H
POSITIONAL PLAY:
FULl ForwarD
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.
Last week, we discussed the basic strategies of playing on the fullback line. This week we will give equal time to their counterparts, the full forwards.
The full forward line, much like the fullback line, consists of Left and right Corner Forwards and a Center Forward. (In Ireland, they are called Corner Forwards and Full forward; the center forward to them is in the middle of the half forward line.) All three must work in concert for this offensive front to be effective. Patience is required along with solid basic skills. Goals are earned when this team performs well. Where the Fullbacks are thugs, Full Forwards must, by necessity, be a bit more cerebral.
Phases of Playing Full Forward
Positioning
Gaining Possession
Striking
Communication
Defense
Positioning
The generic positions for the forward line are simple; the center full forward is in front of the goal and the corners are off to the sides. That said, there are several nuances that are often overlooked. In order to take advantage of these nuances you must develop what veteran full forward and head referee Nick “Tater” Ruetz refers to as Vision.
Having Vision is the ability to look at the field and the play and be able to anticipate where the play will be. This will allow you to get the jump on the fullback marking you. Why make it a race to the ball if you can be there waiting for it to drop in. This works equally well for “50/50” jump balls, block downs and knowing where the ball will pop out of a scrum.
Along these same lines, Steve “Jake” Jakubowski and Tim Dombrowski both agree that you should learn your opponent. Know what they will do and prepare for it before the play happens. As a long time fullback before moving to full forward, Jake acknowledges that Fullbacks should be looking to move play towards the sideline before anything else. Be prepared for that, and likewise be prepared for those that do not follow that advice, and as he advises, “...make a plan to exploit it. Think through this BEFORE the play.”
A common mistake many novice and veteran corner forwards alike make is limiting their movement on the field. As a forward, they know their team is counting on them to score goals. This causes them not to stray far from the goal. Consider for a moment how wide the hurling pitch is - you are giving up a ton of real estate.