Roller Hockey Tactics Board

4v4 Tactical Principles

Roller hockey is typically played 4v4 (excluding goalkeepers), which makes spacing and positional responsibility even more critical than in ice hockey's 5v5 format. With fewer players on a smaller surface, every positional error creates an immediate scoring chance. Diagram the standard positional alignment:

• Two forwards up the court creating width and depth
• Two defenders providing coverage behind the forwards and initiating play from the back
• The diagonal structure: one forward at the back-post area, one at the front; one defender supporting high, one low — creating a rotational diamond rather than two parallel rows

Breakout and Transition

Because the boards in roller hockey don't always have the same rebound properties as ice, breakout plays must account for board work being less predictable. Diagram breakout options that minimise board reliance:

• Short passing breakout — goalkeeper to the nearest defender, quick pass to the opposite winger, long outlet to the breaking forward.
• Power skate (carry-out) — defender or goalkeeper carries the puck out of their own zone rather than passing, using skating speed to beat the forecheck before distributing.

Power Play in Roller Hockey

A 4v3 power play in roller hockey creates significant scoring pressure. The most effective formation places one player at the top of the zone (point) and two players in the half-space flanking the goal, with the fourth player near the net:

• Diagram the rotation when the point player moves in — the half-wall player should rise to cover the vacated point position.
• Show the primary shooting option (point shot or half-wall one-timer) and the screening position in front of the goalkeeper.
• Diagram the transition when possession is lost on the power play — who sprints back first and which player covers the goalkeeper on a potential breakaway.

Forecheck and Defensive Zone

The forecheck in roller hockey is aggressive — with fewer players, the immediate press after a turnover can create a numerical advantage before the opponent organises. Diagram the 2-forward forecheck (one pressures, one covers the primary outlet) and the two defenders' responsibility to read the forecheck result and advance or hold accordingly.

In the defensive zone, show the positioning for man-to-man versus zone coverage and how to defend against an overload power play (which zones to prioritise and where the goalkeeper must be positioned to minimise the angle on the primary power-play shot).