I predict Menezes will lead the Japanese Women’s team to unprecedented heights on the global stage.
Jude Menezes, a revered figure in Indian field hockey, is celebrated for his exceptional goalkeeping prowess and visionary leadership as a coach. As a coach, Menezes strongly believes that adequate mental and physical preparation is crucial for success and says, “anticipation, planning, resilience, and teamwork are key elements in achieving desired outcomes.”
For Jude Menezes, hockey started at 14 in the vibrant suburb of Orlem, Malad, Mumbai. He says it was a game-changer and said, “Thanks to the support of B.K. Mohite and Merzban Patel from Bombay Republicans, I dove into rink hockey tournaments, adding a thrilling edge to my life. These tournaments, filled with 5-a-side hockey action, honed my skills and opened doors to representing Mumbai across various age groups. From there, I proudly moved on to compete at Senior Nationals and National Games, flying the flag high for Mumbai. Domestically, I’ve had the privilege of suiting up for top-tier teams like Tata Sports Club, Mahindra and Mahindra, and BPCL, each adding a new chapter to my hockey journey.”
Courtesy en.hockey.or.jp
Jude Menezes proudly represented Mumbai Hockey across the spectrum of nationals from sub-junior to senior tiers. He has fondest memories of participating in domestic hockey tournaments and says, “It has been an absolute blast for me, mainly because it’s a chance to reconnect with my teammates. One standout memory was competing in the Nehru Hockey Tournament at Shivaji Stadium, where we went head-to-head with international teams in front of a roaring crowd. We went on a whirlwind tour, hitting up three tournaments back-to-back in Delhi and Jalandhar, spending almost six weeks on the road. But one of the best moments was playing in the Aga Khan Hockey Tournament right in my hometown of Bombay, at the Bombay Gymkhana. The field was like a perfectly manicured billiard table, and the energy from the crowd was electric. And let’s not forget the Beighton Cup in Calcutta, played on grass – although I only got to experience it once, the vibe and excitement were unlike anything else.”
A particular generation remembers Jude Menezes and his supremely talented team of the 2000 Sydney Olympics – India’s best chance to win an Olympic medal for many years. He says, “In Sydney, we were part of an exceptional team playing at the peak of our abilities, showcasing top-tier hockey skills. Despite the presence of immensely talented players, the desired outcome eluded us. Nonetheless, the experience was rich with valuable lessons. It was undeniably a missed opportunity, leaving us with the feeling of being tantalizingly close to success yet ultimately falling short.”
After retiring, Menezes transitioned into coaching and relocated to New Zealand in 2002. There, he delved deeply into the realms of health and fitness and channeled his expertise toward cultivating emerging hockey talents. During his tenure as a coaching staff member and Manager at the Commonwealth Games, Menezes acknowledges the profound influence of Mark Hager’s leadership. He regards Hager as his coaching mentor and attributes a significant portion of his own learning and professional development to him.
Here’s more of what he had to say.
Ravi: Can you describe your successful goalkeeping techniques at the international level and how they have evolved since the two-half-game era for modern-day goalkeepers in the four-quarter game?
Courtesy Glamsham.com
Jude Menezes: I prioritize simplicity and effectiveness in my goalkeeping style, focusing on positioning, communication, organizing the defence, and making clear decisions on the field. As the game evolves, decision-making and organization have become crucial for a goalkeeper’s success. A) Goalkeepers have seen a revolution in training methods. Tools like ball machines, deflect mats, rebound boards, Krazy catch, and video analysis have taken goalie preparation to new heights. Better protective gear also gives us more confidence and freedom of movement. And with comprehensive strength and conditioning programs, we’re more robust, dynamic, and explosive. Rotating goalkeepers throughout the game has become a trend. While it might shorten our focus periods, it also gives both keepers valuable game time, helping their development and confidence. This approach brings stability and confidence to the goalie duo. B) Penalty corners are game-changers in hockey, and defending them has improved over the years. With top-notch protective gear, defenders can confidently cover one side of the goal while the keeper handles the other. Players like Amit Rohidas and Manpreet Singh are masters at nullifying one side of the goal, making the keeper’s job easier.
Ravi: As a coach, you believe in a very attacking and aggressive style of hockey. Can you talk about this and the Olympic Qualifier vs India at Ranchi?
Jude Menezes: Our electrifying style of hockey and attacking play with intelligence shone through in our intense Olympic qualifier showdown against India in Ranchi. With Olympic qualification at stake, the pressure was immense, and unwavering focus was demanded to overcome distractions. India’s formidable attack, mainly their penalty corners, posed a significant threat, but our defence held firm and displayed remarkable determination to clinch the victory. The weight of expectations on Indian athletes, especially at home, can sometimes affect performance negatively.
Ravi: What are your most effective playing and coaching tactics? How do you plan for games when facing different play styles?
Jude Menezes: I take a comprehensive approach to game planning, analyzing our team’s and opponents’ strengths and weaknesses to create an adaptable strategy. We remain flexible and adjust our game plan based on the opponent we’re up against while staying true to our principles and playing to our strengths. It’s like a strategic chess match, always looking for ways to outsmart our opponents and come out on top.
Ravi: Could you provide insights into training goalkeepers and defenders to handle set pieces like penalty corners and strokes effectively?
Jude Menezes: We train hard to hone our skills and execute precisely. When defending penalty corners, we prepare meticulously for every possible scenario. Each team member has a designated role, and we trust each other to execute it to the best of our abilities.
Ravi: Franchise sports have changed the global sporting ecosystem. How do you see this modern-day approach in sports, and how well do you see it in hockey?
Courtesy hockeypassion.in
Jude Menezes: Franchise sports have overtaken the world, and India is no exception. The return of the Hockey India League (HIL) would be a crucial step in further elevating the stature of our beloved sport and firmly establishing it as a force to reckon with. In my opinion, the HIL has played a significant role in the resurgence of Indian hockey. The chance for Indian players and coaches to share the locker room with some of the best talent and minds in the world can only enhance their knowledge and contribute to building a more robust player base. Successful leagues like the IPL prove how a franchise model can improve a country’s sporting performance. Talks are underway for the HIL’s return in 2025, promising exciting hockey matches.
Ravi: I always feel Indian hockey (men and women) needs Indian coaches, and I’m a bit against foreign coaches. Please share your opinions and views on this.
Jude Menezes: The coach’s proficiency should be the foremost factor when appointing them, irrespective of gender or nationality. The selection process should prioritize objective decision-making based on qualifications and merit. The Indian team has witnessed outstanding growth and attained unprecedented success under the tutelage of exceptional coaches. Under Graham Reid’s guidance, the bronze medal triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is a testament to this success.
Ravi: Where do you see India’s men’s and Japanese women’s teams journeying in Paris 2024 and beyond? What changes/suggestions would you suggest about coaching and training?
Jude Menezes: The competitiveness in men’s and women’s hockey is growing as more nations invest in program development.
The Indian men’s and Japanese women’s teams are in promising positions. Our goal for the Japanese women’s team is to improve and remain among the top six globally consistently. My main focus is ensuring Japan performs well at the Paris Olympic Games.
Ravi: Shankar Laxman is the most outstanding field hockey goalkeeper ever. Who are your favourite goalkeepers in India and World Hockey?
Jude Menezes: I cannot analyze Shankar Laxman’s playing style in-depth as it necessitates first-hand observation. However, I confidently assert Mark Patterson’s eminence as the most exceptional Indian goalkeeper I’ve witnessed. The comparison of players across disparate epochs presents inherent challenges owing to variances in rules, playing surfaces, and consequent shifts in physical demands and skillsets. India boasts a rich history of producing world-class players across diverse eras, each exhibiting remarkable prowess. Confining recognition to a mere XI would undervalue the contributions of numerous other outstanding players, thus failing to honour their enduring legacies adequately.
Another great insight, keep it coming Ravi.