Reid urges men in blue to strike early in games

Bhubaneswar, June 11: With a new coach at the helm in Graham Reid, the Indian men’s hockey team has been working on a new tactic to put pressure on the opposition – create chances and score as many goals as possible early on.

In the ongoing FIH Series Finals here, world no. 5 India have been scoring goals at will against weaker opponents but they would want this trend to continue against the best teams of the world as well.

“One of the things I’ve spoken with the boys is that we’ll get 2-3 opportunities in first five minutes that will vary depending on the team you are playing. The idea is to make sure we use them,” India’s chief coach Reid said.

“Something we always try to do is to create opportunities early on and put pressure on the opposition not just here but against top teams as well.

“We are always wanting to score more goals but those things take time to get better. We are working with the strikers but I am happy that we are creating opportunities and that is very important,” the 56year-old Australian added.

Striker Akashdeep Singh, who scored a hattrick against Uzbekistan in India’s last pool match, agreed with his coach. “Can’t take any team lightly in such competitions but our focus on the pitch is to play with a positive attitude. Score a few goals at the start to put scoreboard pressure on the opposition,” he said.

Reid believes it is good to have a break. “Scanning the opposition is also important and the break will help. I don’t think motivation will be a problem. We have to utilise the break in the best way,” Reid said.

One of the things I’ve spoken with the boys is that we’ll get 2-3 opportunities in first five minutes that will vary depending on the team you are playing. The idea is to make sure we use them — GRAHAM REID Indian men’s hockey team coach