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In order to win you must score goals. In order to score goals you have to be in position to get the best possible shot on the net. It sounds simple but in reality it's very difficult. The order of play at this point in time does not allow for any rapid deployment, no "fast breaks". One of the most common scenes during a field hockey game occurs during a changeover infraction. It could be anything from obstruction to foot contact. The whistle blows, and a strange ritual takes place. Play is stopped, a defender from the team awarded the possession comes forward, lines up the ball and searches for a seam. Everyone else, both teams, "mark up" about five yards away, sticks down waiting for the drive to continue the game. This scene is carried out over and over and with the same results. The ball is driven into a wall of players. From this point there is either another infraction, changeover or interception. All this happens within a span of fifteen yards. The game slows to a crawl and the action remains in the center of the field instead of where something beneficial could be happening such as scoring. Where do you go from here?
The answer is solved in the mechanics of the zone. Changeover infractions are part of the game and should be used to their greatest potential. Upon the sounding of the whistle all players should be watching the official. As soon as the official makes the directional judgement the team whom it favors goes immediately to the attack. All forwards sprint to open spaces within their zones while the player closest to the ball makes the drive. The opposing team does not have time to set up! The player driving can scan the field and decide where she will target the drive, and calls out the number of the targeted zone. Her teammates are now informed of the nature of the attack and react accordingly. Positioning again plays a significant role in the outcome of the attack. Sprinting players are establishing position behind the defenders. The goal is being attacked from several angles all at once. The defense must spread itself out in order to "mark up" everyone.
Of the many formations that can be used, the 3-2-2-3 formation allows maximum coverage of offense and defense and fits the strategy of the zone system. The three forwards concentrate on offense and favor the attacking end of the field. There they forecheck the opponents, playing defense primarily in the attacking end when the opposing team obtains possession of the ball.
The four links are divided into two pairs to allow for greater coverage of the field. They play both offense and defense. When the situation allows or demands, the two forward links (LFL,RFL) move up to the forward positions and add to the firepower of the forwards. In the same situation the two rear links (LDL, RDL)move up to support and keep the ball in the opponents end of the field. This gives the attackers seven players committed to the attack with three defending. The three defenders move up conservatively yet committed to push any cleared balls back into the attack zone.
Defensively, as the ball moves into the defending zone, the same happens but in reverse order. The rear links fall back to join the three defenders in defense of the goal. The two forward links take up positions of support, marking the opponents links providing a maximum of seven players for defense if necessary. The three forward, maintaining an offensive disposition remain at the 25 yard line waiting for the clearing pass, ready to initiate the attack.
All forwards are required to maintain positions in the offensive zone (Figure 1). They should not cross the 25 yard line into their own defensive area. This may create some initial anxiety to a coach at first. But remember, with four or five potential scorers in the offensive zone, the opposing defense must, out of respect, stay in their own end taking some pressure off your own defenders. If an opponent can place nine or ten players in your zone when attacking they will eventually score and you will lose. If you can keep your opponent covering all your potential threats defending should be easier.
In the zone, defenders play defense in the defensive zone and forwards play offense and defense in the opponents end of the field. The links who are usually the more skilled players on the field are the intermediaries and the "link" or the connection between the two ( Figure 2). They can help out the three defenders increasing the number to five or they can help out the offense increasing the number of potential scorers to seven.
It is important to note that as the ball travels into the scoring circle the forwards must converge upon the goal maintaining their same relative position. They must not get too deep. On some occasions I have witnessed players actually standing on the goal line only to have the ball pass by them farther out. They must be in position move toward the goal to receive a pass or a rebound and move in to shoot. If players get too far forward they have to retreat away from the goal to get the ball. They should be in position to move forward to it. In Figure A, the players are in bad position for a rebound (remember there will be defenders among this group too!). They are in good position for a pass in Figure B and are converging upon the goal in good position for a rebound.
It is easier to go forward to deflect, redirect, or shoot than it is to go backward. This kind of relentless pressure placed upon a defense will create tons of scoring opportunities which will result in more goals and more wins. The links are in position to intercept a long rebound, or clearing drive, to drive it right back into the scoring circle.
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Being in the right place at the right time may decide who wins and who loses. A team that is organized and disciplined to be at the right place at all times will be the team holding the trophy at the end of the season.