SpEcIAL SITUATIONs AND GOALkEEpING - Wellington Floorball

Special Situations and GoalkeepingInternational Floorball Federationis put in play. The players should be taught to read the situationand see all different possibilities that might occur.Defending in the defensive zoneThe defensive team should avoid offences especially in thedefensive zone as the opponent has the chance to turn overthe game and score. Players should be instructed to steer theopponent to the corners and close to the rink without breakingthe rules. However offences happen and therefore thesesituations should be practiced. The three meters distance infree-hits, including sticks, should be strictly obeyed to avoidpenalties. There should be as many defensive players coveringthe direct shot as there are players giving the free-hit orhit-in. Other players should strictly cover man, or zone dependingon coach’s instructions.Middle sectorThere should always be as many defending players in frontof the ball as there are offensive players behind the ball. Ifthere are two offensive team’s defenders behind the ball (usuallya free-hit given by the middle line), there should be twodefensive team’s forward in front of the ball. See picture.The main objective is to block the direct shot and all passinglanes and therefore by intercepting a pass, obtain the possessionof the ball and transit the game.MiddleMaking a wallThe wall should be tight and there should always be asmany players in front of the ball as behind the ball. In closedistance free-hits, the goalkeeper should help the players toplace the wall to cover the direct shot. In close distance freehits,the wall is placed along the goal area’s line. The playershould keep posture low, with one knee almost touchingthe ground. The player should however be ready to movefast so having the knees on the ground will enable the rapidmovement. The stick should be kept on the ground in orderto cut possible passing lanes. The chest should be facingtowards the ball to cover as much space as possible.CornerClose distanceIn close distance free-hits, the role of the goalkeeper is essential.The goalkeeper should instruct the place of the wall.This should happen fast and smooth without panic, so itshould be practiced. The defensive players should not belured by the opponents’ movement which might leave openspace for a shot.Close.distanceCornerThe respective side’s defender should block the passinglane to the slot and the player giving the free-hit/hit-in. Theother side’s defender should cover the player in the slot. Ifthere are two offensive players in the slot, the centre forwardshould cover the other one. The respective side’s wingshould cover the side of the rink and the offensive team’s defender.The other side’s wing should cover the centre, blockthe passes to the middle and cover the other side’s offensiveteam’s defender.G►13