Six Oundle hockey scholars attended the sixth MT13 Annual Conference at Repton School, with one of the best line-ups for a number of years. Among the coaches attending the conference were Florian Fuchs (International Hockey Federation Young Player of the Year 2012), Christopher Ruhr, a fellow German international, and Toon Siepman, a leading expert in drag flicking who has worked with the top drag flickers, such as Anna Flanagan.
During the conference Georgie Pringle (W) was lucky enough to have a one-on-one session with Toon. As well as leading international stars, top players from local clubs were also involving in coaching the players.
The morning sessions comprised a series of drills that incorporated game-like scenarios, as well as more technical skills such as drag flicking and 3D skills. The second half of the day involved indoor hockey (the modern game) and breaking the defensive line, which will be helpful for the coming fixtures.
The participating coaches attended lectures by Adam Commens, who is currently the Australian women's senior hockey coach, and by Toon Siepman, who talked about the technical side of the drag flick, demonstrating examples to the staff.
All in all, the day was very beneficial to all the Oundle pupils and coaches.
K Hoskins