Introduction
Indian Hockey Men’s Team Head Coach Craig Fulton has stressed the importance of building a versatile team that can adapt to various challenges. He emphasized the need for a team that balances pragmatism and players’ technical abilities, aiming to create a side that can effectively solve problems on match days. In his first year of tenure, the Indian Hockey team achieved success by winning the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, a Gold Medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, and now his remarkable work has helped India win the Bronze at the Paris Olympics. Let’s delve into the trend of the Indian Hockey Team in this section.
Craig Fulton’s Tactical Base
Under Fulton, the Indian team showcased exceptional off-the-ball positioning and control of the central line, utilizing zonal 3/4 and half-court pressing. Gurjant Singh and Mandeep Singh formed the first line of the press, effectively blocking movements and angles. Harmanpreet Singh was the focal point for build-up plays, often switching the ball aerially or carrying it up the field. Hardik Singh frequently dropped deep, collected the ball, and carried it forward based on his assigned tactical role. Meanwhile, Jarmanpreet Singh, operating as the right wing-back, bombarded up and down the flank, providing width and numerical support, and stretching the opposition’s defense with his pace and dribbling skills in the circle. Sumit Walmiki’s pace has been utilized effectively in covering the space and gap left by Harmanpreet centrally, and even supporting Vivek on the wider side to hold the line. Manpreet Singh provided cover, sitting deeper and defending the wide side of the defensive circle. This structure prioritized flexibility, allowing the team to adapt and respond to different situations.
Mastering Micro-Strategies
India’s campaign was divided into two segments based on the profiling of the match-ups. If we focus on the high-profile fixture against Germany, India showed signs of adaptation. India opted to use Manpreet Singh (7) in the role of a center-back to scan the area and defend the circle using his intelligent marking. The outlets relied on utilizing the width provided by Jarmanpreet Singh (4) on the right-wing back area. His no-nonsensical play in the center-back region was tremendous against Australia, but India did not want to compromise their attacking structure on the wider side.
During substitution intervals, India rotated the roles of all defenders. Jarmanpreet Singh (4) would come centrally from the right wing-back position during the distribution period with Harmanpreet Singh; Sanjay Rana (70) would occupy the slot on the right.
During the rotation of positions, Sanjay Rana could also drift centrally to support Sumit Walmiki (17) and tag-team (2v1) with him to disrupt the progression of Germany’s Niklas Wellen and Christopher Ruhr. India’s off-the-ball shape relied on half-court and 3/4-quarter pressing that relied on zonal pressing to reduce 1v1 challenges from both sides of the flanks. To protect the central space and overload in that region.
Hardik Singh was given the freedom to play as an all-rounder on the field and was tasked with the following responsibilities:
- Dropping deep in the line and collecting the ball from Harmanpreet during the build-up cycle in his half.
- Acting as a ball carrier for his side from his half, utilizing his dynamism, robust acceleration, work rate, and dribbling skills to bypass the threat of pressing traps in midfield
- Constantly interchanging with the forward line, alongside Abhishek Nain and Mandeep Singh, to disrupt Germany with high court pressing. During his time on the ball, he consistently created problems for Teo Hinrichs (14) in the initial burst of the game.
4.Rotating with Mandeep Singh as the first line of press. (Image -6)
Germany managed to counter India’s high-intensity quick ball circulation and full-court pressing phase through Moritz Ludwig (44), who provided additional defensive coverage on the left-hand side. Hannes Muller (25) maintained a solid presence inside his defensive circle, effectively reading and anticipating the ball’s movements and carrying into India’s half. The absence of Manpreet Singh in the midfield allowed Germany to gain more control in the midfield, and their wide, build-up play and space creation enabled Gonzalo Peillat and Christopher Ruhr to have a high level of involvement in the game. The absence of the first rusher, midfield general, and drag-flicking alternative made a significant difference between the two teams, but in terms of preparation level, India’s tactics were spot on.
In other games, India demonstrated exceptional defensive resilience with 10 men for over 40 minutes after Amit Rohidas received a red card. India successfully stationed their positioning in the circle and exploited Great Britain’s lack of dribbling and risk-taking movements. The ball recycling did not harm India, thanks to collective efforts from the entire unit to maintain solidarity in the backline.
Moving back to the game that changed the orientation of the Indian team, against Belgium. India employed a direct approach to disrupt Belgium with quick circulation and intensity but struggled to break through Belgium’s 3/4 press, which hindered India’s ability to play from the back.
As seen in the above image, man-marking pressing limited Hardik Singh’s space to scan and move the ball. India’s direct approach meant they were not patient, so on the second ball recycling, Harmanpreet Singh took an aerial route but this sequence lacked progression.
During the second-quarter break, Fulton advised his team to be patient and wait for the right opportunities. This changed the orientation of India’s structure. India maintained constant ball retention for a period, avoiding risky passes in crowded zones. Manpreet Singh dropped into the center-back region to provide build-up stability and control, allowing for more maneuverability in the next sequence. Abhishek Nain benefited from India’s structured counter-pressing pattern, stealing the ball from Arthur Van Doren (4) and capitalizing on the space to score a fantastic field goal for India.
Belgium defeated India due to a lack of anticipation of underlap movements inside the circle from Van Aubel, conceding the first goal. John Dohmen capitalized on the lack of anticipation and ball tracking from PR Sreejesh, scoring the winner. However, the game provided a tactical base for India to elevate their game in upcoming matches, as evident against Australia.
India relied on ball retention, exploiting the midfield gap left by the Australians and creating a central overload. Manpreet Singh and Jarmanpreet excelled in central defending, minimizing the threats posed by Tom Craig and Tom Wickham’s inside movements. The narrow passage and Hardik Singh’s presence allowed India to switch play in transition, and he was an instrumental figure in supporting the backline. Fulton used Abhishek Nain as the outlet. As an outlet, Abhishek had a phenomenal game on both sides of the pitch, causing chaos with his lighting speed and dribbling skills to cause problems for Jeremy Hayward. India demonstrated remarkable endurance, maintaining their intensity and team structure throughout the four quarters, ultimately leading to a triumph over Australia in an official tournament. This is a truly magnificent feat.
Scope of Improvement
Fulton’s India has struggled against teams that defend in a deep block, such as Argentina and Spain, who limit transitional movements and force India to build up from the back with Harmanpreet Singh, often resulting in a lack of intensity. These teams provide less space and time in the circle, making it challenging for India’s forwards to control the tempo. However, India has overcome these challenges by increasing intensity and involving Hardik Singh more in the attacking construct. As we move into the next cycle, India needs to develop alternative drag-flickers to Harmanpreet Singh, allowing for flexibility in penalty corner variations.
Additionally, India requires a circle defender who can outline circle defense and offer width on the left side. A tempo controller at the base of midfield, who can win balls in the defensive circle and free up Manpreet and Hardik to create more opportunities, is also essential. In the forward line, Mandeep Singh and Abhishek Nain have been standout performers in this Olympics campaign, showcasing flexibility in pressing, high work rates, and exceptional dribbling skills. However, India needs to improve its field goal scoring and requires a player profile similar to Niklas Wellen, a dynamic and mobile number 9 with shooting, rebound skills, and the ability to unlock progressive movements.
It is going to be a challenge to replace PR Sreejesh’s shot-stopping skills and decade-old experience. Suraj Karkera (28) and Krishan Pathak (27) are next in the line. Fulton should count on these two keepers in the next cycle.
Reviving the Hockey India League could be an excellent starting point for talent and confidence-building measures. Under Fulton, India’s future is in good hands, with a measure of flexibility in tactics and the ability to deal with micro-strategies. With more continuity and an improved pool of resources, India could be destined for a Gold Medal clash under his leadership.