Suburban Lions 2012

Hockey Positional Expectations

Marc Pike

Position: Full Back (FB) In Possession: Always available for a backward pass with an aim to transfer the ball. Concentrate on offering the ball carrier a good angle to pass and know where the next pass is (pre-scanning) Primary passes: FB, HB, CH Defensive (Opposition has possession): Defend the middle of the pitch and channel opposition players wide. Tackle and defend side on, not square on (flat footed). Protect your feet and stay in a low position especially in the d. Position: Half Back (HB) In Possession: Offer width at all times when the team is in possession of the ball. Look for the simple passes down the line, to the CH and IF. If no option is on, return the ball to the FB to transfer the ball. When running with the ball, look to carry at an angle to create space Primary passes: FB, CH, IF Defensive (Opposition has possession): Defend the middle of the pitch and channel the opposition down the line. When the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch move across and tuck in. When the opposition are in possession in their own half, mark the wide player tight and look to step in front of the player to regain possession. Position: Centre Half (CH) In Possession: Distribution Role. Always be available for a pass in the middle of the pitch. Find a pocket of space. If the ball is received from the left, move the ball right. If the ball is received from the right, move the ball left. Hold the middle and avoid being pulled wide. Primary passes: FB, HB, IF Defensive (Opposition has possession): Responsible for the area directly in front of the full backs. Look to channel wide, hold the middle of the pitch, stay low and side on when channelling and tackling and when you win the ball look to move the ball wide early.

Suburban Lions 2012

Hockey Positional Expectations

Marc Pike

Position: Inside Forwards (IF) In Possession: Hold the inside channel and not stray to wide giving WF space to lead into. Move the ball to the CH, WF and CF and re-lead to receive the ball again. Defensive duties are just as important as your attacking duties! Primary passes: HB, CH, WF, CF Defensive (Opposition has possession): Work closely with the CH to form a triangle through the middle of the pitch. Defend the middle, channel wide and defend side-on. Dont forget you are a d to d player! Position: Wing Forwards (WF) In Possession: Height and width at all times to stretch the pitch and create space. Look to receive the ball and penetrate the d. If the defence are set, look to move the ball out of the channel to the HB or IF. Ensure you re-lead high and wide. When the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch and close to the d you must be on the back post for deflections and rebounds from the keeper. Primary passes: HB, IF, CF Defensive (Opposition has possession): Reverse press (run to your own half) with the oppositions HB and channel wide. Force the opposition to pass down the line and do not let them come inside (infield). When possession is regained sprint and lead high and wide.

Position: Centre Forward (CF) In Possession: Fill the space in front of the IFs and make yourself available with both lateral (sideways) leads and posting up. When attacking, get to the p-spot and the top of the d looking for quick leads into space with a shot across goal. Be ready for deflections & rebounds off the GK when other team mates have shots. Primary passes: CH, IF, WF Defensive (Opposition has possession): The initiator of the press. You must be directly in front of the ball. Apply pressure to the FBs and CH but do not dive in and be eliminated. Look to force the oppositions FBs and CH to pass the ball wide to their HBs.