A clear lineup starts
with clear decisions.

For this research, we checked the four supported formations and their actual positions on 31 October 2026: outdoor 4-3-3, 3-4-3 and 4-4-2, and indoor 2-1-2. We then compared federation coaching material and practical club models, checking counting direction, pitch location and player responsibilities.

Federation material provides the foundation. Club guides illustrate practical interpretations. A source can establish that a variant exists without showing that it is more popular or more effective. The conclusions below are our synthesis of those sources.

This is exploratory desk and product research. We have not conducted a popularity survey, effectiveness study or independent team trial. The 19 position names form the fixed base set for creating and editing formations in doHockey. The additional formations remain research candidates.

The shortlist covers different player distributions, build-up structures and attacking shapes. It is a reasoned selection; the order is not a ranking. We always count from defence to attack, excluding the goalkeeper. A change of shape with or without the ball is not automatically a separate base formation.Sources: England Hockey · South African Hockey Association

Field hockey

Indoor hockey

For indoor hockey, 2-2-1, 2-1-2 and 3-1-1 have the clearest support as separate basic shapes in the KNHB material reviewed. We treat the fourth option, 3-2, as a variant. Huis and Boot are Dutch coaching names; House and Boat are our translations, not established international standard names.Sources: KNHB · Gooische Hockey Club

The SAHA manual, developed with the KNHB, distinguishes a centre back marking the centre forward from a free defender providing cover behind the others. For this interpretation of our 4-3-3, we choose Centre back (marking) and Sweeper (covering). The qualifiers in brackets are our own clarification of the roles.Sources: South African Hockey Association

In hockey, sweeper does not always mean the deepest player: the same manual also describes a free player ahead of the back line. We therefore define responsibilities per formation. In the current 3-4-3, the deeper central player links the midfield; the marking instructions from 4-3-3 must not automatically be reused there.Sources: South African Hockey Association · USA Field Hockey

doHockey uses 19 accepted position names for the formations reviewed. These are product choices, rather than 19 officially prescribed hockey positions. Shared outdoor and indoor names aid recognition; each formation uses only the relevant positions and needs its own guidance.

For a four-forward shape, Left centre forward and Right centre forward have been added alongside Left forward and Right forward. These names distinguish the central pair from the wide players; duties remain formation-specific.

When creating or editing formations, new positions come from these 19 base positions. Their Dutch and English names are filled automatically and remain fixed. The same rule is checked when saving. Existing custom positions may be retained unchanged or deliberately converted to a base position; new freeform custom positions are not allowed.

The inventory and source comparison are complete, and the 19 position names are accepted. The public formation guide uses these names for the four supported formations. The additional formations remain drafts until their guidance, position duties and behaviour have been reviewed and validated. Teams can select them only after release. Coach feedback can help refine the guidance and responsibilities.

A position name does not replace team agreements or coaching guidance. The references make our reasoning traceable; they do not imply endorsement of doHockey by the federations or clubs named.