1. Assign Zones to the Field
The field hockey formations you use may depend on your view of the field. Using a zone system often helps players stay in their areas, and it covers more of the field regardless of field positions. One way to use the zone divides the field into 4 sections: attack, blitz, challenge and defense. Your players work only the field assigned to them rather than one side or the other. With this setup, attacks begin in the blitz zone, which the forwards cover. The midfielders cover the challenge zone and defenders stay in the defense zone.
2. Know Your Strengths
Expect your opponents to analyze your players to find the weakest link. Your team's success may depend on its ability to stay in position to cover assigned areas. A team with a strong sweeper and forwards may run a successful offense with just 4 players. Other teams may need more forwards. If your players don't stay in their positions, you leave openings for the offense. Some coaches prefer a strong defense; if your opponents can't score, they can't win.
3. Use a Traditional Field Layout
For low level teams or novice field hockey players, a 3-3-3-1-1 field layout works well. This system assigns 3 forwards, 3 links or midfielders, 3 defenders, 1 sweeper and 1 goalkeeper. The alignment establishes a strong presence in the middle of the team. Your center forward, center link, center defender, sweeper and goalkeeper should dominate this area. Each side of the field should have a forward, a link and a defender. These filed hockey positions allow you to switch between attacks and defense with relative ease.
4. Work With the Best Field Hockey Positions
In field hockey, your team consists of 10 players and a goalkeeper. You can use field hockey formations in any combination, so use the one that works best for your players. The 5-3-2 system assigns 5 forwards with 2 on each side and 1 in the center. 3 players work as midfielders and 2 play as defenders. Other popular formations include the 4-3-3, the 2-3-5 and the 4-4-2 field positions. Most systems arrange players across the pitch (or playing field), starting in front of the goalkeeper.
5. Vary Field Hockey Formations
If you use only one formation, you make it easy for the other team to analyze your strengths and weaknesses. Most coaches train their players to run specific formations to combat the one you choose. Alternate the formations you use and when you use them. Switching formations will require more discipline from your players.
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