FIH Pro League: Goalkeepers Savita, Bichu & Bansari Complete Training Camp with Simon Zijp
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Synopsis
The Indian women's hockey team goalkeepers Savita, Bichu, and Bansari participated in a specialized training camp with Simon Zijp in Bhubaneswar, enhancing their skills for the FIH Pro League 2024-25.
Key Takeaways
- Specialized training camp for Indian goalkeepers.
- Insights from Simon Zijp, a 1990 World Cup gold medallist.
- Focus on mental conditioning and technical skills.
- Emphasis on quick reflex saves and positioning.
- Opportunity for younger players to develop in a competitive environment.
New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) In wrapping up the home segment of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25, the Indian women’s team goalkeepers Savita Punia, Bichu Devi, and Bansari Solanki participated in a specialized training camp with former Netherlands player and 1990 World Cup gold medallist Simon Zijp in Bhubaneswar.
Simon has an impressive background, having worked with both the men's and women's national teams of the Netherlands, significantly contributing to their achievements on the international stage. His experience includes serving as the goalkeeper coach at the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024 Olympics, where they clinched the gold medal.
Regarding the importance of this camp, chief coach Harendra Singh remarked, “This was an excellent camp for all three goalkeepers. They made considerable progress, not just in foundational skills but also in the intricate aspects of goalkeeping. They concentrated on how a goalkeeper should think, the mindset necessary when the ball is in the circle, and when it is on the other side of the pitch. I appreciate Simon's commitment to this camp, and I look forward to a prolonged collaboration with Indian goalkeepers.”
In agreement with this viewpoint, Savita noted, “This camp was an exceptional chance for us to enhance our skills ahead of the Pro League. Training with an experienced coach like Simon enabled us to implement minor yet impactful technical refinements that can lead to significant improvements in high-pressure scenarios.”
Discussing the technical advancements made during the camp, Savita said, “We concentrated on enhancing our positioning, footwork, and stick control, which are essential for executing quick reflex saves. There was also a strong focus on stick positioning, ensuring our hands are always in the correct position to cover angles effectively. Moreover, we practiced reading the striker's movements and responding accordingly, which will benefit us during both open play and shootouts.”
She continued, “Given our challenging schedule of eight matches in 11 days, mental conditioning is just as crucial as physical readiness. We worked on methods to maintain composure under pressure, particularly during penalty situations, which can often become pivotal moments in games. Cultivating mental resilience is vital to remain focused throughout the tournament, ensuring we make sound decisions even as fatigue sets in.”
On the significance of the camp for younger talents like Bichu Devi and Bansari Solanki, Savita expressed, “For the younger players, camps like these are priceless. They get to train in a highly competitive atmosphere and learn from seasoned teammates and coaches. When I started, this level of exposure was not available early in our careers, but these players are fortunate to have such opportunities to elevate their game at a young age.”
Currently, the Indian women's team ranks sixth in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 standings.
