The Number Of Field Hockey Players On A Team

Each player on a field hockey team has their own role within the greater team strategy. Players typically stick with the position with which they have the most experience. As field hockey is played on a large open field, and all positions except goal tender require multiple players to cover the relevant areas of the field.

Background

A field hockey team has 11 players on the field at a time, all performing various roles ranging from goal tender to forward players. However, field hockey teams can also have up to five players in reserve off the field. This means that a field hockey team can have as many as 16 players in total. The coach can switch an on-field player for an off-field player at any point in the game, except during a penalty kick.

Forwards

The forward players on a field hockey team play offensively and spend most of the game up field, toward the opposing team's goal. Each team has four forwards on field at a time. The forwards actually begin each round ahead of the ball, and depend on the midfielders and fullbacks to pass the ball up to them to give them a chance to score a goal.

Fullbacks

A field hockey team has three fullbacks on the field at a time. The fullbacks play defensively, and primarily prevent the other team's forwards from bringing the ball towards their goal. Fullbacks also clear the ball from their zone by passing it up to the midfielders or forwards. Occasionally a field hockey team will assign a single fullback as a "sweeper," whose job is to play closest to his goal and hit the ball away when it gets too close.

Midfielders

A field hockey team has three midfielders on the field at a given time. A midfielder switches between offensive and defensive roles, depending on whether the ball close to her net or her opponent's. A midfielder is also responsible for passing the ball up field to a forward, to give her the chance to score a goal. Having to quickly switch from offense to defense makes midfielder a strenuous position that requires a lot of stamina and quick thinking.

Goaltender

Each field hockey team has one goalie. The goalie remains in front of his own goal for the duration of the game and attempts to block the other team from getting the ball in his goal. The goalie can also pass the ball up to a fullback or a midfielder, who will then attempt to relay the ball up to a forward to create a scoring opportunity.