'Defence needs to improve'

Hockey : First goal to reach semis, says coach Oltmans

 Ahead of their main assignment of the year, the World League Final, the Indian men’s hockey coach Roelant Oltmans felt India needed to improve their defensive structure if they are to challenge the top teams in the tournament.

“I believe that our defensive structure needs improvement. When there are gaps in the defence, then you lose possession. The opponents will then counter-attack, which is dangerous. We have started working on our defensive structure,” said Oltmans, speaking on the sidelines of the national camp here at the Sports Authority of India, Southern Centre. 

Oltmans said the team’s first goal will be to reach the semifinals. “Like every other team, we will aim to get a place in the semifinals. At the same time, it is important for us to test ourselves against the world's top sides.”

India are in Pool B, also featuring Germany, the Net­h­e­rlands and Argentina. Pool A comprises Australia, Belgi­um, Great Britain and Canada. The tournament starts in Raipur on November 27.

 Oltmans explained the team’s attention was not just on preventing easy goals but also to score more to put pressure on their rivals. “Our focus is also towards scoring more goals in each game. If you look at the recent New Zealand series (which India won 2-1), only once did we score the number of goals we always want to score. That is an area we want to improve on. We are also working hard on our penalty corner conversion rate.”

Ahead of the World League Finals, the national team will play a three-match Test series in Raipur against Australia from November 19 and Oltmans felt it was a great opportunity for India to test their strengths against a strong side. “For us, the series is a good preparation for the World League. Australia is by far the number one side in the world. Australia will show us how every small mistake can prove costly at the end of the day.”

With an eye on the Olympics next year, Oltmans stressed on the need for more exposure trips. “We would like to play as many matches against the top sides as possible. As of now, we play Australia and then participate in the World League. Post that, we go to Malaysia in April. Then, France is expected to visit India followed by a six-nation tournament in Spain. In the final phase, we go to the USA, San Diego before the Olympics.

The 61-year-old Dutchman was impressed with the new green turf and said the players were happy to be back training in Bengaluru. “This is a fantastic surface and we are liking it here. It’s fast and honest. The blue turf, which will be the same as the one to be used in the Rio Olympics next year will be ready next month and we are keen to practice on the same surface.”