OUR VISION
As a club there are two areas that are key to how we approach a players development.
The first is establishing the fundamentals. It’s only when the basic building blocks are in place that more complex tasks can be mastered.
Secondly, we communicate with coaching leaders and attend activities with our local association and with our National Body to gather the latest information available.
PLAYERS JOURNEY
The purpose of this next section is to create a ongoing discussion around the development of a hockey player and the "player's journey" story.
Player Welfare
Firstly the most important discussion point - "Player Welfare"
Critical and important for every player that participates across all grades that they take this message seriously.
An action plan should be sort by players and parents to ensure the workload is well planned and structured.
Professional advise from a leading group like the AUT Millennium located on Auckland City North Shore would be a solid start.
Safety
Players, coaches, management, and supporters have to exercise the importance of a "safe environment and attitude" for our club members and for members from other clubs.
Communication.
To help support the "player development" journey - clear and continued communication is also an important factor for all. We have a number of avenues that can be used to ensure and support consistence discussions.
General Word on training.
From walking to engaging in team sports, exercise comes in many forms. Aerobics, stretching, weightlifting and endurance training are some of the types of exercise that produce health benefits and enjoyment. With each type of exercise, proper technique and posture is critical in preventing injuries while achieving maximum health results.
Please note:
PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE EXERCISING
Introduction to the game.
From club experience every new season we are presented with returning and new players. These players typically range from year one (5yrs) to year 8, Junior grades. Then youth age players 13-18 years old. Then finally our Senior competition makes up the balance.
With regards to our junior club we work through the basic fundamental parts of the game. Skills like how to hold a stick, how to trap or stop the ball, how to push or pass the ball, body position etc.
Juniors Competition.
Auckland Hockey offer a Junior Competition for Year 1-8 students.
They offer the following competitions:
Fun Sticks – Year 1 & 2
This is an exciting hands-on hockey programme designed for children 5-6 years who are new to hockey. We offer an advanced and beginner grade for Fun Sticks. They play with a modified ball (light balls)
The advanced grade is for kids who have played in this grade previously and this is now their 2nd year of hockey. In the advanced grade teams play 2 x 20 minute games in a 6 a-side format against other clubs and schools. They play on an 1/8 of a turf.
The beginner grade is for kids new to hockey. They do a fun sticks training session followed by a 20 minute game in a 6 a-side format against other clubs and schools. They play on 1/8 of a turf.
Beginner Fun Sticks – 9am-10am on Saturday mornings at One Tree Hill College
Advanced Fun Sticks – 8am-8.50am on Saturday mornings at St Kents Remuera
Mini Sticks – Year 3 & 4
We offer various grades from beginner to experienced in Mini Sticks. They play a 6 a-side format of 1 x match broken into 2 x 20 minute halves against other clubs and schools. They play on a 1/4 of the turf. During this time they should be rotating positions on the field. They play with a modified ball (light balls)
Our Mini Sticks normally play at 8am or 8.50am on Saturday mornings.
Kiwi Sticks – Year 5 & 6
We offer various grades from beginner to experienced in Kiwi Sticks. They play a 6 a-side format of 1 x match broken into 2 x 20 minute halves against other clubs and schools. They play on 1/2 a turf. During this time they should be rotating positions on the field. Goal keepers can be optional in this grade and hitting, penalty corners, auto pass and standard hockey balls are introduced.
Our Kiwi Sticks normally play at 8am or 8.50am on Saturday mornings
Kwik Sticks – Year 7 & 8 Beginner 6 a-side
This grade takes on the same rules as Kiwi Sticks but is for beginner level Year 7 & 8 students.
Kwik Sticks – Year 7 & 8 11 a-side
We offer various grades from development to experienced in Kwik Sticks. They play the 11 a-side format of hockey on a full field. They have 1 x match broken into 2 x 25 minute halves and a 5 minute half time. The standard rules of hockey apply.
Our Kwik Sticks game start times are between 9.30-11.40am on Saturday morning.
