Indoor Hockey Tactics Board

Indoor vs Field Hockey Tactics

Indoor hockey shares rules and skills with field hockey but the tactical environment is completely different. The court is roughly one-quarter the size, played 6v6 (including goalkeeper), with boards along the sides instead of sideline throw-ins. Board work — using the side and back boards to keep the ball in play — is an essential skill that requires tactical coaching: show players which board angles create attacking opportunities versus which ones gift possession to the opponent.

Penalty Corner in Indoor Hockey

Indoor hockey penalty corners are even more decisive than field hockey corners because the shorter distance from the injection point to the circle creates a more immediate shooting opportunity. Diagram the injection sequence showing:

• The injector's push into the top of the D
• The stopper's position and the required trap quality
• The shooter's run and the two alternative shot options (direct shot vs pass-to-shooter)
• The defensive response — one player rushing the stopper, one the shooter, the rest retreating to the goal line

6v6 Formations

The standard indoor hockey formation is 1-2-2 (goalkeeper, two defenders, two midfielders, two forwards). Draw the formation and show the specific coverage responsibilities for each position:

• Defenders — one covers the centre, one covers the shooting circle approach; show the switch when the ball moves from side to side.
• Midfielders — responsible for pressing high and recovering quickly; diagram the pressing trigger and the recovery path.
• Forwards — one presses the ball carrier, one covers the central passing option; show the co-ordination between the two forwards when pressing.

Board Work and Transition

Playing the ball off the board at the right angle is a key indoor hockey skill. Show players the geometric principles: a ball struck at 45 degrees rebounds at 45 degrees; played harder toward the end boards, it wraps around into the circle. Diagram the two most common board-work plays:

• Circle wrap — board pass to the end wall, ball wraps around into the circle for a running attacker.
• Side board and follow — play the ball off the side board and follow the rebound; the board controls direction while the player controls timing.