SPYA Field Hockey 101

SPYA Field Hockey 101

In the game of Field Hockey two teams of eleven players are on the field at one time. The team consists of ten field players and one goalie. The field players can be put into the general categories of attackers, defenders and midfielders. Basically, the attackers are on attack, the defenders are generally on defense, and the midfielders do a little of each.

Player Position / Responsibility
Forwards/Inners
(Attackers) /
Work with the wings to make up the front line of the offensive attack. Inners generally play in the center of the field, and are the team’s primary goal scorers
Left/Right Wings
(Attackers) / Play along left and right side of the field on the front line of the offense. Wings advance the ball down the sidelines and pass it toward the middle of the field in efforts to set up scoring opportunities.
Midfielders / Considered the most versatile players on the field as they play both offense and defense. Links are generally positioned between the forwards and the defenders. They are mainly responsible for moving the ball from the defense up to the forwards so they can score.
Fullbacks and Sweeper (Defenders) / They play in their team’s defensive half in front of the goalkeeper. Defenders help keep the ball out of the striking circle by sending it up to the midfielders. They are the final line of defense before the goalie.
Goalkeeper / Plays directly in front of the goal to block shots by the opposing players. The goalie is the only player on the field allowed to touch the ball with any part of her body, but can do so only when she is inside her own striking circle.

Lineup

Teams may line up in varying “formations”. The typical line up consists of four forward-line players, three midfielders, three defenders, and one goalkeeper or based on need for more offense or more defense, the formation can change (5-3-2-1 or a 4-3-3-1). Substitutions may take place at anytime. Below is a sample lineup.

Term / Definition
Attack /
The team that has possession of the ball.
Advancing / Foul called when using any part of the body to move or stop the ball.
Circle / Scoring area around the goal.
Cutting / Moving to meet the pass or creating space into which the ball can be hit by a teammate.
Center Pass / Played from the center of the field. Used to start a game or after a goal is scored.
Defense / The team that does not have possession of the ball.
Dribble / Short taps taken to move the ball while maintaining control with the stick.
Drive / A hard, direct pass used to hit the ball with great speed or distance.
Goal / An attacker strikes the ball into the goal from within the striking circle.
Flick / A stroke with the ball lifted to knee level.
Free Hit / Awarded to the non-offending team. A shot taken from the spot of the foul and all opponents must be 5 yards from the ball.
Hit / This involves a movement of the stick towards the ball.
Marking / Defending against a player.
Push In / Hit in by the opposition when the ball goes totally over the sideline.
Stick Handling / Ability to control, pass, push, stop and shoot the ball with the hockey stick.
Tackle / A method of taking possession of the ball from an opponent
Through Pass / A pass that is made straight down the field parallel to the sidelines.