Coaching Expertise
Comprehensive field hockey knowledge developed through decades of elite coaching and playing experience
Rapid Skill Development
I teach hockey fundamentals rapidly and develop high level, skilled players through systematic training approaches.
High-Scoring Teams
I build high scoring teams with dynamic passing attacks that generate numerous circle penetrations and shots on goal.
Defensive Mastery
Deep defensive coaching knowledge and background, complemented by tactical awareness and bio-mechanics expertise.
Passing Game Excellence
High frequency passing game taught based on running, skills and understanding of passing lanes and field "windows".
Specialized Skills
Expert in bio-mechanics, drag flick techniques, and advanced decision-making development for players.
Decision Making
I teach critical decision making skills that help players excel under pressure and in competitive situations.
Coaching Experience (2009-present)
15+ years of elite coaching experience across multiple countries and championship-winning teams
2024 - Hoegaarden HC, Belgium
- Trained 6 different teams
- 3 out of 4 boys teams achieved 2nd place in their leagues
- Developed player skills and decision making across all age groups
2021-2023 - Wayne, Pennsylvania
- Individual lessons for girls aged 12-20
- Focused on skill development and decision making
- Personalized training programs for youth development
2013-2016 - Lazio SS, Italy
- Lazio u14 boys - 2014 Italian Champions
- Lazio u16 boys - 2015 & 2016 Italian Championship 2nd place
- Developed multiple national team players (ITA & POL)
- Players now competing at senior international level
2010-2013 - Belgrade, Serbia
- BASK Club and HKC coaching
- Won women's national outdoor club championship
- Established winning culture and tactical excellence
USA National Team Experience
Elite playing experience with USA national teams, coached by Olympic and international legends
USA JMNT 1978-1979
Junior Men's National Team
Coach: Neville Berman, former captain of South Africa
USA MNT Squad 1982-1985
Men's National Team Squad
Coach: Gavin Featherstone, former England captain and Olympic coach (USA 1984 OG, SA 1996 OG)
International Experience
Multiple Olympic Festivals & Tours
US Olympic Festivals (1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987), USA MNT tour to Holland 1985, tied world champion Dutch u21 team 1-1
Played defense against 250+ Olympians from Australia, Holland, South Africa, Canada, England, Pakistan, and India. Gained invaluable experience through overseas play in Belgium, Germany, Holland, England, and Canada leagues.
Community & Education
Building global field hockey communities and continuous professional development
Facebook Community
Field Hockey Fundamentals group with 58,000+ members including Olympians, Olympic coaches, national team coaches and top players worldwide.
Coaching Certifications
European Hockey Federation coaching conference 2011 certificate, USAFH Level 1 and 2 certificates.
Tournament Analysis
Studied at World Cups (1998, 2006, 2014), 7 Champion Trophy events, Olympic Games (1984, 2004), and EHF championships (2009, 2013).
Publications
Books under development: Field Hockey Fundamentals, Developing Attacking Player Decision Making, Drag Flick techniques.
International Coaching
Coached by top internationals from Pakistan, India, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Holland, and Canada throughout career.
Video Analysis
Deep knowledge of patterns of play and tactics from extensive video analysis. Created vast library of patterns from international hockey and football matches.
Ready to Train with Derek?
Experience elite field hockey coaching that has developed champions at every level