Perspective from a Field Hockey Coach

Field hockey coach and umpire, Brad Pane of of the Glen Ellyn Park District of Illinois, shares some thoughts about the burgeoning interest in field hockey and the highlights of the sport.  Brad shares, “I was born in Connecticut and lived there for many years, so I was always familiar with field hockey, although I didn’t play it as a kid,” he explained. “I got involved with the game when one of my daughters signed up to participate in the Glen Ellyn Park District program when she was in sixth grade. I volunteered to help out during the skills and drills activities, and that led to me being hired on as a coach. Shortly after that, Glenbard West’s Head Coach, Karen Judge, approached me about umpiring, and that opened up all kinds of other doors. I’ve been busy coaching and umpiring ever since.”

Here are some interesting field hockey highlights that Brad shared:

• great fun sport for beginners because it's easy to start and the basics are simple
• eventually the techniques and skills required are challenging and keep players engaged
• requires running and chasing providing for physical exercise
• it's a team sport that requires skill for passing and scoring goals, and opportunities for kids to try on different positions as defenders, forwards or goalkeeper
• minimized injury risk allows for kids to start safely at a young age, parents are also looking for alternative sports that minimze the risks of concussions and broken bones
• popular in Europe and Asia with both boys and girls, in the US more with girls but that is also changing
• can be a lifelong sport as there are opportunities to play in highschool and college, and offers careers as international players

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For more information:  Field Hockey: A Coach’s View

Image Credit:  Future Stars Camps