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Indoor hockey defending

Dear colleagues, what are the best ways to defend an attacking team that is playing with a field player with goalkeeping privileges? Te question concerns indoor hockey only.

Marco KoudijsCoach, Netherlands

2 answers

ANSWERS

Victor HardemanCoach, Canada

Hi Marco, If I'm correct the player with GK privileges can't cross the center li

I think the best way is to play zone defense and try to get the attacking team down in corner of the field, Use your GK as extra defender he/she is not only GK but also more a player specily within the new system where you play with 5 and not with 6.

I would play with 3 player low around/ in the circle and 1 player outside the circle to be able to pressure the ball when it is on your half of the field.

I would leave the player with GK privilages where it is and don't worry about him he can't cross the centre line and there for can't score a goal.

The above only aplies when it is a player with GK privilages, wears a different color shirt and have to wear a helmet during PC, otherwise it is a extra field player.

I hope this will help

Victor

Marco KoudijsCoach, Netherlands

Hey Victor,

thanks for your reply. I wasn't very clear describing my problem I see. My apologies. The player with GK privileges can actually cross the centerline (she doesn't wear a helmet). And the problem applies to a girl youth team, which is still playing with 6 players.

Regards,

Marco.