Hockey: a matter of the heart - Interview with Salem's hockey coach Julian Priebus

Interview with Julian Priebus, hockey coach at Schule Schloss Salem

Team spirit, endurance and sophisticated technique - field hockey has been the traditional school sport at Salem since its foundation and is still one of the defining sports in everyday school life at Salem. Our pupils not only learn how to handle the stick and ball, but also how to take responsibility in and for their team, as well as fairness and group dynamics.

Julian Priebus, long-time hockey coach and passionate educator, tells us what is behind the success of our hockey programme.

What brought you to hockey - and what fascinates you about the sport to this day?

I've played in a club since I was a child - the challenging technique, the fast pace and the strategic depth of the game have always fascinated me. What I still love today is playing the sport together in a group. You don't win or lose on your own - that's what makes it so appealing.

What is particularly important to you as a coach - both on a sporting and personal level?

For me, it's not just about teaching technical and tactical skills. I want the youngsters to learn to stand up for each other, treat each other with respect, motivate each other and also deal with setbacks. I find accompanying them in this process and supporting their development very rewarding. Sport is a valuable way of building character - and that is precisely where its value lies.

What does a typical field hockey training session in Salem look like?

We usually start with a general warm-up together before moving on using the sticks for a hockey-based warm-up. This is followed by technical exercises - dribbling, passing, shooting at goal. We then move on to games in which various group tactical situations and team play are trained. Of course, the intensive final game at the end of the session is a must. What is particularly important to me is that everyone should be able to improve, regardless of whether they are beginners or advanced players.

What role does field hockey play in the lives of Salem pupils?

Hockey is much more than just a sport for us. Pupils encounter the sport from Year 5 onwards and it connects, challenges and writes many stories - of successes and defeats and especially of shared experiences. For many pupils, it provides a balance to their intensive academic and boarding school day. Many discover their talent or passion here and take it with them beyond their school days.

Is there a moment from your time playing field hockey in Salem that you particularly remember?

There are many great moments that I remember with the players and the teams. But it's always particularly enjoyable every two years when the old pupils return to Salem for the hotly contested hockey matches between the current school teams and the ASV men's and women's teams. Seeing the old students again, with whom you spent a lot of time on the pitch and in the hall during their Salem career and whose hockey career you accompanied, is something very special every time.