General Tactical May 07

Field Hockey BC
General Tactical Instruction
Prepared by: Robin DAbreo Provincial Development Coach - FHBC

Tel: 604 730 7220 Email: [email protected]
field hockey bc
214 1367 West Broadway
tel 604.730.7220
Vancouver, B.C. V6H 4A9
fax 604.737.6043
Email: [email protected]
ATTACK - GENERAL
Theory:
Its harder to defend big spaces

o stretch the field out by maintaining width and depth
Always prioritize support for the ball carrier

o Work hard to create distinct passing options around the ball
Create numerical advantage

o Quick free hits / restarts
o passing and supporting / following the pass / or give and gos can create simple two on one
situations anywhere in the field
o aggressive well timed leads will also allow isolation of defenders and create simple two on
ones
o off ball forwards overloading the bal side
Look to create danger in front of the ball

o Allows attack to advance forward with pace
o Can be accomplished with players initially square to the ball leading through (deep), or off
ball players who do not have a cover responsibility, leading deep
Unbalancing the defense

o Forcing the defense to react to or make decisions on forward movement can create space
or passing options to exploit
o This can be accomplished by leading deep, through interchange (both laterally and
vertically), or passing and supporting (overlapping)
Counter cover / counter defense / weak side cover

o Preparing for the counterattack while attacking
o Ball side players on attacking team support the attack
o Off ball (weak/help side players pinch into the middle to allow for transfer of the ball and to
help defend a counter attack in the event of a turnover
Robin D'Abreo 5/16/2007
Page 1 of 1
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DEFENSE - GENERAL
Theory:
Its easier to defend small spaces

o Cut off ability to transfer and
channel ball carrier to create a
definite ball side and help side
o Ball side players can be more
aggressive with pressure and help
side players pinch into the middle
for cover
Control/ dominate the space around the ball

o Eliminate passing options
o Tight marking on the ball side
especially around the ball
o Ball side players position for
possible interception
Prevent penetration into advantage or

dangerous space
o Communicate to help block
passing lanes
o Help side players pinch into the
middle of the field
BLACK HAS THE BALL AND IS COMING

OUT OF THEIR END IN ATTACK
HELP SIDE
BALL SIDE
CF
RW
LW
LM CM
RM
SW
CB
LD
RD
Ball is passed across on the black team. CF on White

team cuts off the option to transfer the ball back and
begins to pressure the line of the square pass back
across. Players now on the ball side mark tightly and
players on the help side pinch into the middle of the
field for cover. The CM repositions on the ball side of
their check.
If first defender to the ball approaches from the

front, ball carrier has options to pass to both side
of the field and defenders have to cover the
entire field. The defense is spread out and finds
it hard to dominate the space around the ball.
HELP SIDE
BALL SIDE
If first defender to the ball approaches with intent

to channel, ball carrier has options to pass only
to one side of the field and defenders have to
cover half the space. A ball side/ help side is
created allowing aggressive marking on the ball
side and infield cover of the dangerous space
from the help side.
Page 1 of 1
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ROLES IN ATTACK AND DEFENSE

There are three roles in attack and three roles in
defense and it is essential that every field player be
able to fulfill them all. With all the roles it is important
to keep in mind the location of and pressure on the
ball, location of teammates, and the location of
opponents.
WHITE HAS THE BALL AND IS COMING OUT

OF THEIR END IN ATTACK
AR2
AR1
Attacking Roles
AR2
DR1
AR3
DR2
AR2
AR2
Attacking Role 1 (AR1):

o Ball carrier
o Responsible for keeping
possession by passing or
dribbling in order to facilitate a
pass
o Critical requirements:
Awareness of options
sound decision making

o Support player potentially one
pass away from the ball
o Responsible for repositioning to
provide a distinct passing
option for the ball carrier (AR1)
o Positioning is based on the needs
of the ball carrier and other AR2
players in the area
Awareness of AR1 and

other AR2s
Communication (both
verbal and non-verbal)
with AR1and other AR2s.

o Support player potentially two or
more passes away from the ball
o Responsible for creating space
(depth and width) over and above
the immediate support provided by
AR2s.
Awareness of other AR3s

as well as support for and
pressure on the ball
carrier.
Communication (both
verbal and non-verbal)
with other AR3s to create
space.
Anticipation of how the

play is likely to unfold.
AR2
DR3
DR2 DR2
AR3
AR3
DR3
AR3
DR3
DR3
DR3
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Defensive Roles

AR2
Defensive Role 1 (DR1):

o Closest player to AR1
o Pressures the ball carrier to
prevent forward passes
o The lines for pressure will depend
on team tactics and the relative
organization of the players around
the ball but it is usually in the line
of a pass to a dangerous player or
in the line of a pass to dangerous
space (often the same thing)
Awareness of
organization of other
defensive players around
the ball
Must maintain engaging

distance to the ball carrier
to avoid getting eliminated

o Players closest to DR1
o Eliminate the options
immediately around the ball
(passes to AR2s)
Awareness of the ball

carriers options
Awareness of
organization of other
defensive players around
the ball

o Defensive players furthest from
the ball
o Position to provide depth and
cover in defense as well as
possible help for DR2s
Awareness of potential
danger (dangerous space
and AR3 movement)
Communication to
position players in front of
you
AR1
AR2
DR1
AR3
DR2
AR2
AR2
AR2
DR3
DR2 DR2
AR3
AR3
DR3
AR3
DR3
DR3
DR3
Roles need to be filled in number order i.e. DR1

before DR2 and DR2 before DR3. This is a key
point as it allows players to know what their
priorities are based on the location of the ball
and their teammates. In attack for example there
is no point in looking to create space (AR3) if the
ball carrier has no options (i.e. AR2 role is not
filled).
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TYPES OF SPACE
There are three types of space, Possession Space,
Advantage Space, and Dangerous Space
Possession Space:
o Square with or behind the ball
carrier
o Easy to make passes
o Poorly defended
o Easy to keep possession
Advantage Space:
o Forward space between the ball
carrier and the first line of
defenders
o Well defended by players
immediately around the ball
o Harder to keep possession
Dangerous Space:
o Space behind the first line of
defenders closer to the goal
o Very well defended by multiple
lines of defense
o Hardest to keep possession
o Passes into this space have the
highest risk of being intercepted
but also pose the greatest threat to
the defense

Pass into Possession Space

Pass into Advantage Space
Pass into Dangerous Space
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BALL SIDE AND HELP SIDE

Theory in Defense:
Concept is used to determine how tightly

offensive players are marked
o Players on the ball side are
marked tightly as it is likely the
attack will advance up that side
o Players on the non-ball side or
help side pinch into the center of
the field and protect the dangerous
space
o Even though they are not tightly
marked, players on the help side
need to stay even or just slightly
deeper than their checks to allow
for recovery in case the ball gets
switched around
BALL SIDE
HELP SIDE
Black dots are defending

White dots are attacking
Notice how the defensive RM and RD pinch
into the middle of the field to help protect
the dangerous space but still stay even or
slightly deeper than their checks to allow for
a possible recovery if the ball gets through.
Theory in Offense:
Concept is used to determine commitment

to attack and level of direct support for the
ball carrier
o Ball side players (including wing
defenders) are free to join the
attack as necessary
o Help side players (excluding the
forwards) pinch into the middle of
the field in anticipation of a
possible turnover and counter
attack
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COUNTER COVER (COUNTER DEFENSE)

Theory:
Ball side players (including wing defenders) are free to join the attack as necessary
Help side players (excluding the forwards) pinch into the middle of the field in anticipation of a
possible turnover and counter attack
The diagram shows a build up

In attack on the right side.
LD
CB
LM
RW
RD
RM
LW
CF
CB
CM
CF
CM
SW
SW
LW
LM
RM
RD
Counter Defense (weak side cover)
RW
LD
Note the movement of the LD

and LM. They are both
moving into the middle of
the field to provide cover for
a possible turnover.
It is important to note however
that they are still accountable
for their marks and should be
in a position to recover if the
ball does get switched to
their checks.
While accounting for their
check , defenders should also
try to position themselves in a
passing lane to an opponent
further up the field (as is the
case with any zonal marking).
For example our LM should
always play in the lane to the
opposition RW.
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DOUBLE DEFENSE (DOUBLE TEAMING)

Use:
Dispossession of ball carrier by using

teammates to help make the tackle
The tactic requires two defenders, the

channeling defender (CD) and the tackling
defender (TD)
Theory:
Team defensive technique that prioritizes

keeping the ball carrier moving to their left
(defenders forehand).
The ball carrier at all costs cannot eliminate

the defenders into the middle of the field
Helps establish a ball side and a help

side to allow defenders on the ball side to
be more aggressive with pressure and
defenders on the help side to pinch into
the middle of the field to provide support
and cover
Defender
Run
Attacker
Pass
Stick
Ball
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Execution:
The defender closest to the ball as the

channeling defender (CD), closes the
distance to the attacker
As you approach the forward, pick up the

speed of the attacker by arcing your run to
come in more from your left (forwards right)
and encourage / channel the attacker to
your strong/forehand side
CD should end up a position where they

are essentially running with the attacker
hips pointed in the same direction
to ensure correct channel position imagine

a horizontal line running through the ball
parallel to the baselinethe channeling
defenders stick should be in front of that
line but their body should be behind it
(overstepping the line with the body will
potentially allow a pullback thus loosing
containment of the forward).
Alternatively to maintain correct channel
position the defender can look to run hip to
hip with the forward
Once channel position has been

established the CD should close the
distance to the attacker without
compromising the above rule
Stick position should be as low as possible

so that a draw to the attackers right will
result in a tackle being made the attacker
has no choice but to keep going wide or
pull the ball directly back and around (which
slows the play and allows the defensive
team to get back).
Pressure by the CD should be high enough

that the attackers attention is on the ball
and they do not see the flat stick tackle
being set up ahead
When convinced that the attackers

attention is on the ball the TD can move
into position to make the flat stick tackle.
The TDs angle of engagement should be

such that the space diagonally forward of
the attacker (danger zone) is blocked by
the TDs body
As the tackle is being made (and

communicated by the TD), the CD should
start to recover to the space behind the TD
is case the tackle is not successful
If the CD has lost containment (an effective

channel) of the attacker, the TD should
avoid trying to flat stick tackle and instead
assume the role of the CD and try and
establish an effective channel the original
CD can then recover to the space behind
and if possible assume the role of the TD.
Danger
Zone
Channeling
Defender (CD)
closes the distance
and picks up speed
of the attacker
Channeling
Defender (CD)
cannot get
eliminated into the
Danger Zone
A
Line B
Correct Channel Position: stick in front of

Line B, body behind line B. Once correct
position has been established, distance A
can be shortened to apply more pressure to
attacker
Tackling defender
(TD) approaches as
channeling defender
(CD) forces ball
carriers attention on
the ball
Danger
Zone
Danger
Zone
CORRECT angle of
engagement for
Tackling Defender
(TD)
INCORRECT angle
of engagement for
Tackling Defender
(TD)
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DEFENSIVE OUTLETTING TIPS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Set up and get the ball into play quickly (before the defense has a chance to set up)
Provide distinct passing options for the ball carrier
Get the ball moving to change the line to passing options and force the defense to
reposition
Look to isolate simple 2v1 opportunities
Reposition after every pass to create more passing options and fill transfer and cover
responsibilities
Communicate and time leads to get open
Vary the short and the long game (passing vs. big hits out of the back)
Getting the ball out of trouble doesnt have to be petty
1. Getting the foul and working the ball up 5 yards at a time is sometimes good
enough
2. Look for and train the quick restart after the foul to catch the defense before
they have a chance to set up
When the ball in on the sidelines, players in the back field should prioritize:
Short support for the ball carrier
Options to transfer the ball
Cover (from the weak/non ball side)
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DEFENSIVE MOVEMENT OPTIONS
Defensive movement is invariably based on satisfying three principles, usually in the following order:
1. Support to create a distinct passing option for the ball carrier (this usually involves repositioning after every
pass!).
2. Positioning to accommodate the transfer of the ball to another part of the field.
3. Positioning to provide weak side/ off ball cover in case of a turnover.
We will usually set up in a trough or bowl formation. This provides maximum defensive cover and makes it easy to
transfer the ball across the field. If under no pressure from the opposition we will try and spread out and create as much
width as possible. Pressure by the opposition, either in free play or when pressed on defensive free hits, will force us to
reposition in order to create more options for the ball carrier.
Backfield formation no pressure

Defenders spread out and create width
Easy passing options
RM
LM
Backfield formation under pressure A

No repositioning by the defenders
Easy for forwards to cut off passes and angles
Will likely result in a turnover because ball carrier
has no options
LW
RW
LM
CM
RM
CM
CF
RD
LD
RD
LD
RW
LW
CF
SW
SW
CD
CD
Backfield formation under pressure B

Backfield repositions to deal with the pressure
CD has followed the pass to the LD to create a
short passing option
SW shifts over to create a transfer option
RD shifts into the middle for cover and to help
transfer the ball
CF is forced to choose between covering SW or
the CD they cant do both
Backfield formation under pressure C

LD has managed to switch the ball through the
SW and the RD
RD is still infield due to their weak side cover
positioning
RM now has to sprint out wide to create a wide
passing option for RD
LM
LM
RM
CM
CM
LD
LW
RW
LD
LW
CF
CD
CD
CF
SW
SW
RD
RD
Page 1 of 1
RM
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DEFENDING THE BOTTOM 1/3 OF THE FIELD

Theory:
Channel wide and away from the dangerous

space to the net
Initial pressure is usually applied in the direct

line between the ball and the net as the hard
hit ball into the circle is still a legitimate threat
and this lane needs to be blocked
defenders do not chase the ball if passed wide

to another atacker, instead they drop back to
help cover the dangerous space and the next
closest defender to the ball carrier sprints up to
put direct pressure on the attacker
The rest of the defenders will provide cover

and are constantly deciding between
protecting the dangerous space/and or the
man as attackers move into and out of the
circle
As with any marking situation, attackers closer

to the ball and those in the dangerous space
are marked tighter
The degree to which you can commit to

marking outside the dangerous space will
depend on the numbers and level of
organization in defense
If unorganized or outnumbered, defenders can

be aware of attackers leading out of the circle
but need not get sucked out to mark them as
this leave the dangerous space to the net
undefended
With the above roles in mind the defenders

have to dispense with the burden of playing
their position and simply fill the role that needs
the most immediate attention
Pressure and Cover A
Pressure and Cover B
Pressure and Cover C
Pressure and Cover D
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DEFENSE OF THE CIRCLE
Effective defense of our circle will be a critical part of our defense. Limiting the number of goal scoring opportunities and
penalty corners conceded will give us a chance to compete against any team. Our defense will rely on patience and
discipline. Diving in and over committing to the tackle are basically the only ways the opposition wins PCs. I will
therefore be essential to:
stay calm, balanced and in control as you approach the ball carrier
be conscious of your angles of approach so that you are taking away the right options
be conscious of your distance away from the ball carrier
o Too far and we cannot make a tackle and will allow the ball carrier to look up and make a pass or take a
shot
o Too close and we cannot react in time to a pull back (draw) or a change in direction and it will be
impossible to protect your feet
Strong Side
first priority is to keep the forward wide

Forwards will be looking to pull the ball back inside so
maintain discipline to not dive into the tackle
Ideally tackle should be made outside the circle but NOT
at the expense of giving up your angles and getting
beaten with an easy pull inside
If forward gains the baseline it becomes even more
important to not dive into a tackle be patient and protect
the most dangerous passing lane
o If you have help from teammates with picking up
the other forwards in the circle then protect the
guard lane (directly up toward the top of the circle,
from the ball carrier)
o If you do not have help the most dangerous lane
is probably the lane to the stroke spot
Baseline Circle Defense
Strong Side
Weak Side
Weak Side
Keep forward wide
Ideally try to get to the baseline first (before the forward) and try to channel forward out and away from the circle
If forward gains the baseline, block/ defend the lane to the most dangerous option
o If you have help from teammates with picking up the other forwards in the circle then protect the guard lane
(directly up toward the top of the circle, from the ball carrier)
o If you do not have help, the most dangerous lane is probably the lane to the stroke spot
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FULL PRESS
Theory:
Used to try and force a turnover when the opponents are trying to get the ball out of their deep
defensive corners
Ability to transfer the ball is cut off by the CF and the off ball winger
High pressure on the ball carrier as soon as the ball is in play
Tight marking (intercept positioning) on opponents who are passing options immediately around the ball
carrier
If unable to intercept then angle of pressure needs to be such that opponent is forced to turn to their
weak side
Upon intercepting, ball should be passed immediately to the CF who will be free at the top of the D
SW
RH
LH
SW
CF
CF
RW
RH
LH
LW
CB
LM
CM
CB
RM
CM
CM
LW
RW
CM
RM
LM
RM
RM
LM
LM
SW
LH
SW
RW
RH
LW
LW
CB
RW
CB
CF
RH
LH
Full Press- Left Side

Full Press- Right Side
CF cutting off the deep transfer

LW cutting off the shallow (square) transfer
RW pressuring the scoop or short ball
RM, CM, RH, CB are all in possible intercept
positions
LM providing weak side cover, protecting the
lane to the RW (is positioned by the LH)
SW plays as always in the line between the
ball and the goal (is positioned by the CB)
LH is providing deep cover (helps with any
positioning flaws)
Positioning is mirror image of press on Right

Side
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1 vs. 1 - DEFENSIVE
Use:
Dispossession of ball carrier without the

possibility of any teammates helping to
make the tackle
Theory:
The 1 vs. 1 is a defensive battle that relies

most heavily on the ability to continually
engage that ball carrier without getting
eliminated
Continual engagement slows down the

attack and allows the defender to have
multiple opportunities to dispossess
A priority is to try and channel to the

forehand as it is easier to tackle on that
side but this should not be done at the
expense of getting eliminated (a clear lane
might be opened to the goal as a result of
getting into good channel position).
Upright and balanced body position is

crucial. Weight should be on the balls of
the feet. Stance should be narrow enough
to allow for quick changes in direction
Defender should always have one foot in

front of the other to avoid getting caught flat
footed be able to continually pivot while
moving backwards to maintain both this
stance and the engaging distance to the
attacker.
NOTE: Channeling will become a much higher
priority as soon as the possibility of help from
teammates is confirmed.
Hands:
Left hand at the top, with the V made

between your thumb and forefinger going
down the front face/ flat side of the stick
Right hand half way down with the V

same as above and right thumb extended
straight down the front face of the stick
NOTE: the above grip is a default and will allow
for poke tackling and upright tackles closer to
the defenders feet. It will have to be altered
accordingly to make a forehand and reverse
stick tackle
45 degrees
Defender close the

distance to the ball
carrier
Continual pivoting/
back peddling allow
the defender to stay
45 degrees below
the attacker and a
step and a stick
length away from the
ball.
Execution:
Close the distance to the attacker
As you approach the forward, pick up the

speed of the attacker by continually
pivoting or shuffling backwards on the balls
of your feet
Engaging distance should be a step and a

stick length away from the ball
Try to maintain a 45 degree angle to the

opponent but always keep one foot in front
of the other to avoid getting caught flat
footed
Eyes on the ball
Use the poke tackle to keep the attacker

honest. This may not win the ball but will:
o slow the attack down
o help maintain the engaging
distance
o Often forces the forward to make a
decision to eliminate prematurely
resulting in upright tackles made
closer in to the defenders feet as
the forward looses control of the
ball or makes a move before they
are ready to do so.
Watching the attackers stick on the ball will

give you all the cues necessary to
determine the direction change of the ball
and allow you to make the tackle, protect
your feet, or continue pivoting as necessary
Maintain a balanced position when going in

to tackle (do not throw your weight
completely forward and dive in).
Do not leave the left arm and stick

extended if the tackle is not made on the
first attempt as this gives away the reach of
the defender and exposes the defenders
feet.
When the ball is suitable exposed or when

the forward looses control make an upright,
forehand, or reverse stick tackle as
necessary.
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1 vs. 1 - OFFENSE
Use:
Elimination of a defender to advance the

attack
Theory:
The defender is most comfortable when

he/she is able to maintain balance and
control over their direction and speed. To
eliminate we therefore need to create a
threat that will force the defender out of
their comfort zone and unbalance the
defender.
There are a few generalities to keep in

mind that will help accomplish this goal
o Change of speed
o Change of direction
o Deception
o Hold the ball in the middle of your
stance so that you have the option
of eliminating or passing left or
right
As an example, a hard acceleration into a

channel left or right of the defender will
force the defender to keep pace and close
the gap to prevent the attacker from just
running by them into the space ahead. It is
at this moment, where the defender is
accelerating to close the distance to the
attacker that they are most vulnerable to a
pull inside to completely eliminate them.
Running at the defender is also effective as

it forces them to engage and possibly get
caught flat footed and off balance. This is
especially effective if the defender is trying
to channel the attacker as it will result in the
defender continuing to reposition and open
up a lane to the dangerous space ahead.
It is important to accelerate after an

elimination move to prevent the defender
from recovering and having a second
chance at the tackle. The same can be
said for cutting or sealing off a recovering
defender to place them completely behind
the attacker and not beside them in a
position to make a second attempt at a
tackle.
Scenario 1(S1):
Attacker runs at the
defender and
accelerates hard into
the space
S1: Defender is
forced to accelerate
to prevent the
attacker from running
by them defender
is now unbalanced.
S1: Attacker now

pulls the ball back
and accelerates
around the defender
Scenario 2 (S2):
Defender tries to
establish a channel
position on the
attacker
S2:Attacker drives at
the defender forcing
the defender to
continually reposition
to channel forehand
S2: Repositioning of
the defender will
open up the lane for
the attacker to
accelerate into.
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2 vs. 1 - DEFENSE
Use:
Defender
Delay and possibly gain possession on a 2

vs. 1 attack.
Run
Attacker
Pass
Theory:
The defender is trying to isolate one of the

attackers and reduce the 2v1 to a 1v1.
Try initially, with your line of approach, to

encourage a pass to the attacker on your
forehand side
We ideally want the 1v 1 to be on our

forehand side to make an easier tackle
(however the same theory applies if you
have to channel to your left and have to
make a reverse stick tackle).
Once the ball is on your forehand side

encourage it staying there by blocking the
passing lane with your body and/or stick
position
Pressure should then be applied in the line

of the pass to the second attacker.

mind as defenders:
o Stay balanced and on your toes
the entire time
o Take small steps to allow for quick
changes in direction
o Be aggressive with closing down
the ball carrier forcing their
attention on the ball will prevent
them from scanning ahead and
making a good pass
Stick
Ball
Defender closes the

distance to the
attackers
encouraging the
pass to attacker on
the left.
Defender uses stick

position to
discourage pass
across and isolate
the ball carrier
Defender now
pressures in the line
of a possible pass to
the second attacker
and makes the
forehand tackle
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2 vs. 1 - OFFENSE
Use:
Defender
Run
Elimination of a defender to advance the

attack
Attacker
Pass
Theory:
The defender is most comfortable when

he/she is able to maintain balance and
control over their direction and speed. To
eliminate we therefore need to create a
threat that will force the defender out of
their comfort zone and unbalance the
defender.
The defender will also try to get between

the two attackers in order to eliminate a
passing option and isolate an attacker
creating a 1 vs. 1.

mind as attackers:
o Avoid trying to eliminate with a
pass that needs to go through the
defenders body or stick to be
successful
o Isolate the defender by running at
them so that a pass at the right
time will beat them completely
o Change of speed
o Change of direction
o Deception (faking or disguising the
pass)
Ball
A1: .Attacker drives

at the defender to
isolate them.
Supporting attacker
advances.
B1: Attacker drives a

lane and draws the
defender
A2: Supporting
attacker breaks away
and to the right,
creating separation
from defender and
receives the pass
B2: Ball is passed

square and to the
second attacker
accelerating on to it
Page 1 of 1
field hockey bc
tel 604.730.7220
fax 604.737.6043
3 vs. 2 - DEFENSE
Use:
Delay and gain possession on a 3 vs. 2

attack.
Theory:
The defenders need to stay compact allow

the play to come to them
Play one defender higher than the other and

force the ball wide (to your forehand side if
possible)
Deeper defender should be in a position to

put immediate pressure on the ball carrier
as the ball is received wide (forcing the
attackers attention on the ball and
preventing a good pass)
Higher defender should recover to the

middle and protect the square pass
If a shot is given up, make sure that it is

from the top of the D and from a bad angle
1A
2A
Ball is passed wide to 3 and 2 leads deep to

unbalance the defense. High defender holds position.
Deep defender drops to protect the dangerous space
toward the goal. 1 leads square to support 3.
2B
2
3
1
2
3
1
Ball is passed wide to 3 and 1 leads deep to

unbalance the defense. High defender holds position.
Deep defender drops to protect the dangerous space
toward the goal. 2 pinches infield to support 3
1B
Immediate pressure from deep defender on 3

prevents a shot or pass to 2. 3 is able to pass square
to 1. Attacker 2 re-leads square as a possible through
pass for 1.
2C
3
1
2
3
Deep defender puts immediate and direct pressure on

1 as they receive the ball. High defender recovers
deep to protect the square passing option. If a shot
on net is to be given up it is given up from a weak
angle.
High defender pressures attacker 1 hard in the line of

the pass back to 3 and tries to at least force the shot
from a wide angle. Deep defender recovers to the
middle of the D in case the pass is made to 2.
Page 1 of 1
field hockey bc
tel 604.730.7220
fax 604.737.6043
3 vs. 2 - OFFENSE
Use:
Elimination of defenders to advance the

attack usually in a fast break situation
Theory:
The 3 vs. 2 usually exists for a limited time

in a counter attack situation and so the
speed at which the attack is executed is
critical for success
The 3 vs. 2 hinges on two important

concepts:
o Forcing defensive decisions by
unbalancing the defense
o Always having as many options for
the ball carrier as possible
The defense is unbalanced by a

combination of one or more of the following:
o Creating danger in front of the ball
(attackers leading deep)
o interchange
the ball should be held in the middle as

much as possible to create the maximum
number of passing possibilities (if the ball is
passed wide and a pass deep is not
available then the ball carrier should either
pass square into the middle or traverse into
the middle with the ball to create more
options)
Avoid trying to eliminate with a pass that

needs to go through the defenders body or
stick to be successful
Try whenever possible to isolate a defender

and create a 2 vs. 1 possibility.
Use deception with passing and leading to

increase success rate
Do not keep ball in the same channel for

too long
1A
1B
2
2
1
Ball is passed wide

to 3 and 2 leads
deep to unbalance
the defense.
Ball is passed by first

defender and second
defender moves to
compensate. 1
moves up to support.
1C
2
1
Ball is passed
square to 1 who is
able to take a shot at
net.
2A
2B
1
2
2
1
Ball is passed wide

to 3 and 1 leads
deep to unbalance
the defense. 2 leads
infield for support
Deep pass to 1 is not

on and so 3 passes
square to 2. 1 releads square to
provide a through
option for 2.
2C
Defender
Run
Attacker
Pass
2
3
Ball
Attacker 2 makes a
through pass to 1.
Page 1 of 1

General Tactical May 07

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General Tactical May 07

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Field Hockey BC

General Tactical Instruction

Prepared by: Robin DAbreo Provincial Development Coach - FHBC

Its harder to defend big spaces

Always prioritize support for the ball carrier

Create numerical advantage

Look to create danger in front of the ball

Unbalancing the defense

Counter cover / counter defense / weak side cover

Robin D'Abreo 5/16/2007

Its easier to defend small spaces

Control/ dominate the space around the ball

Prevent penetration into advantage or

BLACK HAS THE BALL AND IS COMING

Ball is passed across on the black team. CF on White

If first defender to the ball approaches from the

If first defender to the ball approaches with intent

Robin D'Abreo 5/16/2007

ROLES IN ATTACK AND DEFENSE

WHITE HAS THE BALL AND IS COMING OUT

Attacking Role 1 (AR1):

sound decision making

Attacking Role 2 (AR2):

Awareness of AR1 and

Attacking Role 3 (AR3):

Awareness of other AR3s

Anticipation of how the

Robin D'Abreo 5/16/2007

WHITE HAS THE BALL AND IS COMING OUT

Defensive Role 1 (DR1):

Must maintain engaging

Defensive Role 2 (DR2):

Awareness of the ball

Defensive Role 3 (DR3):

Roles need to be filled in number order i.e. DR1

Robin D'Abreo 5/16/2007

WHITE HAS THE BALL AND IS COMING OUT

Pass into Possession Space

Robin D'Abreo 1/12/2006

BALL SIDE AND HELP SIDE

Concept is used to determine how tightly

Black dots are defending

Concept is used to determine commitment

Robin D'Abreo 5/16/2007

COUNTER COVER (COUNTER DEFENSE)

The diagram shows a build up

Counter Defense (weak side cover)

Robin D'Abreo 1/12/2006

Note the movement of the LD

DOUBLE DEFENSE (DOUBLE TEAMING)

Dispossession of ball carrier by using

The tactic requires two defenders, the

Team defensive technique that prioritizes

The ball carrier at all costs cannot eliminate

Helps establish a ball side and a help

Robin D'Abreo 5/16/2007

The defender closest to the ball as the

As you approach the forward, pick up the

CD should end up a position where they