Hockey positions explained

The lineup on ice

Standard ice hockey uses three forwards (a center and two wings), two defense players and a goalie. Forwards lead the attack. Defense players protect the area in front of their goal. The goalie stops shots. On a beginner team, positions are a starting point. Coaches often move new players around so they learn the whole ice.

Center

The center takes most faceoffs and plays in the middle of the ice. On offense, the center carries the puck through the neutral zone and sets up teammates. On defense, the center often comes back deepest of the forwards and helps out low near the net. Centers skate a lot, so the position suits players with good endurance who like being involved in every play.

Wings

The left and right wings play along the sides of the ice. On offense, they skate down their lanes, take passes and go to the net for shots and rebounds. On defense, they usually cover the opposing defense players near the blue line, called the points, and try to block passes and shots from there.

Some players prefer the wing on their "off side," for example a left-handed shot on the right wing, because it opens up the forehand for shooting. Others like their natural side because it makes receiving passes along the boards easier. Try both.

Defense

Two defense players, usually a left and a right, guard the area in front of their own net. They stay between the attackers and the goal, block shots, and clear the puck out of the zone. On offense, they hold the blue line to keep the puck in the zone and take long shots.

Defense players skate backward a lot and need good positioning more than speed. A calm defense player who makes simple passes is very valuable on any beginner team.

Goalie

The goalie stops shots, controls rebounds and directs traffic by talking to the players in front. Goalies wear different, heavier gear: leg pads, a blocker, a catching glove, chest and arm protection, a goalie mask and a goalie stick. Goaltending is its own skill set, and many rinks run goalie clinics. Some programs lend goalie gear to beginners who want to try it.

The lineup in roller hockey

Most roller hockey is played with four skaters and a goalie, often two forwards and two defense, though teams use other shapes too. With one fewer skater and no offside line, there is more space, and every player covers more ground. Players need to be ready to switch between offense and defense quickly.

Choosing a position as a beginner

• If you like to skate and chase the puck, try forward.
• If you are steady on your skates, including backward, and like reading the play, try defense.
• If you are drawn to the net and do not mind pucks coming at you, ask about goalie clinics.
• Most of all, play where your coach needs you at first. Every position teaches you something about the others.

Positions FAQ

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