Amstelveen, Netherlands: Australian hockey great Jamie Dwyer has praised the fast evolution of modern hockey as well as the fast development of modern hockey, saying in a statement that it is faster, more skillful and more exciting as well as more and more exciting for the fans too.
Dwyer, who retired from international hockey about a decade ago, is still very much involved in the game and is glued to the action at the current World Cup in the Netherlands. The former Australian star said he was particularly impressed by the speed at which the modern game is being played.
Dwyer said a huge improvement in the ball’s movement has been made. Now players are expected to make decisions and perform technical skills at high speed with fans watching it as well.
“Modern hockey has changed. The game has evolved so much faster, especially ball movement. The execution of skills while the ball is moving is really fun to watch nowadays,” Dwyer said.
The Australian legend thinks the pace of the game has changed the demands on players. Modern hockey calls for athletes to excel technically, be fast, do things with their mind, be aware of their own body and make the right decision and moves at the right time.
Players have less time to control the ball and are expected to make accurate passes, tackles and attacking moves almost instantly.But Dwyer feels that the faster style has not taken away one of hockey's most attractive qualities– individual flair.
And despite the tactical and physical evolution of the sport, he thinks players continue to show creativity and exceptional stick skills. For Dwyer, that combination of speed and individual talent is one of the reasons modern hockey remains so compelling.And yet we haven't lost the individual flair and skills," he said.
Having watched a few games at the World Cup, Dwyer has been impressed with the standard of hockey on display. He described players today as having supreme technical skills but also great athletes.
VIDEO | Amstelveen, Netherlands: Having retired a decade ago, former Australian legend Jamie Dwyer has been impressed by the sport's evolution, particularly its pace and players' ability to execute skills at speed.
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"Modern hockey has changed. The game has become much faster,… pic.twitter.com/XsKu17J3OB
“I have watched a few matches in this World Cup, and I am impressed with the way hockey is being played. The players today have unbelievable skills, and they are really brilliant athletes,” Dwyer said.
Dwyer's comments provide us with a very interesting perspective on hockey and how it has evolved since his days in hockey. One of Australia's most celebrated hockey players, he had a long international career and became known for his creativity, finishing ability and attacking instincts.
His assessment also emphasizes the increasingly high level and demanding physical and technical demands of elite hockey these days. Players today must keep up their intensity during every game and execute complex skills under pressure.
For fans of the World Cup, the evolution is evident in the speed of attacks, fast passing combinations, player handling the ball while keeping the ball moving and players moving at a high pace.
Dwyer’s praise shows that the game is evolving at the same time that it is old-school-like skill and creativity. International hockey is fast, physical and fast-paced and so the players are forced to be precise while under pressure.
The former Australian star's observations underscore that modern hockey is all about the individual brilliance: speed may have changed the game but individual brilliance is still at the heart.
