Field Hockey · Niveau 4 : Intermédiaire · Sous-niveau 4.4
Pressing and Zonal Defence
10 tests · 100 faits · mis à jour le 30 octobre 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.
Chaque test ci-dessous compte dix questions sur Insporta. La liste sous un test indique ce que les questions vérifient : un fait par question, avec la source dont il est tiré. Lisez-la avant le test, ou revenez-y après une mauvaise réponse.
Test 1Three zones of the fieldFaire un test
The field is divided into three zones.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
Defensive third, midfield third, attacking third.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
The terms refer to the area where the defensive pressure is applied.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
Full press, three-quarter press, half-court press.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
When the opponents have the ball in their defensive third.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
The opponents' back third is the presser's attacking third.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
A shared map lets the team press together.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
Own goal outwards.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
From the top of the field back to halfway.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
The third by the opponents' goal is the attacking third.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · application
Test 2The full pressFaire un test
Maximum pressure is placed on the ball.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
The three forwards line up to force play to the side.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Play is forced to the side, preferably the left.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Making sure the direct pass is not allowed through their line.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
One striker cuts off the ball back to the middle.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
The team steps up ahead of their direct opposition.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Win on the intercept, or force a run into double-defence or tackles.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Force, block, cut off, squeeze.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Force wide, then intercept, then tackle.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · application
Maximum pressure high up, forcing play wide: the full press.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · application
Test 3The point of the pressFaire un test
The first player who puts pressure on the ball carrier is the 'point'.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
All other defenders take their defensive lines from this player.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Without a point, players press in different directions.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
The point channels and blocks the easiest option.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Two pressers on one ball leave someone free.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · restitution
An angled approach channels to the side.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
The point shifts with the ball.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Press, steer, align, trap.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
The point is closest.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
The first presser that the team takes its lines from.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · application
Test 4Squeeze, overload, turnoverFaire un test
Squeezing, overloading and winning the ball in the turnover.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Squeezing the opposition into an area of the field.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Overloading the area cuts down their space, time and options.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
And winning the ball in the turnover.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
The line closes off one direction.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Pressure forces a faulty or risky play.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey · restitution
Fouls release the pressure with a free hit.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · restitution
Squeeze, overload, win.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Space, time, options.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Crowding the area by the line: squeeze and overload.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · application
Test 5The three-quarter pressFaire un test
Holding back midway between the attacking 23 and the halfway line.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · restitution
Same basic tactic: pressure the middle, force wide, overload the flank.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · restitution
It draws the opponents out of their defensive quarter.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · restitution
Pulling opponents forward opens room behind them to break into.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · restitution
Pressure over a larger area makes it easier and less risky to play out.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · restitution
Pressure on the middle of the field forcing the ball wide.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · restitution
Overloading the flank with defenders.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · restitution
Hold, press, force, overload.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · restitution
The higher the press, the more space behind.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
Holding midway up the field: the three-quarter press.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · application
Test 6The half-court pressFaire un test
It uses the halfway line as the mark at which defending begins.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · restitution
This defence relies on the opposition losing patience.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · restitution
Passes through a congested area, which are then intercepted.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · restitution
The counter-attack uses the space behind players who have come forward.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · restitution
It risks allowing the opponent within reach of the defensive circle.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · restitution
The no-offside rule affects it: running off the ball stretches the press.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · restitution
Good running off the ball can stretch the press, making it less effective.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · restitution
Wait, frustrate, intercept, counter.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · restitution
The deeper the press, the closer the opponents get.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
Waiting at halfway: the half-court press.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · application
Test 7Choosing a pressFaire un test
The choice depends on the score, among other factors.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
The time remaining in the half or game.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
The ability of the opposition, or certain players, to deal with pressure.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
The plan is fixed and shared before the match starts.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
Some degree of flexibility should be incorporated.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
Score and time push a trailing team to press high.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
Sitting deeper is safer with a lead.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · restitution
Study, decide, communicate, adapt.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
Losing pushes the press up; winning drops it back.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
The press is chosen and shared before the match.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · application
Test 8Positional changesFaire un test
Positional changes take place when the opposition switches the ball across.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · restitution
RH moves slightly infield.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · restitution
CB moves to the left shoulder of the centre forward, ready to intercept.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · restitution
LH steps closer to RW.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · restitution
LH marks tightly in a position ready to intercept.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · restitution
RH drops slightly to provide extra cover.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · restitution
Players closest to the ball should mark very tightly.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · restitution
The whole line slides together.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · application
Ball side tight, far side covering.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · restitution
Stepping in from the right as play centres is the right half's shift.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · application
Test 9Zonal defence across the fieldFaire un test
The defender defends a zone around him and picks up anything passing through.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · restitution
Zonal marking cuts parts of the field.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the strikers · restitution
The line slides with the ball.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Positional changes · restitution
Attackers aim for the seams.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · restitution
Zonal defenders pass runners on.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · restitution
Handing on needs communication.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · restitution
Ball side tight, help side covering.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defending outside the circle · restitution
Enter, mark, cross, hand on.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · restitution
Following players everywhere is hardest.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · restitution
Guarding areas, not players: zonal.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · application
Test 10Counter-attacking from the pressFaire un test
A high turnover leaves little distance to goal.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
Win the ball on the intercept if the pass through is poor.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
A quick forward pass exploits the turnover.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · restitution
Attacking shape leaves gaps when the ball is lost.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · restitution
Interceptions at halfway lead to breaks into the space opponents left.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · restitution
Drawn out of their quarter, opponents leave room for a quick break.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press · restitution
Counters must be quick.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · restitution
Trap, intercept, release, finish.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · restitution
The higher the press, the closer the turnover.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · restitution
A high interception turned into a quick attack.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · application
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