Taunton Vale is a progressive hockey club turning out five men’s and four ladies senior sides weekly and a host of junior teams on a regular basis. They can boast excellent facilities and are constantly looking to improve their coaching and player development.

Clare Hayes is a professional hockey coach working in schools, clubs and colleges throughout Somerset. She also trains the men’s IIs at Taunton Vale and has recently become an enthusiastic BOLA Hockey Machine user.

“I love the machine because it allows me to isolate a skill without relying on the delivery from another player. Knowing that the ball will arrive in exactly the right place and at the right speed lets the player concentrate on the skill,” explains Clare, who is also the Assistant National Welsh Ladies Coach.

A good example is a drill to coach deflections. Clare sets up a situation where three attackers approach two defenders and encourages an early shot from a wide position. The machine is situated in a wide position on the other side of the goal (which is unattended for this drill) where a keeper would most likely deflect the ball. The machine delivers the ball across the goal and creates a situation for one the attackers to deflect the ball into the goal. Clare starts the machine at 50 mph and increases the speed, as the players grow more adept.

TAUNTON VALE are always looking for NEW PLAYERS and COACHES. Vale is particularly interested in developing goal keepers and is starting a GOALKEEPER ACADEMY. Anyone who is interested and lives in the area should contact Taunton Vale Hockey Club on 01823 252 225 or CLICK HERE