As I am sure many field hockey fans and followers know, the NCAA Championship was played this past weekend after the NCAA Field Hockey Tournament began on November 13. I was fortunate to get to see several games in person and watch the others on TV. Talk about some of the most exciting hockey!
I believe that there is incredible value in watching the game at all different levels, and what better way is there to enjoy a Sunday afternoon than at a college field hockey game? There is plenty that can be gained from viewing the sport at its best for field hockey players in the United States.
Collegiate field hockey is much different than youth, middle school, and high school field hockey. Especially in the postseason. Every player on the field has had much experience with playing field hockey for several years and are excellent athletes. There are definitely not as many whistles as at the levels for youth athletes, and the college games feature many spectators that come out to watch their team and support the players.
If not anything, watching field hockey is a great form of entertainment. Since there is not professional field hockey in our country like other sports, watching college field hockey is essentially the best field hockey you can stream. And it is very impressive. Turn it on your TV and enjoy some high-level games, which occur all throughout August-October and the best of the best in late November for the NCAA Tournament. I’ve been following it closely for the past few years, and trust me, it is certainly exciting!
Beyond that, you can watch field hockey to learn. Seeing NCAA Athletes on the field, performing at their best, can demonstrate the importance of so many principles of athletics to anyone, not just field hockey players. Look at how intensely every player competes. Imagine the work that they have done to not only develop their individual field hockey skills, but their speed, agility, and strength. These principles transfer to all sports. Field hockey is a game in which all 22 players on the field should always be engaged in the play and what might happen next. Consider how many factors they are considering mentally in every situation and how they make decisions on the field under pressure. It is not easy.
And for my fellow field hockey players, take advantage of the opportunity to visualize new skills, tactics, and techniques performed by the college athletes. Lots of them score incredible goals, use amazing transfer passes from the back of the field, and take advantage of unique 3D skills in the midfield to advance the ball. Try watching one player who plays your position and see what she does in certain situations, even off of the ball. Or maybe just follow the ball for an entire quarter, seeing the differences in styles of play between opposing teams or players on the same teams. Would you do something differently? Or could you try a similar skill?
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to a game when you want to challenge yourself mentally. It will pay off! However, don’t forget to enjoy the game, too, and support the players you watch.
Even though college field hockey is over for the season, feel free to apply this same lens to any level of field hockey, indoor or outdoor. And the NCAA games don’t go away. You can watch them On Demand at any time on ESPN+ or B1G+.
