You'll have the ball for about 3% of your game time.
That's not a typo. Three percent. If you're lucky.
So here's today's big question: What are you doing with the other 97%?
The 97% Principle In Action
A player I used to coach was the inserter on a penalty corner, which was mis-trapped by her teammate at the top of the circle.
The opposition started a counter-attack, enjoying a 6 v 2 opportunity as the ball crossed the halfway line.
While her teammates jogged to recover, the inserter sprinted hard, starting further from the play than everyone else.
The video shows her overtaking most of her own team, before eventually making the tackle to win the ball at the top of her own circle.
I insisted we put this as the opening clip in her highlight reel; the number of college coach contacts she got increased significantly after we distributed it.
It was a highlight-reel play, but not many of these also reveal something about the player's character.
The Most Memorable Players:
- Tackle back after losing possession
- Make selfless runs that might not get the ball
- Stay engaged when play is nowhere near them
- Support teammates positively after mistakes
- Bring energy from the sideline
Few of these moments will make your highlight video like our example above.
But they all make it into coaches' notebooks.
Beyond The Ball
College coaches notice:
- How you handle mistakes
- Your response to getting subbed
- What you do when teammates struggle
- Your reaction to bad calls
- Your engagement on the bench
These moments reveal who you really are. And who you are matters more than what you can do.
It’s easier to make you better at field hockey than it is to change your personality.
If the desire and effort aren’t there when you’re meant to be trying to impress coaches, they will wonder if it ever will be.
One Thing That Works
At your next practice, pick one aspect of your off-ball play to focus on. Just one.
Maybe it's recovering on the line to goal when your team turns the ball over.
Maybe it's creating space for teammates.
Maybe it's your reaction time after you lose possession.
Whatever you choose, be intentional about it. Because that 97% of the game? That's where recruiting battles are often won.
Reality Check
Your highlight plays might get you noticed. But it's your 97% moments that get you recruited.
Want my complete framework for making an impact in every moment? The Field Hockey Recruiting Playbook just launched last week, and it includes my comprehensive guide to standing out when it matters most.
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