Hockey formations and positions.
Field hockey is played eleven a side on a pitch of 91.4 by 55 metres, usually on a watered or sand-dressed artificial surface. A match is four quarters of 15 minutes. A goal counts only when the ball is struck from inside the shooting circle and crosses the goal line between the posts. The FIH Rules of Hockey apply, administered in England by England Hockey.
Hockey positions.
| Code | Position | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Goalkeeper | Goalkeeper |
| LB | Left Back | Defence |
| LCB | Left Centre Back | Defence |
| RCB | Right Centre Back | Defence |
| RB | Right Back | Defence |
| LH | Left Half | Midfield |
| CH | Centre Half | Midfield |
| RH | Right Half | Midfield |
| LF | Left Forward | Attack |
| CF | Centre Forward | Attack |
| RF | Right Forward | Attack |
| CB | Centre Back | Defence |
| SW | Sweeper | Defence |
| LI | Left Inner | Midfield |
| RI | Right Inner | Midfield |
| AM | Attacking Midfielder | Midfield |
- Size
- 91.4 m by 55 m
- Match
- 4 quarters of 15 minutes
- Squad
- 11 on the field per side, up to 16 in a matchday squad, rolling substitutes
- Scoring
- A score is a goal; the result is in goals.
- Rules
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2026
Hockey formations (8).
4-3-3
Roles, strengths, weaknesses and what to coach
4-1-2-3
Roles, strengths, weaknesses and what to coach
3-3-3-1
Roles, strengths, weaknesses and what to coach
4-4-2
Roles, strengths, weaknesses and what to coach
3-4-3
Roles, strengths, weaknesses and what to coach
4-2-3-1
Roles, strengths, weaknesses and what to coach
5-3-2 (sweeper)
Roles, strengths, weaknesses and what to coach
2-3-3-2
Roles, strengths, weaknesses and what to coach
In2Hockey formations (2).
In2Hockey: 4 quarters, 6 on the field per side, up to 10 in a matchday squad, rolling substitutes, on a 55 m by 43 m pitch.
Positions: Goalkeeper (GK), Left Back (LB), Right Back (RB), Left Forward (LF), Centre Forward (CF), Right Forward (RF).
Pick the shape, drag your players onto it and share the team sheet with parents before the game. The Vanta Club app is free.
