¶ Controlling Forward (FC)
The FC is the “Controlling forward” and in general should stay within the grayed-out area in the image
¶ Primary Purpose
Maintain controlled forward possession and provide a safe passing option for the Backs.
The FC is responsible for:
- Supporting offensive structure through the center
- Maintaining controlled possession under pressure
- Recycling possession safely through support players
Wings should generally NOT pass directly to the Forwards except:
- Within the Crash the Goal Zone
- During specific defensive recovery situations
¶ Main Responsibilities
- Provide a reliable forward passing option for the Backs
- Maintain possession under pressure
- Support offensive structure through the middle
- Keep the puck controlled and recyclable
- Stay ahead of the puck during offensive movement
- Support transitions through open water
¶ Offensive Role
The FC acts as the primary controlled forward possession player.
¶ Main Objectives
- Receive passes primarily from the Backs
- Redistribute possession safely
- Maintain offensive stability through the center
- Create support options for Wings and Backs
¶ Passing Priorities
- Wings
- Backs
- Controlled shot attempts on tray
¶ Avoid
- Risky forward turnovers
- Forced progression under pressure
- Isolated offensive attacks without support
¶ Important
- Wings generally should NOT pass directly to the FC
- Exceptions include:
- Crash the Goal Zone
- Specific defensive recovery situations
The FC should prioritize:
- Controlled possession
- Support structure
- Safe recycling over risky advancement
¶ Positioning Guidelines
- Generally remain within the central open-water area
- Stay inside the Muffin Zone whenever possible
- Avoid drifting toward the walls
- Stay ahead of the puck during offensive movement
¶ Positioning Goals
- Maintain passing lanes
- Support offensive structure
- Provide predictable support options
- Control open-water progression
¶ Receiving the Puck
The FC may:
- Face backward toward their own goal when receiving
- Helps shield the puck with their body
- Turn up-pool after securing possession
- Recycle possession quickly if pressure develops
¶ Preferred Behavior
- Keep the puck moving through support
- Maintain awareness of pressure
- Avoid becoming isolated
¶ Wall Play Behavior
¶ If teammates are progressing successfully on the wall:
- Stay central
- Wait for the puck to return off the wall
- Prepare to receive from a Back
¶ If the play becomes stagnant or dangerous:
- Stay ahead of the play
- Prepare to disrupt:
- Swings
- Side-to-side resets
- Opponent transitions
¶ Avoid
¶ Passing to the Other Forward
Avoid direct Forward-to-Forward passes unless:
- Both Forwards are near the Full Attack Zone
Why:
- Limited awareness under pressure often exposes the receiving Forward to heavy pressure
¶ Swimming Across the Centerline to Reach the Weak Wing
If uncertain which Wing is the Weak Wing:
- Recycle possession to a Back instead
Especially important:
- Within ~1m of either side of the Centerline
¶ Getting Caught Behind the Puck
The FC should make every effort to:
- Stay between the puck and the opponent’s goal
- Remain ahead of the play offensively
Leave direct head-to-head defensive coverage to:
- Wings
- Backs
¶ Engaging in Prolonged Stick Battles
Avoid prolonged stick battles unless:
- Attempting to score within the Full Attack Zone
If significant resistance develops:
- Turn away
- Curl
- Swim into space
- Pass safely to a Wing or Back
¶ Key Skills
- Puck protection
- Awareness
- Calm possession
- Passing accuracy
- Open-water positioning
- Decision making under pressure
- Offensive patience
¶ Quick Reference
| Skill | Focus |
|---|---|
| Possession | Maintain control |
| Positioning | Stay central |
| Passing | Recycle safely |
| Recovery | Stay ahead of puck |
| Offensive Role | Controlled progression |