Jongin eyes the few boys waiting by the gate leading to the hockey field. Jongin learns that the one with the most piercings is the manager’s brother-in-law.
A few days ago their coach had called them for an emergency meeting.
“The manager has just informed me that we’ll be getting new members for the team.”
There were shouts of surprise and protests from everyone.
As the captain, Luhan spoke up for everyone, “But Coach, you’ve already finalised our first eleven and with three new members that will put three people on the bench.”
Jongin watched as Doojoon sighed, running his hand through his hair. “About that, there has been a change of plans. One of the new boys is the manager’s brother-in-law and he wants to play for the team. I’ve been warned by the manager to make sure he gets plenty of game time” – more groans – “and no matter how you feel about this, I urge you to make them feel welcomed if you want to stay on the team.”
Jongin knows what Doojoon meant. Offend the new players and you offend the manager. There goes your dream of playing in the club divisions.
“So does this mean our line-up has changed?” Jongin asked the question playing on everyone’s mind. If the manager ordered to have the new players in the first eleven that means some players will only be substitutes. That means lesser play time, or no play time at all.
“I have not decided. There will be some changes but I’ll only make them after I’ve seen the new members in action. They’re joining us for this Friday’s practice so play nice. But take this positively, having substitute players are important as well.”
Jongin had thought that the new players must be good and that is why the manager lets them in without any try outs but he learns that he is wrong. The new members know nothing about hockey.
“The pitch needs to be watered before we start playing. It is an artificial turf unlike a soccer field with grass. The sprinklers will take about 15 minutes before we can start. And here, you guys should call me coach,” Doojoon says.
One of the tall boys, holding his hockey stick over his shoulder like a baseball bat laughs. Jongin feels like shoving the stick into his face to teach him the proper ways of carrying a stick.
“That one is Chanyeol,” Luhan whispers from behind.
“Seems like you’re getting acquainted with them real fast,” Jongin says, his eyes still trained on the new players.
“As captain, it’s only right I learn about all my players. As vice-captain, you should too.”
“Why do they need to water the field? It’ll only get our shoes wet,” Chanyeol shouts, exchanging hi-fives with the other two as they laugh as though he said something funny.
“Is he serious?” Jongin stares with his mouth hanging.
“Plays soccer in his school, not much of a hockey player. The one with the bitch face is Sehun, basketball player in his school. And the last one is –“
“Huang Zitao,” Jongin interrupts, looking at the boy leading the other two into the pitch, dragging his hockey stick behind him.
Luhan looks at Jongin with surprise, “Yes, Tao. You know him?”
“He just got transferred to my class this week. Well what about him? What’s his specialty?”
“Umm, photography? Don’t stare at me like that, I’m not making this up!”
“Great,” Jongin sighs, “We’ve got new members who know nothing about hockey when we need all the help we can get to even make it through the first round of the U-21.”
Jongin snickers when the sprinklers start and the new members who decided to ignore their coach’s instructions starts to run back out, throwing curses as they get drenched. Everyone else on the benches is trying to hide their laughter as they put on their shin guards and socks.
Behind Jongin, Luhan stands up. “Alright guys, as we wait for the sprinklers, let’s introduce ourselves to the new members. I’ll start. I’m Luhan, captain of this team. On the field and once training starts, Coach Yoon’s words are law and if he’s not around, mine’s next. I think our new members have just learned that what the coach says goes because it gets us out of the water.”
Tao, Chanyeol and Sehun stares daggers at everyone trying to keep their laughter in. Jongin quite enjoys the flush working its way up Tao’s neck and ears – his silver earrings catching the light and glinting – different from the Tao he’s had what little chance to know in class. Jongin only stands up after a little kick from Luhan.
“I’m Jongin, your vice-captain. Even if Luhan hyung is the captain, I’m actually the Peterpan to his Thinkerbell” – another kick and a few snickers – “I might be younger than some of the members here but I have the most hockey experience. You three will learn that any advice or help I offer is not in vain.”
The rest of the introduction goes on smoothly; some of the members like Minseok and Kyungsoo simply introducing their names and positions while others like Joonmyun and Jongdae choosing to share their whole life stories about why they chose hockey.
A whistle blows and it marks the end of their introductory session.
“Alright boys, get geared up and go for a warm-up jog, 3 rounds around the pitch. As per normal, with every whistle blow, the last pair will run up to the front and lead the team in the jog. The new members will start in the middle since they’re well…new. Captains, all yours.”
“Everyone on the pitch, in twos,” Luhan orders, “Joonmyun you pair up with Sehun, Minho with Chanyeol and Jongin with Tao. Coach, you’re with me since we have odd numbers.”
Jongin doesn’t miss the sly smile Luhan throws him but he doesn’t grumble as he gets in line beside Tao. As vice-captain, he has to show a good example and a blatant dislike of the new members won’t be good news.
“Sehun, what do you think you’re doing?” Luhan asks.
“Putting my stick down?” Sehun replies, puzzled.
The team snickers at his reply. Beside Jongin, Tao’s face starts to heat up again. Just like Sehun he was getting ready to put his hockey stick down on the floor. “We run with our hockey stick in our non-dominant hand,” Jongin explains. “It helps build our arm power since it’s the hand we seldom use.”
Sehun grudgingly gets back in line beside Joonmyun, discontent apparent on his face – or maybe that’s just his face, Jongin thinks.
Tao is surprisingly flexible as they follow the warm-up routine led by Luhan. Unlike half the team who have difficulties even trying to touch their ankles, Tao effortlessly bends down, his fingers getting a good grip on his toes instead of just brushing them. Tao is a distraction, Jongin thinks. His body almost bending into a perfect half and the way he arches his back as he gets up is definitely a distraction.
A whistle blows twice and all the members get up, rushing to Doojoon. Well, except for the new members who have no idea what it means, watching as everyone gets up on their feet and rushes to where Doojoon is waiting.
Two more whistle blows. “The three of you, get over here this instant.”
The new members scramble to their feet, running over to where the rest of the team are.
“10 push-ups each for not being alert. Hockey is a team sport, you don’t play by yourself. If you lose focus, the whole team loses its focus. I may be your hyung off the field, but on it, I’m your coach. Don’t take me for granted because I’m not going to give you the chance to do so. Understand?” Doojoon barks.
“Yes!” The whole team echoes with the exception of Tao, Sehun and Chanyeol who just stares dumbfounded, trying to regain the feeling in their arms after the push-ups.
“I asked you a question,” Doojoon says, directing it to them.
“Yes,” the new members repeat after Doojoon, a lot softer.
“Today we’re going back to basics and don’t take it out on the new members it’s not just because of them. A good number of you have forgotten about your basics, doing silly hat tricks and elaborate moves like flicking and scooping when a simple push or sweep would suffice. It is because of your complacency that usually results in the loss of ball possessions during games. Get in pairs; we’ll start with pushing, a stick’s distance from each other. Luhan and I will demonstrate for the new members.” Doojoon motions for Luhan to join him in front, standing at a stick’s length away from each other.
“Minseok, ball.” Minseok passes a ball to Doojoon.
“First, get a good grip on your stick with your non-dominant hand. Hold the top of your stick at the grip with your left hand like this. Your right hand should be holding the stick almost halfway down. And that’s where most people go wrong,” Doojoon says to Chanyeol.
“I know you play sports, but remember hockey is not like other sports. Hockey is not played by bending your waists. You bend at your knees, like this.” In an instant, Doojoon bends on his knees, gripping his hockey stick in his hands and Luhan follows suit. “Since the three of you are tall, it’ll take some time getting used to it but this is the position you should be at when playing. Bend at the knees at almost a ninety degrees angle. Sehun, you won’t be able to move your stick if you hold it upright like that. You should hold your stick at a forty-five degree angle from the ground, slanted away from your body.
Re: wc!au: team dage: stick check 1
“Hyung, can we get on the field now?”
Jongin eyes the few boys waiting by the gate leading to the hockey field. Jongin learns that the one with the most piercings is the manager’s brother-in-law.
A few days ago their coach had called them for an emergency meeting.
“The manager has just informed me that we’ll be getting new members for the team.”
There were shouts of surprise and protests from everyone.
As the captain, Luhan spoke up for everyone, “But Coach, you’ve already finalised our first eleven and with three new members that will put three people on the bench.”
Jongin watched as Doojoon sighed, running his hand through his hair. “About that, there has been a change of plans. One of the new boys is the manager’s brother-in-law and he wants to play for the team. I’ve been warned by the manager to make sure he gets plenty of game time” – more groans – “and no matter how you feel about this, I urge you to make them feel welcomed if you want to stay on the team.”
Jongin knows what Doojoon meant. Offend the new players and you offend the manager. There goes your dream of playing in the club divisions.
“So does this mean our line-up has changed?” Jongin asked the question playing on everyone’s mind. If the manager ordered to have the new players in the first eleven that means some players will only be substitutes. That means lesser play time, or no play time at all.
“I have not decided. There will be some changes but I’ll only make them after I’ve seen the new members in action. They’re joining us for this Friday’s practice so play nice. But take this positively, having substitute players are important as well.”
Jongin had thought that the new players must be good and that is why the manager lets them in without any try outs but he learns that he is wrong. The new members know nothing about hockey.
“The pitch needs to be watered before we start playing. It is an artificial turf unlike a soccer field with grass. The sprinklers will take about 15 minutes before we can start. And here, you guys should call me coach,” Doojoon says.
One of the tall boys, holding his hockey stick over his shoulder like a baseball bat laughs. Jongin feels like shoving the stick into his face to teach him the proper ways of carrying a stick.
“That one is Chanyeol,” Luhan whispers from behind.
“Seems like you’re getting acquainted with them real fast,” Jongin says, his eyes still trained on the new players.
“As captain, it’s only right I learn about all my players. As vice-captain, you should too.”
“Why do they need to water the field? It’ll only get our shoes wet,” Chanyeol shouts, exchanging hi-fives with the other two as they laugh as though he said something funny.
“Is he serious?” Jongin stares with his mouth hanging.
“Plays soccer in his school, not much of a hockey player. The one with the bitch face is Sehun, basketball player in his school. And the last one is –“
“Huang Zitao,” Jongin interrupts, looking at the boy leading the other two into the pitch, dragging his hockey stick behind him.
Luhan looks at Jongin with surprise, “Yes, Tao. You know him?”
“He just got transferred to my class this week. Well what about him? What’s his specialty?”
“Umm, photography? Don’t stare at me like that, I’m not making this up!”
“Great,” Jongin sighs, “We’ve got new members who know nothing about hockey when we need all the help we can get to even make it through the first round of the U-21.”
Jongin snickers when the sprinklers start and the new members who decided to ignore their coach’s instructions starts to run back out, throwing curses as they get drenched. Everyone else on the benches is trying to hide their laughter as they put on their shin guards and socks.
Behind Jongin, Luhan stands up. “Alright guys, as we wait for the sprinklers, let’s introduce ourselves to the new members. I’ll start. I’m Luhan, captain of this team. On the field and once training starts, Coach Yoon’s words are law and if he’s not around, mine’s next. I think our new members have just learned that what the coach says goes because it gets us out of the water.”
Tao, Chanyeol and Sehun stares daggers at everyone trying to keep their laughter in. Jongin quite enjoys the flush working its way up Tao’s neck and ears – his silver earrings catching the light and glinting – different from the Tao he’s had what little chance to know in class. Jongin only stands up after a little kick from Luhan.
“I’m Jongin, your vice-captain. Even if Luhan hyung is the captain, I’m actually the Peterpan to his Thinkerbell” – another kick and a few snickers – “I might be younger than some of the members here but I have the most hockey experience. You three will learn that any advice or help I offer is not in vain.”
The rest of the introduction goes on smoothly; some of the members like Minseok and Kyungsoo simply introducing their names and positions while others like Joonmyun and Jongdae choosing to share their whole life stories about why they chose hockey.
A whistle blows and it marks the end of their introductory session.
“Alright boys, get geared up and go for a warm-up jog, 3 rounds around the pitch. As per normal, with every whistle blow, the last pair will run up to the front and lead the team in the jog. The new members will start in the middle since they’re well…new. Captains, all yours.”
“Everyone on the pitch, in twos,” Luhan orders, “Joonmyun you pair up with Sehun, Minho with Chanyeol and Jongin with Tao. Coach, you’re with me since we have odd numbers.”
Jongin doesn’t miss the sly smile Luhan throws him but he doesn’t grumble as he gets in line beside Tao. As vice-captain, he has to show a good example and a blatant dislike of the new members won’t be good news.
“Sehun, what do you think you’re doing?” Luhan asks.
“Putting my stick down?” Sehun replies, puzzled.
The team snickers at his reply. Beside Jongin, Tao’s face starts to heat up again. Just like Sehun he was getting ready to put his hockey stick down on the floor. “We run with our hockey stick in our non-dominant hand,” Jongin explains. “It helps build our arm power since it’s the hand we seldom use.”
Sehun grudgingly gets back in line beside Joonmyun, discontent apparent on his face – or maybe that’s just his face, Jongin thinks.
Tao is surprisingly flexible as they follow the warm-up routine led by Luhan. Unlike half the team who have difficulties even trying to touch their ankles, Tao effortlessly bends down, his fingers getting a good grip on his toes instead of just brushing them. Tao is a distraction, Jongin thinks. His body almost bending into a perfect half and the way he arches his back as he gets up is definitely a distraction.
A whistle blows twice and all the members get up, rushing to Doojoon. Well, except for the new members who have no idea what it means, watching as everyone gets up on their feet and rushes to where Doojoon is waiting.
Two more whistle blows. “The three of you, get over here this instant.”
The new members scramble to their feet, running over to where the rest of the team are.
“10 push-ups each for not being alert. Hockey is a team sport, you don’t play by yourself. If you lose focus, the whole team loses its focus. I may be your hyung off the field, but on it, I’m your coach. Don’t take me for granted because I’m not going to give you the chance to do so. Understand?” Doojoon barks.
“Yes!” The whole team echoes with the exception of Tao, Sehun and Chanyeol who just stares dumbfounded, trying to regain the feeling in their arms after the push-ups.
“I asked you a question,” Doojoon says, directing it to them.
“Yes,” the new members repeat after Doojoon, a lot softer.
“Today we’re going back to basics and don’t take it out on the new members it’s not just because of them. A good number of you have forgotten about your basics, doing silly hat tricks and elaborate moves like flicking and scooping when a simple push or sweep would suffice. It is because of your complacency that usually results in the loss of ball possessions during games. Get in pairs; we’ll start with pushing, a stick’s distance from each other. Luhan and I will demonstrate for the new members.” Doojoon motions for Luhan to join him in front, standing at a stick’s length away from each other.
“Minseok, ball.” Minseok passes a ball to Doojoon.
“First, get a good grip on your stick with your non-dominant hand. Hold the top of your stick at the grip with your left hand like this. Your right hand should be holding the stick almost halfway down. And that’s where most people go wrong,” Doojoon says to Chanyeol.
“I know you play sports, but remember hockey is not like other sports. Hockey is not played by bending your waists. You bend at your knees, like this.” In an instant, Doojoon bends on his knees, gripping his hockey stick in his hands and Luhan follows suit. “Since the three of you are tall, it’ll take some time getting used to it but this is the position you should be at when playing. Bend at the knees at almost a ninety degrees angle. Sehun, you won’t be able to move your stick if you hold it upright like that. You should hold your stick at a forty-five degree angle from the ground, slanted away from your body.