Field hockey positions are broken up into four categories. Each team fields 11 players and the exact number of players at each position can vary based on team strategy. Forwards Forwards spend most of their time on their opponent's side of the field. They’re primarily focused on scoring. Midfielders Midfielders play both offence and defence and have to have great stamina to run from either end of the field throughout the game. Fullbacks Fullbacks primarily play defence and try to clear the ball from their end of the field. Goalie The goalie or goalkeeper defends the net and wears padded equipment to prevent injuries. Common formations: The pyramid The WM The 4-2-4 The 4-3-3 5 Forwards 3 Forwards 4 Forwards 4 Forwards 3 Midfielders 4 Midfielders 2 Midfielders 3 Midfielders 2 Fullbacks 3 Fullbacks 4 Fullbacks 3 Fullbacks 1 Goalie 1 Goalie 1 Goalie 1 Goalie * The pyramid formation prioritizes offence. It works best for offensively strong teams that easily maintain ball possession. * The WM formation provides a good balance of offence and defence. * The 4-2-4 formation provides strong offence and defence but makes moving the ball up the field more difficult. * The 4-3-3 offers is an offensive formation for teams that want a little more balance than the pyramid formation offers.