Youth Coach

Former Youth Coach & Manager – ASD Lazio Hockey

Derek Pappas joined Lazio Hockey Prato Giovani in 2013 as head coach of youth teams. He introduced a more detailed approach to field hockey fundamentals and helped players develop advanced technical skills. Under his guidance, the teams achieved national success and several players were selected for Italian National Teams.

Technical Director

Technical Director – Hockey in Hoegaarden (Belgium)

Derek coached at Hockey in Hoegaarden for three months and demonstrated strong leadership and deep knowledge of field hockey fundamentals. His technical approach helped players improve their ball control, positioning, and overall understanding of the game in a short time.

Parent Recommendation

Field Hockey Player's Parent

Derek’s coaching had an immediate and lasting impact on our daughter. Her technical stick work, passing, and decision making improved significantly thanks to his training methods and focus on game speed.

Field Hockey Player

Advanced Player

Derek has a unique and very effective technical approach to teaching field hockey. His coaching helped improve shooting accuracy, positioning, and overall understanding of the game.

From Players Worldwide

Various Locations

"I hope you will come back soon because you are one of the best trainers we have ever had. You taught us so many things in a short time and showed that hockey is simple if you go the right way."

"Hockey player from Melbourne, Australia: Thank you for everything you contribute on Facebook groups. I am learning so much from you."

"Also, thank you for all your posts and tutorials! My team has been working in the tubes defense drill at practice and it's made such a difference already!"

Player Experience

Class of 2026

As a player I’ve had many coaches and different experiences. Working with Derek has by far been one of the best coaching experiences I’ve ever had. He understands the game on a different level and not only trains you physically but also how to mentally handle pressure, and game like situations. After only a few sessions I noticed a change in how I play which was a complete shock seeing that I only trained a few times. As I trained more on a regular basis with Derek, not only did I notice a change in how I play but my teammates, family, and coaches noticed. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Derek and would highly recommend him to any player.

Athlete’s Parent Perspective

Field Hockey Player's Parents

Derek does transformational work with his players. The impact he made with our daughter was immediate and sustained. Her technical stick work, ball striking, and passing has advanced her game and continues to improve by practicing the skills Derek taught her. The footwork and emphasis on game speed, situational field hockey has advanced our daughter’s field hockey IQ. She has evolved into a leader on the field with her play and off the field with her teammates. She is making smart hockey decisions and directly impacts plays during each game.

Derek’s focus on physical conditioning and athleticism has really motivated her as an athlete. She has adopted good habits for practice and game preparation, keeping her healthy and strong from preseason through the playoffs and beyond.

Derek has been a valuable resource, committed coach, and mentor. We are thrilled to have worked with him and highly recommend him to anyone looking to advance their field hockey skills and mental toughness.

Technical Coaching

Derek has a unique and very effective approach to teaching field hockey. His instruction is very technical based and he is a wealth of knowledge on the game. Our daughter trained with him, and he improved her shot significantly. While she always had a hard shot, he was able to greatly increase her accuracy and speed once he taught her the proper mechanics of shooting. As an advanced player, he also helped her to understand many nuances of positioning, hitting, and passing that took her play up a notch. You will see significant improvement in whatever part of your game you are looking to improve. We highly recommend him as a coach.