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Field Hockey · Level 4: Intermediate · Sub-level 4.1

Building from the Back

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

Outletting is the KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide's name for moving the ball out from the back. Its aim is to reach midfield or the attacking third, and the guide asks for it as quickly as possible, because speed beats a press before it organises. Near the team's own goal the advice is no risks and set patterns. It describes the route as from the back, through the middle, to the front.

The guide notes that most opposing teams play with three forwards to pressure the back four. Inter-passing can create an overload, and an extra player means one is unmarked: four against three leaves one defender free, and passing round the back finds him. In the first outlet option the centre back moves the ball to the outside defender with speed and then leads into midfield, while the pace, the angle of the pass and the attraction of a defender create a 2 v 1 with the opposite striker. In the second option the centre back or sweeper steps up into midfield, the sweeper stays deepest and the halves drop in beside him.

The facts below cover the aim of outletting, the overload at the back, the outside defender's outlet, the stepping centre back, the bounce pass, and the four ways the guide gives of meeting a press: around it, through it, over it and into it. They end with reading the pressure, from none to full.

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 aim of outlettingTake a test

  1. Move it to midfield or the attacking third as quickly as possible.

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

  2. The aim is to move it to the midfield or attacking third.

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

  3. Speed beats a press before it organises.

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

  4. With the ball near your own goal: play it out.

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

  5. Play it out: no risks, set patterns.

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

  6. Good, intelligent inter-passing can create an overload out the back.

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

  7. Midfielders lead to establish clear passing links.

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

  8. Win, look, release, support.

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

  9. From the back, through the middle, to the front.

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

  10. Moving the ball out from the back: outletting.

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

Test 2The overload at the backTake a test

  1. Most opposing teams play with three forwards to pressure the back four.

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

  2. An extra player means one is unmarked.

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

  3. Passing the ball round the back finds the free defender.

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

  4. The CB or SW pushes up to create an extra man.

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

  5. Square passes shift the ball to the free defender.

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

  6. Space ahead should be used.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  7. Spread wide, a single presser cannot cover two players.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. Spread, press, switch, go.

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

  9. The bigger the overload, the easier it is.

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

  10. Four against three leaves one defender unmarked.

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

Test 3The outside defender's outletTake a test

  1. The CB moves the ball to the outside defender with speed.

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

  2. The CB then makes a support lead into the midfield.

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

  3. Ball pace and rhythm, angle of pass, attract defender.

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

  4. Attract the defender to create a 2 v 1 with the opposite striker.

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

  5. Ball pace and rhythm keep the outlet flowing.

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

  6. Outlet passes go on to the right- or left-hand side attack.

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

  7. Side defenders provide width on the side-line.

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

  8. Pass wide, support, progress.

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

  9. Pace, angle, attract.

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

  10. Wide pass and a support lead: the guide's first outlet option.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 1 · applied

Test 4The stepping centre backTake a test

  1. The CB or SW pushes up into midfield to create an extra man.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 2 · recall

  2. An extra man in midfield.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 2 · recall

  3. Outside halves play deeper and closer to the sweeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 2 · recall

  4. Midfield players should adjust positioning to create options.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 2 · recall

  5. E.g. the right midfielder moves wide.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 2 · recall

  6. Leaving the back line needs cover behind.

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

  7. The deeper defenders tuck in to cover.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 2 · recall

  8. Step, receive, release, cover.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 2 · recall

  9. The sweeper stays deepest.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 2 · recall

  10. With dark 3 stepping up, the halves drop in beside the sweeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 2 · applied

Test 5The bounce passTake a test

  1. Long pass to RM or LM, or to CF, who bounce the ball back.

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

  2. Long pass to RM or LM who bounces the ball back to the outside half on the run.

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

  3. Long pass to CF or other forwards who bounce the ball back to a midfielder.

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

  4. A first-time return avoids a risky turn.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  5. The bounce goes back to a player on the run.

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

  6. They need to receive and eliminate markers to create an overlap.

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

  7. Out and back makes a V between three players.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. Long, back, run, on.

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

  9. Out, back, on.

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

  10. A first-time return to a running team-mate: a bounce.

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

Test 6Around the pressTake a test

  1. Many teams high press when the ball is deep in the defensive third, especially on the side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  2. Defenders need to recognise the situation and respond.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  3. Play the ball deep to the sweeper, who transfers it to the opposite side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  4. Switching finds the side the press has left.

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

  5. The sweeper transfers the ball to the opposite side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  6. The far side must be open for the transfer.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  7. A slow switch lets the press slide over.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. Squeeze, back, across, build.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  9. From pressure, through the sweeper, to space.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  10. Back and across: around the press.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · applied

Test 7Through the pressTake a test

  1. A really hard accurate hit with disguise on the direction.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  2. Through the press to a high forward in space.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  3. Disguise stops pressers reading the pass.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  4. A player with a really hard accurate hit.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  5. One pass beats the whole press line.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  6. A forward in space is the target.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  7. A pass through a crowd can be cut out.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. Space, disguise, strike, receive.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  9. Hard, accurate, disguised.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · applied

  10. Straight through the line of pressers.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · applied

Test 8Over the pressTake a test

  1. When the occasion presents itself the aerial ball can destroy a tight press.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  2. The ball flies over the crowded area.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  3. Lifted passes are flicked or scooped.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.9 · recall

  4. Lifting the ball must not be dangerous.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.8 · recall

  5. When the occasion presents itself.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  6. Receiving of the high ball is trained in the oldest step.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · recall

  7. An aerial turns the press round.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. Squeeze, lift, fly, control.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  9. The aerial is boldest.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  10. Lifted above the press: over the press.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · applied

Test 9Into the pressTake a test

  1. Play into the press, suck the play in, then quickly switch out.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  2. A good midfield player with sound receiving and strength on the ball.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  3. The midfielder draws the opponents into him.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  4. Move the ball to players in space on the opposite side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  5. Drawing opponents creates space elsewhere.

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

  6. Strength on the ball and good control.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  7. A turnover inside the press is dangerous.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. Feed, hold, draw, switch.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  9. The guide lists around, through, over, then into.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  10. Drawing the press in before switching out.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · applied

Test 10Reading the pressureTake a test

  1. Outletting with little pressure uses good inter-passing.

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

  2. Defenders need to recognise the situation and respond accordingly.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  3. Especially when the ball is on the side of the field.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  4. Squeezed against the line, the carrier has fewer choices.

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

  5. Scanning shows the pressure before the ball arrives.

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

  6. Set patterns help under pressure.

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

  7. Pressers left behind leave space to attack.

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

  8. Scan, see, decide, play.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  9. From none to full.

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

  10. Forwards pressing deep in the light third: a high press.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · applied

Questions people ask

What is outletting in field hockey?
It is moving the ball out from the back. The guide's aim is to reach the midfield or the attacking third, and as quickly as possible.
Why is speed important when playing out from the back?
The guide says speed beats a press before it organises. It also advises, with the ball near your own goal, to play it out with no risks and set patterns.
How does a team create an overload at the back?
Through good, intelligent inter-passing, or by the centre back or sweeper pushing up to create an extra man. Four against three leaves one defender unmarked, and passing round the back finds him.
What happens in the guide's first outlet option?
The centre back moves the ball to the outside defender with speed, then makes a support lead into the midfield. Pace, rhythm and the angle of the pass attract a defender and create a 2 v 1 with the opposite striker.
What does the sweeper do when the centre back steps up?
The sweeper stays deepest. With the centre back stepping up, the halves drop in beside the sweeper and the deeper defenders tuck in to cover.
What is a bounce pass?
It is a first-time return to a running team-mate. The ball goes long to a midfielder or forward, who bounces it back to a player on the run.
What are the ways of playing out against a press?
The guide lists around, through, over, then into. Around means playing deep to the sweeper, who transfers it to the opposite side; into means drawing the opponents in before switching out.
When does the guide say an aerial ball can be used against a press?
When the occasion presents itself, the aerial ball can destroy a tight press. Lifted passes are flicked or scooped, and lifting the ball must not be dangerous (Rule 9.8).

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, Outletting under pressure32
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting24
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide11
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 29
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting option 18
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Individual tasks2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the midfielders1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Formation 11
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.91
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.81
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 21
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Mid-field press1