What each position does, and — where the sport restricts it — where that player is allowed to go. Taken from the same rules reference built into the Squaddie app.
In 11-a-side hockey (typically 4-3-3 or 3-4-3), positions are divided into GK, Defence, Midfield, and Attack. For junior hockey (Years 3-6), positions are simplified into Goalkeeper, Stopper, Link, and Attacker, with players rotating to develop all skills.
| Position | Role | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper (GK) | Protect the goal and organise the defence. Key skills include reflex saves, positioning, communication, and courage. | Keeper |
| Left & Right Backs (LB / RB) | Defend wide channels, mark opposition attackers, provide passing options, and support midfield overlaps. | Defence |
| Centre Back / Sweeper (CB) | Defensive leader. Organise the defensive line, cover teammates, win tackles, and start counter-attacks. | Defence |
| Defensive Midfielder (DM) | Protect the defence. Break up opposition attacks, intercept passes, and control the tempo. | Midfield |
| Centre Midfielder (CM) | Link the whole team. Receive and distribute the ball, support defence and attack, and control possession. | Midfield |
| Wide Midfielders (LM / RM) | Provide attacking width, support forwards, and track opposition players on transitions. | Midfield |
| Attacking Midfielder (AM) | The playmaker. Find attacking passes, combine with forwards, and create scoring chances. | Midfield |
| Wide Forwards (LW / RW) | Attack from the wide channels. Beat defenders 1v1, cross into the circle, and assist teammates. | Attack |
| Centre Forward (CF) | Main goal scorer. Position in the circle, finish chances, hold up the ball, and create rebounds. | Attack |
The practical exception is goalkeeper in the sports that have one, where some children genuinely want the role and are happy in it. Even then it is worth checking in, because a fixed keeper has a very different experience of a season from everyone else.
Rotating positions and rotating playing time are separate problems, and it helps to treat them separately — see how to plan player rotations for the mechanics, and fair playing time for the policy behind it.
Based on the FIH (International Hockey Federation) Rules of Hockey, as adopted by Hockey NZ and Hockey Australia. Junior grades (Mini Sticks, Kiwi Sticks, Kwik Sticks) use smaller sides, fields, and modified rules — see your association's junior guide.
Governing bodies: Hockey New Zealand · Hockey Australia · FIH (international law book)
Last reviewed: September 2026. Junior formats vary by region and are revised between seasons — your competition handbook takes precedence over anything here. The full hockey rules reference has formats, scoring, fouls and timings.
Squaddie knows the formats and positions for hockey, so you are picking a team rather than describing your sport to an app.
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