Need to work more on patience level of players: Van Ass

Insisting that "patience" is key to a side's success at international level, Indian men's hockey team's new chief coach Paul van Ass today said he needs to work on this area to help increase the tolerance level of Sardar Singh and his men.
Van Ass said although the patience level of Indian players have increased significantly, work still needs to raise it further.
"All round fitness of the team is good and the boys are showing excellent dedication, but yes we will definitely be working on specific areas. The key is to have patience during the game as it helps in better control of the ball and the match," the Dutchman said after the team's training session at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.

"The boys have increased their level of patience, which was evident during the Champions Trophy but I would like to work more on this and help increase the patience level further.
"The Indian team has the tendency to rush for attacks during games but the boys are definitely in better control now. Tactically and technically there is always scope of improving throughout one's career and we are focusing on becoming stronger in all key areas before starting our tour in Malaysia," he added.
Van Ass' first assignment with the Indian team will be the six-nation 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from April 5-12.

Besides India and hosts Malaysia, other participating nations in the tournament are Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Canada.
India will play their first match against Korea on April 5.