Will the Hockey 9s tournament see a revival of the sport?

The LISS (Lanco International Super Series) 9 a side Hockey Tournament that recently took place in Perth, Australia, can be seen as a reviving formula for the wonderful game of Hokey. Hockey in recent times has struggled to attract spectators to the stadia and it needed desperate measures to bring back the forgotten glory to this forgotten game. The 9 a side hockey appears to be promising as it seemed to be taking huge strides towards the golden days of hockey, as the tournament unfolded.

Changes in format

It was a successful event that featured the first FIH sanctioned 9 a side international tournament with new rules made for fast end-to-end nonstop action. Though the teams and officials participating took a few games to adjust to the back to back games concept and new rules introduced at the tournament having only 9 players a side, wide goals, more relaxed rules on stick & foot violations, flexible shuffling of players, no off side, new rules for long corners, penalty corners and strokes etc. The format saw changes in the way hockey is presented with some interesting changes in the color of the ball and the way players were introduced to the crowd. All possible measures were taken to ensure the game was presented as an extravaganza, and why not? The tournament gradually advanced getting into the groove and as anticipated it was a goal feast.

The extra spaces created by reduced number of players resulted in a lot of exciting counter attacking play and plenty of goal scoring opportunities. Teams were well aware of the no off side rule and were always on the hunt for a chance to push the ball into the 25 yard through long passes. With not many defenders to cope with in the attacking third, all they had to do is to hold the ball and provide the final cross for players darting into the striking area to hammer the ball past the keeper. The goal keepers in particular had busy days at office making jaw dropping saves to keep the strikers at bay from finding the back of the net.

The defenders also had their opportunities to support the attack but at the same time were wary of the possible counter attack from opponents. With both teams pushing forward for goals, the field was set ablaze with some excellent piece of dribbling and passing moves with blistering pace. The tempo of the game was maintained thorough out the 30 minutes of play divided into equal halves, thanks to the players shuffling rules. 9 a side hockey offers teams with enormous tactical options to attack and defend without losing their shape. However, it was not possible for teams to play with specific formations and positions.

Australia make the most of new rules

This was clearly evident with the Asian team’s performance. Though this formations are yet to become a finished product, as the sides are yet to get accustomed to the rules and format of the tournament. The format is more likely to suit the European style of hockey as to the Asian style. It’s truly said that “Good teams win games by skill, but great teams win games tactically”. This was more visible as the Australians seemed to adapt more into the new system while the Asian giants struggled to adapt in this version of Hockey. They lacked in the tactical front as one cannot doubt their skills with the stick.

The new system of taking long corners and penalty strokes were also eye catching and always presented with possibilities for the attacking team to send the yellow ball behind the net. The officials also had a tough day to implement the multiple matches in a day concept. The crowds were enthralled in watching back to back games in quick succession with great players trying to outclass each other.

It is beyond doubt that the LISS is an exciting form of the game and we need to embrace it. It is still early days to imagine the 9 a side hockey as a replacement for the traditional form of the game though it would surely change the players approach towards this format. I think that in the future we will see it become very popular with the crowds and that’s what we need to promote our sport. The crowd support, and the player’s reactions indicates towards the rise in popularity of Hockey once again.