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Field Hockey · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Sub-level 3.1

Positions and Formations

10 tests · 99 facts · updated 30 October 2026 · markdown

How eleven players are split into lines, the tasks of the goalkeeper, sweeper, centre back, side defenders, midfielders and strikers, the shapes a midfield can take, and why young players try every position.

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 1The lines of a teamTake a test

  1. A system brings order and divides tasks among the eleven players.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Tactics for youth teams · recall

  2. Strikers, midfielders, defenders and the goalkeeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · recall

  3. The back line of defenders plays just in front of the keeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Tactics for youth teams · recall

  4. A vertical (length) axis and a horizontal (width) axis.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · recall

  5. It allows an easy transfer from attack to defence and back.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · recall

  6. It depends on the players available and the opponents' expected game plan.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Tactics for youth teams · recall

  7. Collective tactics include the actions of the various lines in the team.

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

  8. Front to back: strikers, midfield, defence, goalkeeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · recall

  9. One player, a group, the whole team.

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

  10. The line furthest forward is the striker line.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · applied

Test 2The goalkeeper's tasksTake a test

  1. Last line of defence, behind the defenders.

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

  2. Communicate defensive instructions and directives.

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

  3. The keeper communicates attacking instructions too.

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

  4. Goalkeeping: to close down and communicate with the defenders.

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

  5. Reaction to high and low balls.

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

  6. Work the ball away with the stick.

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

  7. From the back, the keeper sees the whole attack.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. Organise, set, save, clear.

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

  9. Movement, angles, then leading the defence.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · applied

  10. The keeper communicates defensive instructions.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Individual tasks · applied

Test 3The sweeperTake a test

  1. A deep defender without a marking role.

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

  2. The free defender gives cover and depth behind the other defenders.

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

  3. Mark the extra man that breaks through.

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

  4. Move into midfield and assist with attack.

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

  5. A free player behind the midfield helps keep the ball and defend higher.

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

  6. The team plays one against one at the back without cover.

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

  7. Defenders always have cover and the opponents' space is limited.

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

  8. Cover, win, step up, pass.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Individual tasks · applied

  9. A sweeper behind gives the most cover.

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

  10. A deep defender without a marking job is the sweeper.

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

Test 4The centre backTake a test

  1. High marking of the centre striker.

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

  2. The high defender can step up on opponents who break through.

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

  3. Centre strikers are not always mindful of reverse defending.

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

  4. One central defender defends the centre striker.

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

  5. Provide cover behind the midfield and facilitate outlet passes.

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

  6. The centre back's marking job is the centre striker.

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

  7. Mark, win, carry, release.

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

  8. Left, centre, right.

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

  9. Marking the centre striker is the centre back's job.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Individual tasks · applied

Test 5The side defendersTake a test

  1. Ball side: man-to-man marking of the left striker.

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

  2. Channel opposition to the front stick side.

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

  3. Help side: cover defence.

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

  4. Provide attacking width on the side-line.

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

  5. The outside defenders get the most opportunity to attack.

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

  6. Two wing defenders defend the opposing outside strikers.

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

  7. Provide an outlet pass to the attack on that side.

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

  8. Ball side mark, then help-side cover.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Individual tasks · applied

  9. Win, width, pass, support.

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

  10. The right defender marks the opposing left striker.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Individual tasks · applied

Test 6The centre midfielderTake a test

  1. The central midfielder is the pivot between attack and defence.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · recall

  2. Drop behind the line of the ball as soon as possible.

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

  3. Concentrate on channelling the opposition attack left.

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

  4. Responsible for the triangular shape in midfield.

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

  5. Delay tackling, concentrate on channelling.

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

  6. Restrict 1 v 1s in the middle: too high a risk.

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

  7. Lead to encourage passes from the defensive zone.

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

  8. Recover, restrict, channel, win.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Individual tasks · applied

  9. Show, receive, release, shape.

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

  10. The pivot in the middle is the centre midfielder.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · applied

Test 7The outside midfieldersTake a test

  1. Must get behind the ball immediately after loss of possession.

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

  2. Maintain the triangle by staying on the inside of the right striker.

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

  3. Join attack on the ball side.

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

  4. Drop defensively on the help side.

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

  5. Midfielders are key players in restarts: free hits and side-line hits.

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

  6. Make penetrating attacking runs into the space created.

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

  7. Players with good insight and experience read turnovers better.

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

  8. Lose, recover, mark, regain.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Individual tasks · applied

  9. Link, release, penetrate.

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

  10. Light 7 sits inside the striker in front: the right midfielder.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Individual tasks · applied

Test 8Midfield shapesTake a test

  1. Outside midfielders higher; central midfielder deeper.

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

  2. In the defensive triangle the point of the triangle faces the opponents.

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

  3. Usually one is more offensive and the other more defensive.

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

  4. Diamond: one central attacking and one central defensive midfielder.

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

  5. One-three formation: one defensive midfielder.

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

  6. Three-one formation: one attacking midfielder.

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

  7. Trough formation: two offensive and two defensive players.

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

  8. Deep centre, level, then centre ahead.

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

  9. Bottom point, the sides, top point.

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

  10. Back, two sides, front: a diamond.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Midfield line · applied

Test 9The striker lineTake a test

  1. The striker line can have four, three or two strikers.

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

  2. Lose the opposition marker to become open.

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

  3. Rotate positions across the width to confuse the defence.

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

  4. Attack to the circle as quickly as possible.

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

  5. Quick reverse press, close down and channel defenders.

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

  6. In the circle occupy the area ahead of the goal mouth.

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

  7. Eliminate the defender and cut inside as soon as possible.

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

  8. Get free, receive, go, finish.

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

  9. Pressure, steer, then recover.

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

  10. Leading to the back-line stretches the defence.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Individual tasks · applied

Test 10Playing every positionTake a test

  1. All players must get the chance to play in all positions to increase knowledge.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  2. Each position has attacking and defensive aspects to master.

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

  3. Rotate through all positions to learn the tactical requirements.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  4. Knowing the other role makes a better attacker.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  5. Tactical ability depends on the technical abilities of the players.

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

  6. Ensure that all players know and understand their roles.

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

  7. Incorporate match-oriented exercises or game situations.

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

  8. Variety first, then understanding, then a specialism.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  9. The game progression grows the field and the team.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Game progression · applied

  10. Moving players round lets them learn every role.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · 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, Individual tasks39
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Midfield line10
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side7
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defence line6
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the strikers6
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 14
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Formation 14
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the midfielders4
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Tactics for youth teams3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Summary3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Tactics2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Striker line1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Game progression1