The making of a player: Rupinder Pal Singh
Indian hockey drag flicker Rupinder Pal Singh on training twice a day, the national camp diet, recovery sessions, off-season fitness and preparing for the Hockey World Cup.
Rupinder Pal Singh is a professional field hockey player, who is currently a part of the Indian hockey team. The ace drag flicker is a success story both on and off the field.
Rupinder Pal Singh is a professional field hockey player, who currently represents India in the Indian Hockey Team. He plays as a fullback and is known for his abilities as one of the best drag flickers in the world.
How many times a day do you train?
We usually train twice a day, 1-2 hours sessions each.
How different is your training regime from the conventional methods of training?
Our coaching staff and fitness trainer design programmes by mixing things up to optimise output and keep things interesting.
What is your regular diet?
A regular meal at the national camp consists of grilled chicken and veggies, some complex carbs, several helpings of fruits to boost hydration. All meals are customized to our body requirements and energy needs.
Do you mix and match your training methods each quarter?
Our strategy remains the same. However, we might make minor changes to our tactics every now and then, based on the situation and opponent team that we’re playing against.
What is your process of recovery?
Recovery sessions consist of stretching exercises, swimming pool sessions, cold water baths etc.
Do you have cheat days as a part of your fitness regime?
As pro athletes, in an around tournaments, we need to follow a strict, restrictive diet. However during our leisure time, I do like satisfy my sweet indulgence occasionally.
How long does it take for you to recover from an injury?
It totally depends on the injury. It took me the better part of last year to recover.
Does your fitness regime differ during off season?
Our fitness is something that we cannot afford to let drop even a little bit. Though we might get to take a breather for a second during off season, we still need to work out regularly and hit the gym in order to keep the momentum going.
Our fitness is something that we cannot afford to let drop even a little bit. We need to work hard to keep the momentum going.
In your sport which body muscles do you have to pay maximum focus on?
Since hockey is a fiercely active sport, it works every single muscle fiber of your body. For performing effective drag flicks in particular, strong glutes, hamstrings and core muscles are a prerequisite.
With the Hockey world cup round the corner, what is the rehabilitation process you are planning to undergo?
Preparation for the Hockey World Cup is on in full swing. The rehabilitation process is pretty simple, we are focusing on strengthening our muscles to avoid injuries of any sort as well as working on our flexibility, agility, endurance and strength overall.
Rupinder Singh, playing for the Indian National Team
From the October 2018 issue of FHM India.
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