H
urling is similar to chess in that the initial skills and rules of play are relatively easy to learn, but strategy and nuance are often only gained through time and experience. There are, however, several key ideas that can be passed on. In this series of articles, we will try to highlight some of the basic strategies upon which successful position players base their tactics. We begin with the fullback line.
The fullback line consists of three players: Left Cornerback, Right Cornerback and Center Fullback. The Center Fullback is the “anchor” of the line - often directing (with the assistance of the Goalie) the cornerbacks. This is a defensive position, aimed primarily at stopping goals.
There are four key factors to defending against goals.
-Move the sliotar away from the center of the field
-No free or easy shots on goal
-Always stay between your mark and the goal
-Challenge every play
Move the sliotar away from the center of the field
Moving the sliotar away from the center of the field is critical. As Slim McGinn’s Captain and Center Fullback Matt “Not-So-Slim” Ebert constantly coaches his team, “Out to the side, then up the field.” Simply put, this means defenders should always look to move the ball towards the sideline before worrying about advancing the sliotar.
The rationale for this is simple - As play comes closer to the center of the field, the goal becomes a larger target. As you see in the pictures below, the effective goal area in the straight on shot is nearly double the size as a shot taken from the side. Clearly shots taken from the side of the goal are easier to defend and block than goals taken from in front of the net.
No free or easy shots on goal
This means playing your “mark” (the offensive player you are designated to hinder) very tightly. In the MHC, there seems to be some confusion what “marking tightly” means. Most long-time, successful defenders take that to mean that your mark should never be more than one step away from you at any time.
Goals take accuracy, accuracy takes skill and concentration, defenders biggest asset is the ability to disrupt that concentration. Slim McGinn’s full forward and goal machine Padriag Burke says, “I’m just an old cherry picker. I just wander away from the fullback covering me and some magic starts to happen.” By sticking close to your mark, you position yourself to hook, block and generally cause some mayhem.
Further more, merely by being in close proximity to another player, they must consider how you will attempt to stop them. Makes sense, right? But, it also means that are not 100% mentally committed to taking the shot and are more likely to miss.
Alway stay between your mark and the goal
Offensive powerhouses like Nick “Tater” Ruetz, Vinny Moloney and Steve “Jake” Jakobowski set up their shots based upon available shooting lanes. To them, when they are preparing a shot, they know the trajectory
by Jack Harrold