Field Hockey

Defensive Strategies
One Player Forecheck:
This is most often use to protect a lead later on in the game, or when there is a team more superior
to another in talent and skill. In hockey, forechecking occurs when a player from the defensive line
follows and puts pressure on a particular opponent whilst in the defensive zone.
In the One Player Forecheck play, the centre covers he centre area of the field which forces
opponents to stick to the boards to break into the zone. The wings cover their own respective zones
and the defenders cover their half of the zone. After the offense crosses the line that the defenders
are defending, you follow the man-on-man tactic, where each player takes and defends another
from the opposing team; forechecking them to the best of their ability
Numerical Advantage:
All teams have an equal number of players eleven each. A team is gain a numerical advantage in a
particular zone of the field. This will allow them to create a 2 on 1 and 3 on 2 situations. When an
opposing team is playing a man for man marking, it will not be possible for a forward to take his
marker out of the danger zone by vacating the zone himself. This will create a space for a deep
defender to come through and create a numerical advantage.
Offensive Strategies
Triangle:
This is where the 3 forwards create an offensive triangle on one side of the ice and thus, the puck
carrier will always have two outlet passes. The 3 forwards rotate the puck looking for an open
opportunity to shoot, or an opening to drive the net.
Crash The Net:
High pressure from the offense, where the forwards attack the front of the net, can result in a
nervous opposition. Players should be in a position ready for rebound, deflection, or ready to push
the puck through the goalie. Defensemen will pinch and drive to the slot if pressure is high.