What makes a team truly unpressable? In this session, Van Eijk explores how different hockey cultures shape the way teams find solutions under pressure and build out from the back. Across the world, the game is interpreted through contrasting lenses—each shaping how players perceive time, space, and connection. Drawing from experience coaching in several hockey nations, Van Eijk will share the universal principles that guide his approach to ball-possession hockey: concepts like cracking the coordinates, the O-A-T Principle, and give & go everywhere. These ideas blend tactical structure with creative freedom, offering a framework to build teams that remain composed, connected, and unpredictable under pressure—regardless of culture or playing style.
Go behind the scenes with David Passmore, Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, as he shares the program’s ongoing journey toward the 2026 World Cup. In this candid session, David offers a head coach’s perspective on building performance through purpose, balancing tactical evolution with culture, values, and leadership.Hear how key learnings from the team’s preparation are shaping not only their on-field play but also their behaviors, communication, and mental resilience. David will connect these lessons directly to what coaches at all levels can apply within their own environments.
Expect to walk away inspired with practical ideas, fresh insights, and real-world examples that translate elite concepts into everyday coaching practice.
Don’t miss this must-see presentation with Allan Law, Head Coach of the U.S. Men's National Team, as he takes you inside the program’s evolution—where performance standards, accountability, and shared ownership are reshaping the team’s identity.
Since stepping into the head coach role, Allan has been intentional about identifying key areas for growth and elevating expectations at every level. Drawing from his extensive experience coaching both collegiate teams and now leading the nation’s top men, Allan will share how he’s built structures that drive consistency, empower athletes, and create environments where leadership thrives.
He’ll unpack how Principles of Play form the backbone of the men’s program—offering clarity, connection, and a common language that strengthens team decision-making and performance. Through reflection and practical examples, Allan will demonstrate how these principles translate to building accountability and culture within any team environment.
As he leads the USMNT toward LA 2028, Allan’s attention to detail, people-first approach, and passion for driving standards will leave coaches at every level inspired to raise their own.
Coaches have always thought in terms of possession—how do we build up play, what scoring positions should we take, and what technical skills does everyone need to execute those moments. But what do we actually teach defenders?
Sure, we tell them that when a left midfielder is running down the sideline, we shouldn’t let them cut inside. But how do we do that? What about grip, foot position, or the choice to tackle forward or backward? How does the attacker think? When do they react—and when don’t they? How do we apply or create pressure? Do we go for ball recovery, or settle for at least a draw in the duel?
Join Balkestein in breaking down the details, decision-making, and the evolving art of defending in modern hockey. This session is designed to challenge how we think about defense, inspire new training ideas, and give you practical ways to help your players become smarter, more confident, and more connected defenders.
Each year at the Virtual National Coaches Forum, we bring together a panel of championship coaches from collegiate and high school, for a candid, coach-to-coach conversation. Guided by High Performance Director Craig Parnham, this session explores the real work behind winning seasons: how teams prepared from day one, when and why coaches pivoted, and what they learned when plans met reality. Expect practical insights on culture, training progressions, match prep, staff roles, and decision-making under pressure—plus grounded advice for newer coaches who are building their playbook and voice. Come ready to listen, take notes, and leave with ideas you can apply right away with your next session and your next team.
Performing under pressure, managing adrenaline, and staying adaptable in high-stakes moments—these are the demands of both the World Cup stage and Tier-1 military missions. Drawing from her decade of work with U.S. Special Operations, Dr. Alice Atalanta has helped translate the principles of elite “warrior mindset” training to the U.S. Women’s National Team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
In this discussion, facilitated by High Performance Director Craig Parnham, Dr. Atalanta shares how Tier-1 frameworks of leadership, culture, and performance are being tailored to empower and elevate female athletes. Together, they explore how mindset, trust, and team culture can strengthen composure, resilience, and clarity when it matters most—game day.
Coaches of all levels will walk away with practical takeaways to help their teams build stronger culture, sharpen focus, and perform their best under pressure.
Get ready to dive into one of hockey’s most electrifying skills — the drag flick. Brendan Creed, USA Field Hockey’s Assistant Men’s National Team Coach, unpacks key insights from specialist Toon Siepmann’s work, revealing what truly drives elite drag flick performance. From technical coaching points and player development tips to how often and how much to train, Brendan connects the dots between physical preparation, repetition, and mastery. Coaches will leave with practical tools for introducing and refining the drag flick with younger athletes — through the lens of the ADM and long-term athlete development.
