COACHES WORKSHOPHockey QLD Base Game Plan

Structure/Positioning

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

STRUCTURE Standard structure 4-3-3 4 Defenders (2 Central

Defenders/Fullbacks, 2 Outside Defenders/Halves)

3 Midfielders (1 Defensive Mid/Centre Half. 2 Attacking Mids/Inside Forwards)

3 Strikers (Left, Centre, Right)

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

KEY THEMES IFIT: In Front, In Touch First Touch: Controlling the ball with your first touch and

positioning it ready for the next play (ideally off your right foot “ball at 1 o’clock”)

HOTLINE: Line between the ball and the goal in defense. Sweeper will cover this to ensure the opposition don’t

have the option of a direct line to the goal/circle. Passing Quality: Hitting the target every time; flat, firm,

accurate. Attacking Speed: Receiving going forward. Receive in Motion (RIM): Ability to receive the ball in

motion to eliminate defenders whilst receiving, as well as maintaining momentum.

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

Why use 4-3-3? Simple, basic and effective structure. Provides stability. Limits confusion. Easy to adjust from basic formation to

variations.

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

DEFENDERS – With the Ball (WB) Back 4 across the field (width/stretch the

field): Provides multiple options in transferring. Safer against the counter attack/turnovers. Back 3 with a promoted Defender (Variation): Outside half promotes forward up the line

(making a 4th Midfielder). One Fullback promotes into the midfield line

and works with the Centre Half (4th Midfielder).

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

MIDFIELD – WB Centre Half works with Back 4

(defenders) but in front of the defensive line.

Inside forwards work with Centre Half (triangle shape).

Rotation pattern where all three midfielders can fill into any spot.

Attacking mids/Inside forwards provide width.

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

STRIKERS – WB Stretching High (Depth) creating space

between them and Midfield (space to lead into)

Inverted: Centre Striker deeper working closer with Inside Forwards, Outside Strikers higher providing depth & width.

Arrow/Pointed: Centre striker high and outside strikers working closer to the inside forwards.

Spinal/Central: All start central creating space in outside channels to lead in to.

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

Why use Variations? Creates uncertainty in opposition. Ability to play on an oppositions identified

weakness. Ability to shift from defensive focus to

more attacking positions.

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

DEFENSE – Without the Ball - Pressing (WOB) 3 defenders mark opposition strikers Coming from opposite end, marking from in front

and must be in touch with opposite (IFIT); this stops their opposite from getting the ball, and also allows for possible counter attack.

4th Defender (one of the fullbacks) is the free defender (sweeper):

The Sweeper protects the Hotline and the space in front of the marking defenders.

Sweeper works with the midfield. Sweeper also controls the landing zone of opposition

overheads from the back.

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

MIDFIELD – WOB Pressing Centre half marks opposition centre half. Inside forwards mark their direct

opponents. Generally mark from the inside and from

behind. Marking must be tight (must be able to

touch). Make the opposition receive under

pressure, or make their opposite look as though they are unavailable to receive.

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

STRIKERS – WOB Pressing Pointed/Arrow shape If opposition FB takes free hit centre striker

takes the mark (5 from the ball). Outside strikers are responsible for opposition

outside halves. Must protect the inside channel but must also be flat/90 degrees to halves (don’t let opposition halves in behind).

If opposition halves take the free hit Outside strikers take the mark, centre strikers deny the ball from going back and around.

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

PRESSING VARIATION Fall Away Press Save shape as Pointed/Arrow, but bring

whole team back to near the half way line.

Keeps the whole team closer together and more compact.

Patience is essential. Makes the opposition force the play,

possible poor passes and turnovers.

Hockey QLD Base Game Plan

KEY POINTS Keep pressure on the ball. Want to win the ball off the opposition in

their defensive half. Force the opposition to move the ball to

where you want it to go (think “where do they least want the ball?”).

Patience and Moving as a Unit is Key, must hold shape as a group.