The Girls’ Hockey 1st XI took part in a pre-season training camp at Exeter University over the summer, developing their skills and team tactics
This year our girls’ hockey pre-season training camp took place at Exeter University. Once the group were settled in, Tuesday evening began with the girls looking at goal setting and player profiling. The team took part in high intensity hockey sessions throughout Wednesday and Thursday, which saw everyone developing technical skill, small unit play and areas relating to their playing position.
The players were given a chance to reflect on their own skills using video feedback as well as player evaluations – there was marked improvement by everyone throughout each day. On Wednesday evening, the girls had the chance to use the outdoor pool for recovery and then enjoyed the evening bowling. Thursday offered a trip to the local beach for dinner before focusing on the match against Exeter School on the following day.
Paige Davis was announced as the Girls’ 1st XI Hockey Captain and she has kindly produced the following match report of the pre-season friendly:
On Friday 29th August, following a successful and tough week of pre-season training, a group of 27 girls travelled to Exeter School to play their first match of the coming season. A squad this large required a detailed and carefully planned subbing rota. This was used over the three 25 minute thirds which made up the match.
During the warm up everyone was sharp and keen to win. Focus from the beginning meant that as soon as the starting line-up were on the pitch, everyone was ready. Bloxham applied strong pressure from the start and began to press aggressively. This led to goal scoring opportunities in the D and allowed Bloxham to attack with high intensity. A goal came soon enough, with Lyndsey White scoring five minutes into the match. Exeter reacted with a goal in quick succession, despite the best efforts of keeper Lauren Thomas, who had an outstanding game overall. This meant at the first break the score was 1-1. The next third began with Bloxham determined to succeed, and another goal for Lyndsey White ten minutes in put Bloxham ahead. Again, Exeter reacted and made the score 2-2. At the final break, the team were feeling tired and weary, but a positive team talk gave them back their passion to win. After a third of high pressure from the whole team, in the last minute Charlotte Boland was able to receive the ball in the D, and reverse hit it into the back of the goal, taking the score to 3-2 and securing a win for Bloxham.
All the girls who took part in pre-season worked extremely hard, and a huge thank you to all the coaches who came along -‘they all played a vital role in the success of the team.
Mrs Odlin would like to echo Paige’s thanks to the coaches, Mr Hobley, Mr Yates and Mrs Heathcote for their hard work throughout the week. All the staff were impressed with the group’s work ethic and focus throughout the training camp. Several junior players really stepped up to play at 1st XI standard and new girl Amelia Beesley slotted right in to defence and was voted the coaches’ ‘Player of Pre-Season’.
I hope that the girls’ focus will continue throughout the season, but also that the enjoyment and teamwork that was demonstrated throughout the training week also continue. The season ahead is looking to be a really exciting one for all!