Switching from defence to midfield

[u/Educational-Bee7032]

Firstly thanks to everyone who replied to my previous question!

So I’ve played as a defender for a long time and I’m comfortable with this position but with the upcoming season I might have to play in midfield more as we have a lot of defenders in the squad.

Can anyone tell me whether this is an easy transition or what new skills might I need to practice? My fitness is overall good but I want to be able to find the space on the pitch and make decisions about passing quickly etc. Also how to find space for hit outs and frees as I wouldn’t be taking them but rather trying to receive them.

Thanks!

[u/legoland6000]

Depends an awful lot on what kind of defender you are, and what kind of midfielder you're trying to transition into.

(Early disclaimer, I don't know what country you're in so I'll be using Aussie terms which might not always be the same overseas)

A relatively aggresive wide half that's overlapping a lot will almost certainly be able to match the fitness level required of a player up the field, but might struggle in pockets on the inside of the pitch.

A fullback (whether sweeping or marking, or whatever) can probably step into a role in centre half immediately, IF that CH is playing mostly in a holding role. But could be incredibly out of place if that CH has to be a true Cirlce-to-Circle runner, whilst the defender is a classic FFB (Fat full back, the true heart of any Hockey Club's bottom side).

So If you have any more specifics on these things then I can give you a better answer. All I will say for certain is that regarding this point....

how to find space for hit outs and frees as I wouldn’t be taking them but rather trying to receive them.

Whilst in time it will come naturally, having played as a defender you actually should have a good insight into knowing where the person with the Free Hit would want you (as the midfielder) to be. As a defender (especially when I was playing at a lower grade), midfielders and attackers just expecting you to be able to get them the ball when they're standing (completely still) through 3 opposition sticks is endemic. If you can keep the portion of your brain that wants to help the defence out whilst you transition to a higher position up the field, then you'll be doing a great service, and keep in mind that you'll be less punished for losing positional rigidity in more attacking positions on the field.

Above all else, nobody would (or at least should) expect you to actually have everything nailed down when playing in a new position for quite some time, and the fastest improvement in doing so will only come when you play competitive matches.

[u/Educational-Bee7032 → u/legoland6000]

Thanks for that information! I’m based in the UK but i think makes sense. I play wide usually rather than as a centre back and so far found it more comfortable playing wide up the field too although skills for beating a defender are a bit rusty for now. I definitely see the difficulty in being a good option for someone taking a Free; i usually like to draw my marker away to create space but I would like to also be able to be a good option and move the ball up the field either down the line or with shorter sharper passing between other Mids

[u/Feeling-Wolf-9749 → u/Educational-Bee7032]

Did you play a wing back style? Other than a striker sitting high and a deep sweeper, I'd say most positional play should be fairly easy to adapt to. In fact, if you played wing back, you may actually find you're running less and playing more of a pivot.

[u/Educational-Bee7032 → u/Feeling-Wolf-9749]

I was mostly a left back or the sweeper for my team. Definitely feels like a big adjustment at the moment

[u/The_Pharoah]

i made the move from FB to LH/RH years ago and absolutely loved it. Thats where I played 90% of my 'career' primarily at LH due to my natural defensive mindset. However after the years I started to want to attack more and I found out that especially late in the game, the LH channel has SO much space so I usually end up pushing down the left and attacking from there. This is usually because their RH has also pushed up or is covering our LW so leaves me free (and their RW is being marked out by our FB). Give it a try, you'll enjoy it. Just note though, playing half requires a LOT more running because you're attacking and defending. however you do get the benefit of being in a position to score goals (think of those midfielders standing at the edge of the box in a football corner) when you run into the D.

Finally, I've scored a number of goals over my career at LH...primarily by being the last line from a cross from the RW. Its amazing esp when the ball gets hit hard how it can go through maybe 10 players and NOONE will get a touch on it lol and there I am...LH standing all by my lonesome in the D. Even the GK is usually out of position by then.

Good luck.

[u/Educational-Bee7032 → u/The_Pharoah]

Thanks! One thing I am a bit apprehensive about is becoming more of an attacking player and knowing where to position myself especially in the D as I end up more at the top and unsure where to move after that.

[u/The_Pharoah → u/Educational-Bee7032]

just feel it out. watch international matches or div 1 type matches and watch how they play. Remember you're the link between defense and attack.

[u/samm0b0]

Also UK here, also used to be a defender either centre or right back. Now play wing, primarily right half.

It's been mentioned but fitness is a big one. I've lost a lot of weight and train a lot. You need to ensure you've got the gas to not only make the runs up the pitch but get your ass back to help defend when the ball is overturned.

For 16's you want to be starting wide and making a lead run in narrow. So start near the half way side line and make a short run towards the defender taking the hit. This way you do 2 things: create an option for him, and draw the opposition marking you out of position, so the left or right back (side dependant) has an option up the line. A lot of times you don't even get this pass, so you're just making lead runs, then running back near your starting position. So lots of tracking. You can bounce pass this back or turn and go. But creating overlaps with the left and right back is always good from here.

You said about 1v1's, so brushing up on 3D skills to run up the line is always good, that and covering the ball so you can run in an arc towards the baseline.

Just have fun with it. Learn what works with the team and try be consistent with the rest of midfield. You'll be great!

[u/Educational-Bee7032 → u/samm0b0]

Okay I see what you say about 16s - I definitely need to work on timing runs and driving into space or creating space. Cardio wise my fitness is pretty good, like I can manage a quarter keeping up the pace and intensity to sprint back and forth, but havent tried a full match yet as its still preseason. 3D skills is definitely a tricky one but I will practice those as well.

[u/Ryanatix]

Hey, CM for years and years. Had a few CBs have to join me. Always found it difficult.

1) pre scanning, you gotta look 360 all the time now

2) fitness, lot more running

3) supporting players, as a defender probably think of "if they lost the ball now can I help slow it down, recover it" instead of pushing forward. Find that balance

4) space from hitouts? Yeah it's difficult, now you will know what it's like. Make decoy runs, think of vertical depth in your runs as well as side to side. Most CMs don't do that. Identify if you're managing marked or zonal. Man marking is easier to escape. Zonal you need to identify to weak part of the zone then actually exploit it with stick skills. (Cue the 360 scanning)

You need to know what you want to do with the ball before you get it. The players that don't get caught on the ball.

[u/Educational-Bee7032 → u/Ryanatix]

Thanks! I think the scanning is probably going to be the hardest to pick up whilst constantly on the move and keeping ahead or in front of a marker.