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Field Hockey · Level 4: Intermediate · Sub-level 4.4

Pressing and Zonal Defence

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 30 October 2026 · markdown

The guide's three zones, the full press and its point, squeezing and overloading, the three-quarter and half-court presses, choosing a press, positional changes as the ball moves, zonal defence and the counter.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1Three zones of the fieldTake a test

  1. The field is divided into three zones.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  2. Defensive third, midfield third, attacking third.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  3. The terms refer to the area where the defensive pressure is applied.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  4. Full press, three-quarter press, half-court press.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  5. When the opponents have the ball in their defensive third.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  6. The opponents' back third is the presser's attacking third.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  7. A shared map lets the team press together.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  8. Own goal outwards.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  9. From the top of the field back to halfway.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  10. The third by the opponents' goal is the attacking third.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · applied

Test 2The full pressTake a test

  1. Maximum pressure is placed on the ball.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  2. The three forwards line up to force play to the side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  3. Play is forced to the side, preferably the left.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  4. Making sure the direct pass is not allowed through their line.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  5. One striker cuts off the ball back to the middle.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  6. The team steps up ahead of their direct opposition.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  7. Win on the intercept, or force a run into double-defence or tackles.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  8. Force, block, cut off, squeeze.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  9. Force wide, then intercept, then tackle.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · applied

  10. Maximum pressure high up, forcing play wide: the full press.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · applied

Test 3The point of the pressTake a test

  1. The first player who puts pressure on the ball carrier is the 'point'.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  2. All other defenders take their defensive lines from this player.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  3. Without a point, players press in different directions.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  4. The point channels and blocks the easiest option.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  5. Two pressers on one ball leave someone free.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  6. An angled approach channels to the side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  7. The point shifts with the ball.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  8. Press, steer, align, trap.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  9. The point is closest.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  10. The first presser that the team takes its lines from.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · applied

Test 4Squeeze, overload, turnoverTake a test

  1. Squeezing, overloading and winning the ball in the turnover.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  2. Squeezing the opposition into an area of the field.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  3. Overloading the area cuts down their space, time and options.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  4. And winning the ball in the turnover.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  5. The line closes off one direction.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  6. Pressure forces a faulty or risky play.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey · recall

  7. Fouls release the pressure with a free hit.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. Squeeze, overload, win.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  9. Space, time, options.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  10. Crowding the area by the line: squeeze and overload.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · applied

Test 5The three-quarter pressTake a test

  1. Holding back midway between the attacking 23 and the halfway line.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · recall

  2. Same basic tactic: pressure the middle, force wide, overload the flank.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · recall

  3. It draws the opponents out of their defensive quarter.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · recall

  4. Pulling opponents forward opens room behind them to break into.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · recall

  5. Pressure over a larger area makes it easier and less risky to play out.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · recall

  6. Pressure on the middle of the field forcing the ball wide.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · recall

  7. Overloading the flank with defenders.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · recall

  8. Hold, press, force, overload.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · recall

  9. The higher the press, the more space behind.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  10. Holding midway up the field: the three-quarter press.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · applied

Test 6The half-court pressTake a test

  1. It uses the halfway line as the mark at which defending begins.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  2. This defence relies on the opposition losing patience.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  3. Passes through a congested area, which are then intercepted.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  4. The counter-attack uses the space behind players who have come forward.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  5. It risks allowing the opponent within reach of the defensive circle.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  6. The no-offside rule affects it: running off the ball stretches the press.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  7. Good running off the ball can stretch the press, making it less effective.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  8. Wait, frustrate, intercept, counter.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  9. The deeper the press, the closer the opponents get.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  10. Waiting at halfway: the half-court press.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · applied

Test 7Choosing a pressTake a test

  1. The choice depends on the score, among other factors.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  2. The time remaining in the half or game.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  3. The ability of the opposition, or certain players, to deal with pressure.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  4. The plan is fixed and shared before the match starts.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  5. Some degree of flexibility should be incorporated.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  6. Score and time push a trailing team to press high.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  7. Sitting deeper is safer with a lead.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  8. Study, decide, communicate, adapt.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  9. Losing pushes the press up; winning drops it back.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  10. The press is chosen and shared before the match.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · applied

Test 8Positional changesTake a test

  1. Positional changes take place when the opposition switches the ball across.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · recall

  2. RH moves slightly infield.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · recall

  3. CB moves to the left shoulder of the centre forward, ready to intercept.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · recall

  4. LH steps closer to RW.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · recall

  5. LH marks tightly in a position ready to intercept.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · recall

  6. RH drops slightly to provide extra cover.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · recall

  7. Players closest to the ball should mark very tightly.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · recall

  8. The whole line slides together.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · applied

  9. Ball side tight, far side covering.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · recall

  10. Stepping in from the right as play centres is the right half's shift.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · applied

Test 9Zonal defence across the fieldTake a test

  1. The defender defends a zone around him and picks up anything passing through.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · recall

  2. Zonal marking cuts parts of the field.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the strikers · recall

  3. The line slides with the ball.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · recall

  4. Attackers aim for the seams.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  5. Zonal defenders pass runners on.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · recall

  6. Handing on needs communication.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall

  7. Ball side tight, help side covering.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defending outside the circle · recall

  8. Enter, mark, cross, hand on.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · recall

  9. Following players everywhere is hardest.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · recall

  10. Guarding areas, not players: zonal.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · applied

Test 10Counter-attacking from the pressTake a test

  1. A high turnover leaves little distance to goal.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  2. Win the ball on the intercept if the pass through is poor.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  3. A quick forward pass exploits the turnover.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · recall

  4. Attacking shape leaves gaps when the ball is lost.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · recall

  5. Interceptions at halfway lead to breaks into the space opponents left.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  6. Drawn out of their quarter, opponents leave room for a quick break.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · recall

  7. Counters must be quick.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · recall

  8. Trap, intercept, release, finish.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

  9. The higher the press, the closer the turnover.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · recall

  10. A high interception turned into a quick attack.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · applied

Sources

KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, USA Field Hockey 101, NFHCA notes, FIH history and official results; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered rules belong to the Rules category (Field Hockey - Rules of Hockey).

  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press31
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses22
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press11
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes11
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press10
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence5
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the strikers1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 11
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defending outside the circle1