¶ The Forwards
¶ Overview
The Forward positions are divided into two specialized roles:
- FC — Controlling Forward
- FD — Disrupting Forward
Although both Forwards are shown side-by-side in the formation, their positioning changes depending on:
- Puck location
- Team possession
- Flow of play
- Opponent pressure
Each Forward has a primary responsibility:
- Approximately 75% focus on their primary role
- Approximately 25% support for the other Forward’s responsibilities
¶ General Forward Responsibilities
¶ Main Objectives
- Support offensive progression through the middle
- Maintain forward pressure
- Stay ahead of the puck
- Support open-water structure
- Recycle possession safely
- Disrupt opponent transitions when needed
¶ Movement Priorities
Forwards should generally move:
- Toward the opponent’s tray
- Toward the centerline of the Muffin Zone
- Backward only when safely recycling possession to a Back
¶ Movement Philosophy
- Prioritize movement through open space
- Maintain support lanes
- Avoid becoming isolated from support
¶ Positioning Philosophy
- The displayed Forward position represents their real-time location
- If a Forward moves from position “A” to “B”:
- Their movement and passing responsibilities remain consistent throughout the swim
This allows:
- Freedom to read the play
- Dynamic positioning
- Predictable support for teammates
¶ Positioning Goals
- Stay available for support passes
- Maintain offensive structure
- Stay ahead of the puck whenever possible
- Support open-water cycling
[FORWARD MOVEMENT IMAGE]
¶ Offensive Responsibilities
¶ Controlling Forward (FC)
The FC focuses primarily on:
- Controlled possession
- Safe offensive progression
- Supporting structure through the center
- Recycling possession under pressure
¶ Disrupting Forward (FD)
The FD focuses primarily on:
- Disrupting opponent structure
- Pressuring transitions
- Interfering with passing lanes
- Supporting offensive pressure when needed
¶ Things to Avoid as a Forward
¶ Avoid Passing Directly to the Other Forward
Unless both Forwards are near the Full Attack Zone:
- Forward-to-Forward passes are high risk
- Limited awareness often exposes the receiving Forward to heavy pressure
¶ Avoid Crossing 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 on either side of the centerline
¶ Avoid Getting Behind the Puck
Forwards should remain:
- Between the puck and the opponent’s goal
Leave direct head-to-head defensive coverage to:
- Wings
- Backs
¶ Avoid Prolonged Stick Battles
Except when actively attempting to score within the Full Attack Zone:
- Avoid extended physical engagement
If resistance develops:
- Turn away
- Curl
- Swim into space
- Pass safely to a Wing or Back
¶ Key Skills
- Awareness
- Open-water positioning
- Puck protection
- Controlled passing
- Offensive patience
- Movement through traffic
- Support positioning
- Pressure management
¶ Quick Reference
| Role | Focus |
|---|---|
| FC | Controlled Possession |
| FD | Disrupt Opponent Structure |
| Movement | Stay Ahead of Puck |
| Passing | Recycle Safely |
| Positioning | Maintain Support Lanes |