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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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Teams may line up in
varying “formations” usually consisting of four forward-line players,
three midfielders, three defenders, and one goalkeeper. Substitutions
may take place at anytime. Below is a sample lineup.
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