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How do I know if a particular camp or clinic is right for me?
Not all field hockey camps are the same. The following lists a series of questions relevant to choosing a camp. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you define the type of camp experience you’re looking for, as well as ensure that you’re achieving best value for your time and money.
Who will be coaching me at the camp or clinic?
Camp directors should have a good idea of the quality of staff they plan to hire for a given camp by mid-spring. It’s important to know the experience level of a camp staff (high school coaches, college athletes, college coaches, international athletes). Not everyone is qualified to be a ‘coach’. Look for individuals who have made the sport their profession.
What are the athlete / coach ratios at the camp or clinic?
Athlete to coach ratios should not exceed 15:1. It’s difficult to have a large camp (150+) and not compromise the quality of the coaching staff and the individual attention athletes deserve. For example, if a camp elects to take on 200 athletes, it needs to have at least 13-14 qualified coaches. In our opinion, this does not include college athletes. Another key point is to make sure the camp has adequate field space. There should be a maximum of 75 athletes on a 100x60 yd. field at one time.
How are the camp skill/playing sessions formatted?
A properly formatted camp creates an environment where athletes are as excited to learn on the last day of camp, as they are the first day. This is achieved with a proper balance of stress (physical & mental) and rest (sleep, hydration, meals). Avoiding 4 hour skill & playing sessions is recommended.
What does is mean if a camp is sanctioned by the United States Field Hockey Association?
A sanctioned camp follows guidelines mandated by the USFHA with regard to athlete/coach ratios and curriculums. This does not imply the camp has been endorsed by the USFHA in terms of quality. It is up to the camp director to uphold the standards outlined in the USFHA Partner Camp program. For more details, see the U.S. Field Hockey website: www.usfieldhockey.com.
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Curriculum
Technical
Ball Control in big & small space
Elimination skills (1v1)
Receiving from all directions
Passing weight & accuracy
All delivery skills
Defending (1v1)
Channeling
Shooting
Technical
Attack principles
Defense principles
Creating finishing situations
Changing point of attack
Transition play
Possession play
Restarts
Creating space / vision
Small game & combination play
Typical Playing Schedule
Day 1
Registration: 11:30am –12:45pm
Session: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Evening Games: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Days 2 & 3
Session: 9:00am – 11:30am
Session: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Evening Games: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Day 4
Session: 9:00am –11:30am
Awards: 11:30am –11:45am
Check Out: 11:45am –12:30pm
Please note: Schedules vary by location. Specific details are outlined in confirmation letters.
For winter clinic schedules, click the link for ‘Winter Clinics’ on the left.
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