4.3 MIDFIELD PLAY
Terry Wallace (Coach of the Western Bulldogs) is quoted as saying "Goals are created not just kicked". This is even more relevant for Hockey than Football as fewer goals are scored in Hockey. So we must outsmart the opposition so we can score goals.
There are many different ways of moving the ball through the Midfield. The most common way is to let what happens happen. We are not beginners any more so we will work with structure and common purpose whenever our opponents allow us. This will mean our team-mates will know what we are doing and we will gain the advantage of playing as a team. Although hockey is meant to be a team sport many teams either rely on individuals due to lack of organisation or team spirit, or individuals who have developed a "I will win the game for the team" personality. A single player can only win the game off their "own back" when the opposition is weak. So a team approach is required for the long term benefit of the team.
Our current method of moving the ball through Midfield is the Deb/Wilma show down the right (L2 use the Liz/Gina show) or the Frin/Kerryn show down the left side. This is fine but the opposition Full Backs are usually standing waiting for us. The Transfers we have been practicing will overcome this problem.
Moving the ball down one side is fine especially when we steal the ball and as a result of getting a break become numerically one up. On other occasions it is better to use the "keep the ball moving across the field in the same direction before coming back" pattern.
4.31 All the way right then left
.Ball is cleared by LB to LW outlet player. Immediately all the forwards and the CH take off. The CF decoys the opposition FB's first in one direction to get theie attention then in the other to get them out of the way. The ball is moved all the way to one side to further draw the defence then transfered into the space that has been made. The goal approach is then made.
A variation on this play is for the CF to take a through ball eliminating at least one opposition FBs. The other forwards the keep running to take part in a 2 on 1 with the remaining opposition FB.
4.32 All the way left then right
This is the reverse of 4.31 above.