Hockey

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 300, 19 September 1928, Page 8

Hockey

LADIES* HOCKEY

VALUE OF POSITIONAL PLAV.

(By

“Critic.”)

There is a principle that must appeal to those with an insight into the possibilities of tlie game of hockey, and that is that players must at all times keep their relative positions on the field. In “Critic’s” mind there were many players in the competitions just closed, who did not understand the value of positional play. Some players were at. a loss to understand why they were here, there, and everywhere, but not in position. They unnecessarily made themselves the hardest worked members of their respective teams. It should not be necessary for any member of a team in possession of the ball to have to look round to ascertain where the nearest member of her side is. If she is in her place, she should know to within a yard or two where each of the other ten is at any period during the play. The time lost in looking for an objective before playing the ball is invariably the lime when the leather is lost to an opponent. To give effect to positional play does not mean clock-work precision. To the writer’s mind, a yard or so in one direction or another is ample manoeuvring area to beat an opponent in, or to back her. Those players who seek this advice, and there are many others needful of it, would be astonished how much less really hard work would devolve on them if they kept as near as possible to their correct places at all times during a match. In an ideal team, and to carry the “position” theory to its logical conclusion, a winger should never score unless unforeseen circumstances arise which may make it expedient for her to rush in. For instance, if the defenders have been enticed to one wing owing to the play remaining there for a time, a cross pass into the circle may find the inner forward beaten, then the winger, but preferably the outside halfback, should dash in for a shot, but as quickly return again to the vicinity of the five-yard line. The right wing, especially, should hug the live-yard line right into the corner, for the natural clearing shot for a goalie to make would very often be returned to the circle only that overeagerness, or want of thought, or something else not in the sphere of her duties, has enticed the winger towards the centre, a habit which was particularly noticed in several games during this season.

I confess it is hard work, and ealls for any amount of self-control for wingers to

"keep out, ' but it sfioiuu-oe t.w.r »aicliword at all times. I sincerely trust those players who sought this advice, and the many others, will adhere to it il they desire to improve their worth on the hockey field. The team that realises the value of positional play will always beat a side of individualists. Australia to Tour Englund.

“Critic” received a letter from a member of the All-Australian Women's Hockey Council bv tlie last Sydney mail, in which it is stated that a decision had been arrived at to dispatch an Australian ladies’ hoekey team to England in 1930. The letter says, inter alia: "The decision to semi a team of women hockey players representing Australia to England in 1930 is creating keen interest here among the women followers of hockey, and preliminary arrangements are already being made. The selection of tlie team is especially difficult in a country like this, where the States are so far apart, and it is only at the annual inter-State contests that there is a representative gathering. Next year in Perth, where the tournament is to be held, selections will be made by a subcommittee consisting of selectors and representatives, who will meet in Melbourne to make the final choice. . . ." Judging by the above one ean hardly realise tlie A.A.W.11.C. will see its way clear to send an Australian team to tour New Zealand next year, as the State players will all be too keen on the English trip to bother about coining to the Dominion. Then again the expense would be a problem with the English trip the following vear. There may. however, be a possibility of one of the State teams coming across'. Miss Kate Ogilvie is chairwoman of the council, anil Mrs. F. J. Davey hon. secretary. General Notes.

Tlie Otaki Club has three exceptionally good players in Mrs. Seal and Misses Betty Olliver and Wereta. The last-named is a sound defensive player. Mrs. Seal's offensive work carries great determination, and site is a very accurate shot from any angle of the circle. Miss Betty Olliver has made wonderful progress in the game, and “Critic” is pleased to learn she is under tlie serious consideration of the selectors for the representative match coming off this month. Miss Olliver's play has certainly earned the desired reward.

The writer is glad to see Miss Ashdown taking up Hie stick game again. She must be a great asset to iter club in Otaki. Even without the services of that crack centre-forward. Miss Freda Schluter, of the Rangiora Club, Canterbury carried off the “K” Cup at the annual Dominion tournev. When it was learnt that Miss Schluter. who has entered the nursing profession, could not make the trip to Timaru, the Canterbury team was considered to be weak in the forwards, but the vanguard worked in such tine harmony that they earned the proud distinction of being tiie champion set of forwards for 192 S by carrying all before them at Timaru. Raimi ean boast a promising star forward in Miss Budge. This young player has been doing so well that tiie selectors must surely have their eyes on Iter. .Miss Bonnie Hakaraia is playing better titan ever for Raukawn. As a forward, she is speedv and lias a gift of tricks with tiie stick. Much of Raukawa's success tn winning the Nicolson Shield is duo to this fine forward. Site has earned representative honours for Otaki on several occasions.. Manakau possesses a fine forward in Miss Gardener. All through tho competition for the Nicolson Shield, a trophy presented by Mr. 11. M. Nicolson for competition among Otaki anil Manakau elubs. Miss Gardener lias been Hie shilling light tor her team. So well has she performed her duties ns a forward that it surprised me not to see her name in the team that recently Jtlayeu Mnntnvatu. ... In all probability next season se9 St. Peter’s in Hie senior B competition, while it is certain Karori will be promoted to junior A.