To answer the question of why the Australian hockey team is so competitive, one must turn the pages of history. The questions “when” and “what” has to be answered before we can answer the “why” part. So let us start from the beginning of the 20th century.

Australia found that it needed an Australian Hockey Association quite early on in 1912 though it materialized only in 1925. It was also in 1925 that Australia became a member of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The Australian team and the AHA slowly grew in strength.

It was earlier in the year 1922 that Australian Men’s Hockey team played their first international game against New Zealand. Then it was in 1925, that the world’s leading team India visited Australia. Here begins the turning point for the Australian team who were way-behind.

India came to Australia again in 1926. Again, Australia saw a major class difference between the two teams. India kept going from glory to glory and in 1936 won the Olympic gold medal in Berlin.

It was at this point that Australia made the decision to be more competitive in international hockey and to make its team a force to be reckoned-with. So, Australia decided to change its tactics and started adopting essentials from the Indian game. This gave birth to a unique Australian style of hockey. Australia has been improving its game ever since and the style has been evolving ever since.

Another serious factor in the evolution of the competitiveness of the Australian team is the establishment of the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) Hockey Unit in Perth in 1984. This unit has aided in the growth, progress, innovation, and modernization of the game. This result is seen at the international elite level and the proof is seen in the world class playing techniques of the men’s teams.

The AIS has been continuing with many men and women’s programs to maintain the competitiveness of its teams. It even gives challenging pre-competition training for players of all levels and provides scholarships as well. They are given training especially for worldwide games.

The training started with the areas of mobility, speed, and sports skills. Then from 1985, AIS added another dimension to the training by giving them an in depth schooling in sports physiology and psychology. Physiotherapy was also considered important and added to the program.

As if that was not enough the AIS founded a Satellite Coaching Scheme in 1986. Its aim was to encourage talent identification. Then in 1990, it appointed Intensive Training Centre coaches in all major cities.

It was nearly the same story for the women’s teams as well. They initially concentrated on individual members but moved on by including various science tests relating to sports and establishing coaching schemes and training centers similar to the men’s programs. This made sure that women players got the same advantage as men players.

Now we know why and how the Australian team has become so competitive. Its efforts to maintain the level of expertise and its dedication to improving its performance, has to be applauded.