Field hockey is growing in popularity in not only schools and universities, but adult hockey clubs too. The best place to start when learning about field hockey is the players themselves. In the below, we go over all the players in a field hockey team, their main responsibilities, and what type of person is best suited to each role.
Team Overview
Each team in field hockey is composed of 11 players. These 11 players are Forwards, Midfielders, Fullbacks, Goalie, and a potential sweeper. You may have noticed that there was no specific number of players attached to each of these roles, that’s one of the special parts about field hockey, there aren’t any set numbers.
Well, there are some set numbers, there will always be only one Goalie, that’s about it though.
The coach in field hockey has the ability to change the amounts of players in each position as they feel fit. The most common team arrangement is 4 forwards, 3 midfielders, and 3 fullbacks, one of which is able to be a sweeper. For a more aggressive strategy, 5 forwards, 3 midfielders, and 2 fullbacks are also a common configuration. Now that we know how many players there are, let’s look more closely into the specific positions.
Forward
Forwards or strikers are the players who are on the attack and get to score the most. These players are aggressive in nature and quick to either fill any untaken gaps or take advantage of gaps in the opposing teams. Forwards are one of the best displays of proper teamwork and strategy in field hockey.
Midfield
Midfielders or half-backs are the actions of the team. Midfielders will play aggressively and defensively depending on the strategy of the team. While the role is often considered as a support to the forwards or the fullback, the midfield is often where important changes will be set into motion.
Midfielders need to be proficient at almost all roles in the team, as they may need to go from offensive to defensive at a moment’s notice. Another notable aspect of midfielders is that they fill the field, taking any gaps to be the first line of defense or better-taking advantage of gaps in the opponent’s defenses. Midfielders are required to be extremely fit with great stamina as they will constantly be on the move.
Fullbacks
The role of a fullback is a very defensive one. Most people may see the fullbacks who stay near the back of the pack as simply additional goalies, this is an oversimplification of what they do. The real main aim of the fullbacks is to push the game away from their goalie, get the ball back into center field, allowing the midfield and forwards to really play the game.
The goalie does exist as a final line of defense, but the fullback is the majority of the defense and is often the crucial difference between winning and losing a game. Unlike when you claim betbigdollar no deposit bonuses, and there is no risk of losing your own money.
Goalie
The goalie is the absolute last line of defense with one simple but difficult job, keep the ball out of the goal. The goalie is padded heavily as this position is prone to potential injury. Goalies have the ability to control the defensive strategy of the fullbacks and as such need good reflexes and communication skills.
