AFTER finishing in second place in their first international tournament last month, Bermuda's men's federation hockey team is back in training in an effort to better that showing this summer.

The team fought their way into the final in the JFK Memorial Tournament in Virginia Beach over the last weekend of May.

With two wins, a draw and a loss on their way, Bermuda suffered bad luck to fall ? in over-time penalty flicks ? to the 2003 defending champions Tri-State.

The success of the team's first outing shocked many on the island, but not their coach Nigel Pichery.

"Most hockey teams that leave these shores are very competitive and this one was no exception," he said this week. "There are excellent players on this squad and their performances in Virginia Beach proved that."

Pichery said the team's mental strength made a difference ? even when they were down ? and that playing simple hockey paid returns.

"One obvious strength was their mental approach to the game," he said of the Fed Squad who were led by captain Neil Carroll.

"Even when they went behind in games they still continued to attack their opponents and in both instances came back to earn draws. Apart from that aspect, their strength also lies in their ability to play simple hockey.

"The two-touch and three-touch game really helped us out there because when we played that style of hockey the pace of the game increased and helped keep our opponents off balance."

If there was one area on which he would like to see the squad improve however, it would be fitness.

"The main weakness that I would like to correct is the fitness of the squad," Pichery said. "I think that once this aspect reaches an acceptable level, all tactical work becomes easier."

To improve overall fitness, the coach has added weekly team swimming sessions to an already demanding training regimen for the squad, which draws on the best of both Bermudian and expatriate players available.

"I have added swimming with the hope of improving fitness quickly," Pichery said. "Swimming allows for this without undue stress and strain on muscles and joints."

The team will also be playing more practice games ? the first took place last Saturday at Saltus field ? to maintain their level of play.

While the 16 players who participated in the Virginia Beach tournament distinguished themselves, they have no guarantee of a spot in the next overseas challenge, the Banks Tournament in Barbados from August 22 to 28. Some will be lost to work and family commitments but Pichery is also committed to fielding Bermuda's best possible line-up in every tournament and is encouraging all male hockey players on the island to try out for the team.

"Any differences in the squad that goes to Barbados will be based solely on players who step up and challenge for a spot," he said. "The 16 spots are available to anyone who wants them badly enough. Anyone who comes along to the training sessions will be given a serious chance to get a spot.

"I have already told the players from the last squad that they must all compete again for their spots and to not take anything for granted.

"It is my hope that players who were not involved with the first phase of the programme will positively react to the success of the first tour and come out and contribute to this federation effort. There are some really good players still out there who I am hoping come along."

The Banks tournament is a favourite in the Western Hemisphere.

"The teams in Barbados will be very good club and university teams from all over the world," Pichery said. "This festival has attracted teams from all the hockey playing nations and I hope that we can run into some of them."

Banks, like Virginia Beach, will be played on astroturf and Bermuda is very possibly the only competing team that is not currently able to train on that surface.

The latest time-frame for the new astroturf pitch at the National Sports Centre to be laid is late summer however, and the hope is this federation team will be able to train on it in time for the next overseas tournament.

In the interim, however, the focus is on preparing for Barbados.

"We must remember that most of these players do have jobs and families and with that in mind I am thankful for the effort so far," Pichery said. "I would like to think that everyone will return to the programme with gusto after their recovery period and make a concerted effort for the short ten weeks before Barbados."