2026 Hockey Nelson Development Programme Outline
Vision creates a field hockey experience that is fun, rewarding, and challenging for all participants.
Player Development Programme I
The value of each session is developed to align with the age group and skill capabilities, to bring your core skills up to a level where the enjoyment of hockey is increased.
Session 1 – Basic Skills: Passing/Trapping-Push, Sweep, Hit.
Receiving a ball in a position to apply pressure.
Focusing on techniques to receive balls under control, front foot, rear foot and on the move.
Session 2- Basic Skills: Dribbling/Tackling.
Carrying the ball to go forward.
Holding a ball in a position on the end of your stick to give you vison and the ability to move the ball under control.
Session 3 -Basic Skills: Passing/Trapping while moving at speed.
Moving a ball with accuracy
Techniques on hitting with control, focusing on hitting types suitable to age.
Session 4 – Basic Skills :3d dribbling skills.
Ball control, Elimination skills.
Developing skills to control the ball to eliminate the opposition.
Session 5 – Basic Skills: Advanced Passing Skills-Back sticks, Overhead, Drag flick.
Winning the ball back creating pressure.
Tackling positions, timing to create presure and developing time to create overloads.
Session 6 -Basic Skills: Creating space in the goal.
Body movement, ball movement to score goals.
2026-U13 & U15 PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM II
Player Development Programme II.
Taking the next step in the program is developing player awareness in the field giving you the skills to make decisions under pressure.
Session 1 – Switching play / Screens.
Attacking principles, leading, receiving scoring goals.
Session 2. Running off the ball /Marking Running of the ball
Defensive principles, denying space, marking.
Session 3. Free hits-16Yard, Long corner
Circle attacking options, long corners, 5-yard hits, crash balls.
Session 4. Creating space, closing space.
Session 5. Goal scoring
3D session, overheads.
2026 U13 & U15 TRAINING CAMP (JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS) - INFORMATION
About the Program
NHA will run a U13 & U15 Training Camp during 2026 July School Holidays. The program is an opportunity for ANY players of these age groups to up skill their hockey with a group of their peers. These are 2 sessions that focuses on your fitness, mental skills, hockey skills & tactical development.
The program in 2026 will be led by our NHA Development & Pathways Manager with support from other experienced coaches within the region.
2026-U13 & U15 TRAINING CAMP (JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS)
Registrations close 23rd June 2026
U13 Monday 6th & 13th July – 9:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $60 for 2 x 3hr sessions
U15 Tuesday 7th & Tuesday 14th July – 9:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $60 for 2 x 3hr sessions
The following should be used as guidelines when players are nominating themselves for the U13&U15 Training Camp program:
- High level of coachability
- Versatility in a range of positions
- Willingness to learn
- Team Player
- Love of hockey
- Positive attitude
- Embrace the principles of fair play
For more information please contact NHA RDM rdm@nelsonhockey.org.nz
