Field hockey positions

Fullbacks are primarily defensive players. Their primary role is to defend an opposing forward and keep the ball away from reaching the goalie. A successful defensive stop will result in getting the ball back to the other side so the mid-fielders and forwards can score. There are generally two fullbacks in field hockey, but the number varies according to the formation. The two fullbacks can either position themselves on the left and right side of the field known as right fullback(RFB) and left fullback(LFB), or can play as high fullback and a sweeper. The fullbacks are tasked defensively with marking the opposing teams high strikers. In attack, their role is to get the ball out of their defensive half as effortlessly as possible and to support teammates in attack by providing an outlet to transfer the ball from one side to the other.[5]

Defenders stopping the opposition player from entering the attacking circle

Fullbacks are generally required to have a tall physique and strong arms due to this many many fullbacks around the world are also known for their scoring ability, through penalty corners.

Wing-back role is defensively to a fullback, but they are deployed widely on the right or left half of the pitch as Right-back(RB) or Left-back(LB). These wide players would be expected to work down the wings on offensive plays to give greater width on the attack. Wing-backs would generally look to be higher up the pitch when attacking than fullbacks, but would also need to get back and defend when the opposition is attacking.[6]

Centerback takes responsibility for marking the opposition center forward and generally defends quite deep. The center-back will look to clear the ball when in possession rather than contribute to attacking play. He may also remain deep as an anchor during offensive play.

The sweeper is most often used in place of a second center-back, or as a versatile defensive player alongside two fullbacks if playing with three defenders. The role of the sweeper is to challenge opposition players who break through the defensive line. They will therefore generally play quite deep, stepping up to meet opposition players running with the ball. Sweepers may also be expected to play the ball out of danger and play a little higher when play is moving out of the defensive zone.[7]

The center half is one of the most crucial positions in the game of field hockey. It is the position from which the whole game can be controlled, and often has a profound effect on the result of the game. They are the center point that links the two sides of the field together, distributing the ball in all directions, especially forward balls. The center half also links defensive players to the attacking players, and distributes the ball from defense to the forwards and should be able to switch the direction of attack regularly. Defensively, the center half holds the middle of the field supporting defenders in preventing the opposition players from scoring a goal.[9]

The half backs or also known as 'outside halves' Left-half (LH) and Right-half (RH) positions play a similar defensive role to the fullbacks, together with the fullbacks to ensure that the opposition has as few chances to score as possible. They also play a key role in providing quality passes to the midfield and forwards while generating constructive attacks. but they are tasked with defending primarily against the opposing teams wingers. They have an important role in attack and often push forward well into the attacking half to provide a key link in getting the ball from the center half and to the inside forwards and wingers on their side of the field.

Inside forwards also known as 'inners' Inside-right (IR) or Right-in and Inside-left (IL) or Left-in are positioned relatively high up the pitch to in a central role to support the center forward and score on chances themselves. Inside forwards were seen as attacking midfielders but with some significant changes in rules like offside has made them much more important as forward players. They are one of the most physically active players on the pitch. The inside forwards are expected to work equally hard in both attack and defence, helping to build the attack and support the other forwards. When defending, they will cover and mark positionally to cut out passes through the center.[10]

Wingers or also known as Outside forwards, Outside-right (RW) or Right-out and Outside-left (LW) or Left-out are forwards similar to a center forward except they are positioned out wide on each sideline of the field hockey field. Wingers are expected to support an out and out center forward and take score chances themselves, come in from the sideline toward the goal as they get into the opposing team's twenty five yard line. It is not necessary for wingers to fall back and support the defence; they can stay upfield and position themselves to construct a counter-attack through the wings. Wingers are also responsible for taking any available free hits on the sidelines and crossing balls inside the circle in order to give teammates the opportunity to score.[10]

The central point in attack for the team, center forward is the most important attacking position in the game. It is one of the oldest positions in the game. A player in this position should always be available to receive the ball and try to score a goal whenever the opportunity presents itself. Center forwards are expected to have game awareness and position play in order to attack any goal scoring chance given their way. When not in possession of the ball center forwards put pressure on the fullbacks and center half of the opposing team and to stop them from moving the ball up the field.[1]