From the past results of our National Senior and Junior Hockey Team, we see that "concentration" is often the key factor in deciding whether we win in crucial games. This psychological problem had been prevalent over the years and still persisting until today.
In the recently concluded Junior Asia Cup quarterfinal game between Malaysia versus Korea, Malaysia was leading 3-1 and with three minutes left on the clock, allowed the Koreans to score the second goal and the all-important third goal in the last 21 seconds.
This result brought the game to a shootout to decide the winner, where the Koreans won and that resulted in Malaysia to bow out of 2016, Junior World Cup.
Frankly, the Koreans were no match for the Malaysian side, it was the last three minutes that decided the final result.
What happened to the Malaysian team in the last three minutes?
The Malaysian players lost concentration during the Koreans protest on the third goal Malaysia scored, the game was stalled for nearly five minutes and after some persuasion, from players and officials, the Koreans decided to continue the game.
The Malaysian players were not able to refocus after the distraction and that allowed the Koreans to claw back into the game in the last three minutes.
Researchers have stated that concentration is often the deciding factor in competition and athletes must be able not only to focus effectively but also to refocus their attention when distracted by internal or external stimuli.
They also noted that although refocusing is an important skill, it is often least practiced by athletes.
Concentration is all about focusing the right thing at the right time.
.......... continue in Part 2
In the recently concluded Junior Asia Cup quarterfinal game between Malaysia versus Korea, Malaysia was leading 3-1 and with three minutes left on the clock, allowed the Koreans to score the second goal and the all-important third goal in the last 21 seconds.
This result brought the game to a shootout to decide the winner, where the Koreans won and that resulted in Malaysia to bow out of 2016, Junior World Cup.
Frankly, the Koreans were no match for the Malaysian side, it was the last three minutes that decided the final result.
What happened to the Malaysian team in the last three minutes?
The Malaysian players lost concentration during the Koreans protest on the third goal Malaysia scored, the game was stalled for nearly five minutes and after some persuasion, from players and officials, the Koreans decided to continue the game.
The Malaysian players were not able to refocus after the distraction and that allowed the Koreans to claw back into the game in the last three minutes.
Researchers have stated that concentration is often the deciding factor in competition and athletes must be able not only to focus effectively but also to refocus their attention when distracted by internal or external stimuli.
They also noted that although refocusing is an important skill, it is often least practiced by athletes.
Concentration is all about focusing the right thing at the right time.
.......... continue in Part 2
Dear Enbaraj,
ReplyDeleteThe players should be train to concentrate on the game rather on the referee or the crowd. Their target is to win the game and be champion of the tournament.
Concentration is vital on any games. Unlike individual games such as Squash or Badminton the player is concentrated on his/her game. Whereas in hockey is a team event and all players in a team should act as ONE. Teamwork plays a vital role in any game. If there is No team work the whole team will loose even if you have a few stars.
The recent Razak Cup which Malacca won was a good teamwork from the coaches, players and management.
Another factor is players must learn to be creative and focus on the game. Once they enter the field the must concentrate on the game and be a hunter rather than be hunted down like what happened to Malaysia vs Korea in the Junior Asia Cup.
Thanks
Jie
Dear Enbaraj,
ReplyDeleteIn any team game, players should act as a team and not as individual and learn to be focus on achieving the winning game and target of Champion of the Tournament.
In the recent Razak Cup Tournament which Malacca won there were lots of team work and focus on games. Players who work as a team will have better concentration.
Every players once they enter the field must be focus and concentrate on the game rather on the crowd or any other factors. They should also listen to the coach instruction rather than get out of focus with the opponent intimidation or bully tactics.
In terms of hockey experience and skills, I think Malaysia is on par with other top 4 countries and I hope we would achieve the target soon....