Brett Houghton, a canoe polo iconic figure
The coach of the Australian male canoe polo team, Brett Houghton has been a figure of this sport with his impressive record. Triple world champion in the 90’s, he is also the inventor of the Change Up an effective technic which has been dreaded for a long time by the goal keepers. Meeting with Brett Houghton, wisdom on the water.
Brett Houghton is retired from the international competition but still playing for his club in New South Wales. (Source photo Australian Canoeing)
Kayak-polo.info : You have been playing canoe polo since you are 12, what fascinates you about this sport ?
Brett Houghton : I guess it’s because this sport is very active. Fast moving and difficult skills to put in the paddling and the shooting with the ball in the same time. You travel a lot as well, going over sea and doing the international travelling. The Aussie community has always received an amazing welcoming.
KPI : You are famous for inventing the “change up” (*1), is it only your personal trick or every player doing it ?
BH : During the 90’s not many goalies could take it, it was pretty effective we scored quite a few goals like this. Now goalkeeper have higher skill level. They are more prepared for this kind of shot. Their paddles are lighter, so is their equipment. They’re moving faster and can recover position quickly. But the “Change Up” is still a good move.
KPI : Canoe polo is not as famous as Cricket, Rugby or Footie in Australia…why ?
BH : Ah…I think it’s just because for Cricket, rugby, football you just need to go to the closest park and you can play. Canoe polo needs more investment and effort, you need to paddle, control your boat and control the ball in the same time.
KPI : How long the Australian canoe polo team have been training for the world championship ?
BH : We have start in September last year, the squad was counting 18 players. In April this year they were only 8. Three are from New South Wales (NSW), four from South Australia (SA) and one from Victoria (VIC). The selection of the squad happened during the summer with five selection based on the skills, the fitness and the club where they come from.
KPI : At which age does a canoe polo player had to think about retirement ?
BH : Oh… There is no age really, I mean I stoped to be part of the international competition when I was 29 but at my age I am still playing for the New South Wales team!(laugh)
KPI : What is the average age of the Australian team ?
BH : Hum… The oldest is around 37 and the youngest is 24 years old. We like having older player in our Aussie team. They are used to the international competition which is not necessarily the case for our young players. Australia is far from Europe which concentrates the best canoe polo team in the world. It costs a fortune to get there as well…that’s our major issue!
KPI : Australia dominated canoe polo during the 90’s when you were playing (*2), what’s happened since then ?
BH : It’s in part due to the decrease of young people getting involved with this sport. Young people are the future of this sport. They make it grow. We are in a bad situation at the moment, same as the UK regarding the conversation I had with few contacts up there. Hopefully it’s not the same situation in all Europe, the teams are very structured and they getting stronger.
KPI : What is the Australian male canoe polo team weakest and strongest part ?
BH : Mmh…I think their weakest part is as well their strongest aspect. We are not used to play at the international level so we need a bit if adjustment. However this mean as well that the other world teams are not use to our way to play, which is an advantage!
KPI : You were captain of the Australian canoe polo team during the 90’s, what is your best tip for the captain Craig Hutchinson ?
BH : Ah, ah.. (laugh) Definitely to be patient! Craig has experience of Europe he has been travelling many times up there. He knows how to deal with this, you know, being on tour, being away from your family and friends. Having the family support is essential especially in our sport. Our family is one of the best supports, for the financial aspect but as well with the time they invest in us.
KPI : What do you think about the French team ?
BH : They have been amazingly consistent the last past ten years. The have a really good strong group of players. I am very impressed.
KPI : Have you been checking the way the French play ?
BH : Yes we have. We have watched a few videos. We know their weak parts and their tactics. We are prepared to play against them.
KPI : Have you been in France ?
BH : Yes, I have been there already. The Australian team will arrive early to Thury-Harcourt the 2nd of September.
KPI : Do you plan to do the tourist thing while in France ?
BH : Oh yeah! Being in France without looking around!? I think we are going to visit the local region, going to the Mont-Saint-Michel and maybe few famous beaches from the WWII. Normandy is a wonderful part of the world.
KPI : How is the spirit of the Australian team at the moment ?
BH : We are going for a regular training camp during the week end to maintain a strong team spirit. But I recon they feel really confident. They are used to playing together. Some of the players have known each other for four years or they have been playing together since Poznan (ndlr: last world championship in Poland in 2012). We only have two new guys our team is strong.
KPI : What’s happened to the female Australian team ?
BH : Ah… it was a big disappointment. It’s the first time since the first world championship in 1994 that the Australian female team doesn’t participate to the world championship. The main reason is because travelling to Europe is way too expensive for them. They have start saving for the next competition in 2016, they will be there !
KPI : What do you mean “too expensive”, you guys doesn’t receive any financial support ?
BH : No. Absolutely nothing! Unfortunately The Australian Canoeing doesn’t help us. They support the slalom or the descent. All the money to pay the equipment, tickets for travel or other expenses it’s from our personal saving!
KPI : Slalom, sprint they are representing at the Olympics is it one of you target for the canoe polo ?
BH : Absolutely, maybe not the next Olympics but the one after. It’s definitely an opportunity that we looking at for the future.
KPI : If the Australian team win, what would be the first things you will do ?
BH : Probably jumping in the water, celebrating and have a long phone call with the family! We definitely have a chance, let’s see.
Isabelle Robert.
(*1): Brett was well known for inventing the ‘change up’ shot at the goal which looks like a fast ball but the speed was deceptively very slow.
(*2): Duncan Cochrane, Steve Reid and Scott Makin were part of Brett team during the 90’s. Together they formed one of the most dynamic attaching teams in Australian canoe polo events.