checking understanding and allowing questions shows whether a difficult idea has landed. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication)
- Talking to players who are not listening wastes the message. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When speaking)
- A long demonstration talk loses players, while about a minute keeps them focused. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When instructing)
- Steps given in order are easier to follow and remember. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When instructing)
- Asking for feedback improves coaching. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication)
- The coach stresses the essence, explains it step by step and then confirms that players understand. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When instructing)
- The coach waits for attention, keeps the talk short, speaks clearly and slowly, and finally checks understanding. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When speaking)
- Asking how the drill felt is seeking feedback, which helps the coach improve. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication)

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).

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