Craig Fulton, beaming with joy, shared a heartfelt moment with his former teammates from the Belgian men’s hockey team after their Pro League match against India in Antwerp. The South African coach, who had spent five years as an assistant coach for Belgium, played a crucial role in elevating the European team to the pinnacle of world hockey, helping them secure gold at the 2018 World Cup, the 2019 EuroHockey Championship, and the 2020 Olympics.
When the 49-year-old was appointed as the head coach of the Indian hockey team just over a year ago, it was clear that he would bring his unique approach and tactics to his new role. His coaching philosophy is notably distinct from that of his predecessor.
Graham Reid, Fulton’s predecessor, embodied the quintessential Australian style of hockey—relentless attack and high-pressure play. The Australian approach emphasizes continuous offensive assaults, overwhelming opponents with wave after wave of attacks, and scoring multiple goals to break down the opposition’s structure and morale.
In contrast, Belgium’s hockey style, which Fulton helped shape, is rooted in European principles. It focuses on ball possession, short, precise passes, and structured play, with players maintaining their positions to fortify the defense. The strategy aims to patiently wait for the right moment to score, often securing victory with just one or two well-timed goals—a style reminiscent of the tiki-taka approach in Spanish football.
Indian hockey experts were initially taken aback when Fulton declared that his strategy was to “defend to win.” However, he quickly proved his critics wrong as India went unbeaten to claim gold at both the Asian Champions Trophy and the Asian Games, earning a direct qualification for the Paris Olympics.
After more than a year under Fulton’s guidance, the Indian players appear to be fully embracing his tactical vision.
“India’s ball possession has definitely improved. They are holding onto the ball more and moving it around with greater purpose. You can see a shift towards a more European style of play, and that’s evident,” says Shane McLeod, former head coach of Belgium who led them to gold at both the 2018 World Cup and the 2020 Olympics. Fulton was McLeod’s assistant during that successful period.
As India prepares for the upcoming Olympics, the question remains: Will Fulton’s tactics be the key to unlocking India’s long-awaited Olympic success? The signs are promising, but the ultimate test will come on the global stage in Paris.
