Field hockey, from two 35-minute halves to four-quarters, has transitioned, traversed, and transformed into the new age.
Life has changed. Incorrect!! The experience of living has changed. Correct!! To put the above mathematically, ‘time’ is limiting itself in square roots, and the growth is multiplying in ‘squares.’ The race against ‘time’ and for ‘time’ has never been more competitive than it is today. And in the process of its very happening, ‘health’ a ‘rhetoric’ has become an ‘arsenal’ of ‘human existence.’ But how long and rich is good?
The adage applies to sports, field hockey, in this case. There are various ways in which a hockey coach employs their team as an offensive and defensive system.
With five forwards, three halfbacks, two full-backs, and a goalkeeper, the 5-3-2-1 formation remains a classical one and one of the most commonly used ones. However, European countries switched to a 3-3-3-1-1 formation with a sweeper before a goalkeeper.
A player’s position on the field can be high, deep, or center, and when chalking/testing out a plan, coaches should consider the various playing systems. It also depends on a team’s attacking and defensive tactics, the individual player’s role in attack and defense, the physical and technical qualifications needed for a particular playing position, and the strategic deployment of rolling substitutions.
The 5-3-2-1 System: In field hockey, the traditional formation is 5-3-2-1. There are five strikers, five defenders, and one goalie present. Three forwards play at a higher level (left-wing center forward, right-wing). The remaining two forwards (left inside and right inside) are followed by the three halfbacks (left, center, and right), and the two full-backs are behind them (left and right or up and back-depending on their role). The players in this system typically hold onto their spots.
Photo courtesy Times of India
The 3-3-3-1-1 System: 3-3-3-1-1 is a Dutch defensive tactic that employs a sweeper to hide any mistakes made in front of them. It is one of the most used systems in field hockey and requires fast and powerful forwards who can play on either side of the pitch. The three forwards are free to move around the field to open space; diagonal runs frequently succeed with this formation. The three midfielders must be very disciplined, skilled, and have good stamina. In this system, the midfielders will have more freedom than the wingers. But this central player is also expected to contribute to the defense. To give their opponents less/little room and less time with the ball, the three defenders stick together in the defensive half of the field. Ideally, defenders have two options: a) they can choose to play positionally by staying in their starting areas and picking up players that move into their field area, or b) they can choose to man-mark and pick up the same player the entire game. In this system, the defenders must communicate with one another, especially if their opponents frequently change positions. The sweeper must be able to read the game effectively and respond to circumstances even before they arise; the main role of a sweeper lies in covering other defenders and snagging loose balls.
The 3-3-4-1 System: For a young and inexperienced team, the 3-3-4-1 system works well since it evenly distributes players over the field and balances defensive and offensive scenarios. This system, though, can make the team rigid and devoid of fresh ideas, and therefore, should be well-organized. The three forward players perform a similar role to the forwards in the 3-3-3-1-1 formation, albeit their options may be a little more limited depending on their skills. The inside center forward must know how to get to the goal and be confident in the ability to score. The wing forwards must be quick and accurate passers to create opportunities. In this system, the central midfielder is crucial as they must be able to pass the ball to set up attacks and tackle effectively to support the defense. Given that they can break past the forward line, this player would benefit from strong finishing skills. Like the 3-3-4-1 system, wide midfielders have the same responsibilities. Four defenders will mark the opposition’s forwards, freeing up one player to pounce on an advancing midfielder, should there be any. Instead of man-to-man marking, defenders in this system will typically remain in their beginning positions and pick up the player who occupies a place in their area.
Photo courtesy ANI News
The 2-4-4-1 System: For packing the midfield and creating a stronger defensive unit, the 2-4-4-1 system adapts to the 3-3-4-1 system. A midfield with four players makes it more difficult for opponents to pass the ball and simpler to intercept because there is less room for them to play. When the team is attacking, one of the wide midfielders and the central midfielders frequently join the forwards to strengthen the attack. If the attack falters, these players must be able to reposition themselves immediately.
The 2-5-3-1 System: The 2-5-3-1 formation adapts the 3-3-4-1 formation and packs the midfield to create a stronger defensive unit. The opposition needs more room to play with five players in the middle. This makes it more difficult for the opposition to pass the ball and makes it simpler to intercept it. With this configuration, both wide midfielders may combine with the forwards to improve the offense while maintaining a strong midfield and defensive foundation to deal with an opponent’s break or interception. One way to change this is to have one wide midfielder and one central midfielder join the attack while the other midfielders move positions to fill the space created by the two. It doesn’t matter which midfielder attacks. This system requires playing to the strengths of the team and individual players.
Dr. Saju Joseph, a sports scientist and Ex-Team India Physio says, “3-3-3-1 was made to counter 5-3-2-1. Later we made the X system (2-1-2-3-2) to counter 3-3-3-1. The X play in between defenders of the 3-3-3-1 system. The first 2 stretch the defense to the back line, facilitating 1 to play more openly. The next two cover and supports the midfield and attack. It can be converted to 8 attackers or eight defenders at any time. This requires high fitness from players, and a lot of running is involved in this system.”
Lastly, in the words of a senior hockey coach and administrator, Mr. Leo Anthony Devdoss, “Most of the formations discussed are good on the drawing board. However, the players must understand their respective roles and work as a cohesive unit. Switching positions is a tool that can be used effectively to confuse the opponent’s defense. With the present rolling substitutions, an element of surprise can be brought in quickly with new instructions. The coach can do all the planning and resourcing, but he needs thinking players with peripheral vision and game reading.”
