If you follow sports, you’re probably aware of the popularisation of Field Hockey in the 2010s. The winter sport has been around since the 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 2010s that it became something that anyone could participate in. Thanks to companies such as Hockey Canada and Paintball Canada, as well as the introduction of the sport’s equivalent of cheerleaders – the field hockey fans – the sport has exploded in popularity worldwide.
Whether you’re taking part in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow or want to watch a game during International Ice Hockey Day, you’ll be sure to find a field hockey stadium near you. Here’s a rough guide to the positions and roles in field hockey.
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Goalkeeper
As the name suggests, the goalkeeper keeps the goal clean of the ball by batting it away with their hands or with a stick. The goalkeeper is always the last line of defence, so it’s vital that they’re the best in the game. Today, most goalkeepers are very physically oriented, and train to be strong and confident when handling the ball. Many keep their hands actively on the ball all the time, sensing when they need to jump or dive to stop a shot. However, some goalkeepers prefer to stay more behind the scenes, watching the game from the side and only intervening with a save if necessary. Regardless, it is vital that goalkeepers train hard to be able to handle all situations that might come up in a game. While it’s great to have a talented goalie, it’s even more important to have a team of good goalkeepers.
Left Back
On the opposite side of the pitch, we have the left back. This is the defender whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from advancing down the sideline and scoring a goal. The best left backs are powerful and quick, able to close down the pitch quickly while also providing decent aerial supremacy. Because this is such a vital part of the game, coaches and scouts from all over the world come together in the off-season to watch games and assess the skills of the upcoming left backs. Many European countries – especially Germany – have produced some of the best left backs of all time, and the next generation of Canadian footballers could one day represent the country in international competitions.
Centre Back
The centre back is the core of the defence, forming the middle portion of the pitch. They’re usually the largest players on the pitch, with the position demanding significant size and strength. Despite what the position might suggest, a centre back’s primary role is not to put the ball in the net, but rather to deny the opposition any type of chance at scoring, by tackling and dispossessing the ballcarrier. Due to the nature of the position, the centre back requires excellent stamina and mental fortitude.
Right Back
Analogous to the left back, the right back’s primary duty is to stop the opposing team from advancing down their side of the pitch and scoring a goal. However, because of the way the field is arranged, it’s more often the case that the right back will prevent goals by throwing the ball out of bounds or throwing a block party.
Defender
Also known as the full-back or sometimes just straight-back, the defender’s primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by tackling and blocking shots. The best defenders in the world are quick and agile, with teams usually drafting multiple players in this position to start each match. With the recent explosion of indoor hockey, there has been a greater emphasis on speed and skill as opposed to the size and strength that was required of the position a few decades ago. Thanks to innovations such as the handball – which was originally designed for use in field hockey – the position has changed greatly, with players now being tasked with a greater range of defending techniques and skills. Many European countries, as well as Canada and Australia, produce some of the best defenders in the world, and it’s only a matter of time before the best Canadian footballers become household names in their own right.
Striker
The striker is the most important position in hockey. Unlike most other positions, which can be defined by their role on the pitch, the difference in value between a striker and a defender is primarily in their respective abilities on the ball. Therefore, the best strikers usually measure out at around 6’0” and boast incredible speed and agility — as well as an accurate and deadly shot. Because of the importance of this position, coaches and scouts from all over the world come together in the off-season to watch games and assess the skills of the upcoming strikers. Due to the lack of a set position for a striker, they are often times the subject of heated debates between coaches and scouts, with some arguing for a deeper role and more protection from the opposition’s goalie, while others prefer the fast paced, attack oriented game associated with the position. With the recent emergence of small sided games, such as seven-a-sides and nine-a-sides, as well as the increasing popularity of indoor hockey, the need for a skilled and capable striker has never been greater.
Midfielder
Also known as the holding midfielder, the midfielder is the support striker for the team, tasked with moving the ball around the field as quickly and as efficiently as possible. The best midfielders in the world are typically extremely coordinated, having not only incredible ball handling skills, but also the intelligence and creativity to think one step ahead of the opposition. Thanks to innovations such as the offside trap and an increase in match analysis software, the position has changed greatly in the past few years, as attackers have found ways of getting the best of the position and the game has evolved to suit their talents.
Attacker
Finally, we have the attacker, which is more properly defined as the player who seeks to score goals. This is typically the fastest position on the pitch, with the best attackers capable of finishing off a move within seconds of beginning one. The best attackers in the world are extremely agile and quick, having the ability to beat a defender one on one and then exploit the numerical superiority of a teammate in front of them. Because of the way the game is evolving, it’s become much more about individual flare and skill rather than pure physicality, and it’s only a matter of time before the best Canadian footballers become household names worldwide.
If you’re interested in taking up field hockey, there are numerous clubs around the world that you could join. With the right coaching, you could have a team of skilled players ready to compete within days. Make sure to add field hockey to your winter sport collection – it’s an excellent game to add to your sports diet.