Field Hockey: indoor formations

Which of the sportplan INDOOR plans are now appropriate to the 5v5 format OR do you have any to share?

Last year we predicted how we thought the changes to indoor hockey would affect the game (you can still read the blog here). What we wanted to know was, a year on, how has the new format affected the way you play? What are your best tips for the 5v5 game? What tactics and formations are you using?

hi there I'm using 4-4-2 and on sometimes 3-1-4-2 with a lower level hockey team.I've chosen this over other formations, simply because the hockey experience and ability of my players is not of a high level (and most people have an approximate understanding of 442). Also, I believe that one must choose a formation based on players traits and what they can deliver. For example, I'd ideally prefer to have 3 forwards, to help with more height and width but then would have to either play 3 in the middle or 3 at the back... and my player strengths don't permit this. In short, I simply don't believe I have a strong enough CH / CM to handle 3 in the middle and I'm not convinced that the off-the-ball support from other players is strong enough to allow 3 in the middle. OFFENSIVE PLAYS Anyway, I'm not 100% where to get my centre mids to stand when we have a 16 yd hit to take (i.e. our possession). Obviously one of the CMs comes deep to offer a potential direct outlet from the centre backs or offer an overload option if the ball goes out to the sides (which is more likely, since I've pretty much banned the high risk play of releasing up the middle - we've had far too many turnovers in our final third or quarter because we tried to play up the middle). My players are 'aware' of posting up and leading runs. However, I'm not sure about the 2nd CM. On the one hand I'd ideally like the 2nd CM to come deep as well, in order to potentially help break up the opposition press but by doing so, I distort the midfield and if we do manage to get the ball to one of the CMs, he won't have the 2nd CM in a higher position to release to, etc. DEFENSIVE POSITIONING Can someone suggest, again, about midfield positioning using 4-4-2 or 3-1-4-2, when we are setting up a general press? I have traditionally encouraged man marking, simply because our general positional awareness is weak (which makes zonal play a no-no IMO) + our tracking and attitude to committed defending (i.e. you don’t give up if one tackle fails) could be better! However, looking at suggested presses on Sportplan, some zonal positioning seems a necessity and I think if I can help my players make the step, success will come because they've been forced to become more aware of their pitch positioning, etc. Also, looking at some of the presses, it looks like the midfield can go 'flat' to create a barrier... and as I encourage a diamond shape in midfield, I need to explain to my players what to do and when. Sorry for the wordy question. I hope this all makes sense. Regards, Gary

Which of the sportplan INDOOR plans are now appropriate to the 5v5 format OR do you have any to share?

Suggestions on how to play this system. I have very young 1st team so feel i must play defensive hockey. Thanks

G'day guys. I just read the new rules for indoor hockey and I am wondering what peoples thoughts are on the reduction to 5 players. Will the norm become playing with only one forward, or no center, or only one back? It seems this will now make the game more dynamic, teams will have to adapt on the run and change their strategies for pressing and for beating the press. A great center (or three) will become like gold. Cheers

2 Indoor Hockey situations%3A 1.)Could Sportsplan have Russel lay out how to defend a free hit/push into your circle from the left,center and right? More importantly show how the team moves/shifts when a pass is made from that area of the court to another in this situation. 2.) How to play against a 1/2 court system defense. What should the team be looking to do to find space and be successful.

Recently been working hard developing the use of the dish around the back to create space. Working great but would now like to develop this with more drills.We have discussed decision making, leading runs and movement but I'm now looking for ideas of exercises that will develop these thoughts amongst the guys. All ideas for exercises we could use at training gratefully received

hi allI'm currently coaching 12 and 13 yr olds and the team has a massive problem with shape and being disciplined positionally.Any tips, ideas, drills etc for helping with / teaching this?many thanks,Gary

Please describe the position of the 3 forwards trying to stop a 16 yard hit getting past them. How does the V formation work, and why?