4 things missing from the best tournament in America

The skills US players need to develop now to thrive in college

I watched 30+ games last week - and saw the same four mistakes that will harm American players' college careers.

The USA Field Hockey National Club Championships in Virginia Beach is my favorite recruiting tournament of the year, because the incentives are crystal clear.

Unlike showcases where recruiting exposure competes more obviously for priority, NCC has one goal: winning.

Clubs bring their best players. Coaches use their strongest lineups. Players are in a familiar team environment and have prepared for this. Every game matters for qualification and rankings.

This pressure reveals habits that get hidden elsewhere. The skills players rely on when everything's on the line. The decision-making that emerges under stress.

The environment reveals to college coaches what recruits will do when it matters - not what they can do in practice.

After four days at the fields, four significant gaps stood out.

Not necessarily talent gaps - there's incredible athleticism and skill throughout American youth field hockey.

Technical and tactical gaps that will limit these players' development at higher levels.

Let’s dig in.