1. Physical Competency Hockey Australia (HA) has commissioned a research project on physical competency and the “strength and conditioning” solutions in the face of disturbing chronic trends of rising injury rates in athletes. Phil Moreland (ACT Institute of Sport) is leading this work for HA, has reported his initial findings and is now running a series of remediation pilots across hockey in Australia: Hockey Australia Physical Competency Project This presentation paraphrases Phil’s key messages as reported to a recent Level 3 Coaching Course run by Hockey Australia (November 2013). Our apologies to Phil if we don’t do this justice … Page 1

2. Hockey is a physically demanding activity, arguably the most demanding on fitness amongst typical team sports. Amongst the strength requirements, hockey demands specialized movements and balance under intense load - up to 9 times body weight, often on a single leg, concurrently demanding stable rotation, frequently closely contested … Physical Competency – The “Phil Moreland” Message Page 2

3. Recent physical competency testing of Australian hockey’s elite athletes demonstrates systemic patterns of strength inadequacies in basic movements. Physical Competency – The “Phil Moreland” Message Page 3

4. Physical Competency – The “Phil Moreland” Message The emerging hypothesis is both clear and stark: The combined effects of … a) Under-developed strength in basic physical movements (hopping, jumping, landing, turning, tumbling …) AND b) A game that continues to evolve with new demands and new skills … is almost certainly leading to the rising injury rate trend. These patterns of strength deterioration and injury rate rise are consistent with the lifestyle shift in the current generation  less exercise at school - more theory, less practical; - less “risky” play;  less exercise at home - more screen based home entertainment; - less riding bikes / climbing trees … ; - protective parents … Page 4

5. As responsible hockey coaches (and athletes) we must confront the injury epidemic: We can no longer just safely assume our athletes are physically ready for the demanding tasks required of our sport. We must change our coaching approach. Previous fitness regimes of “running programs” are just not enough. We must be invest in building strength in our athletes, AHEAD of teaching more advanced skills. Even modest efforts help. Physical Competency – The “Phil Moreland” Message Page 5

6. Promote understanding into our coach and athlete education Integrate 15 minutes of strength and conditioning exercise in EVERY training session and EVERY game warm-up In Juniors, Men’s and Women’s Sharing ideas to implement effectively  Understanding good exercise technique  Working the key muscle groups  Exercise at hockey, exercise at home  Variety and fun !! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sT91EufZLF8 Physical Competency – Our Approach at GNS from 2013 Page 5