Chief Petty Officer Dan Knapp had the opportunity to change roles from his usual head-coach position for the women’s ADF hockey team to gain new skills as an understudy for this year’s U21 country hockey tour of Borneo.
“I was focusing on different ways of thinking, coaching systems, hockey plays and different execution of plans,” he said.
As the Australian women’s assistant coach, he enhanced his skills by contributing to decision-making without having to make the final call.
He also identified structure with player rotations, starting line-ups, and reduced the head coach’s administrative workload.
Chief Petty Officer Knapp focused on managing substitutions, ensuring key players were on and off the field at crucial times.
“I was primarily running subs and making sure that they were efficient,” he said.
“I gave some individual feedback to players, whereas the coach had more of the overarching picture.”
The women’s team remained undefeated until an U18 boys’ team that replaced a withdrawing women’s team, handed them their only loss.
South Australian men’s coach Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Phillip Southern took on the role of assistant coach of the Australian men’s U21 team for the second time – meaning he had an established rapport with the head coach and management staff.
The team also included his 17-year-old son, Nicholas, for the first time.
The men’s team went undefeated throughout the tour, but for WO1 Southern, the focus was about exposing players to an international competition and developing their skills.
“Building lasting relationships within the playing group and ensuring players have a positive learning experience on and off the field is what makes the tour successful; winning is a bonus,” he said.
“I have a passion for the sport but I rely heavily on my ADF leadership and management experience to ensure I add value to the team environment.
“I was working with a younger generation of athlete and civilian staff who offer an alternate experience, balance and mindset to the ADF.”
