In underwater hockey, there are three main positions: forwards, midfielders, and backs (also called defenders). Each of these roles has a unique purpose and requires specific skills.
I learned this not from a textbook, but from real matches, long training sessions, and the hard lessons that only come after losing a game you should have won.
As Coach Richard Eastwood, a world champion underwater hockey player, once said:
“Underwater hockey isn’t just about swimming and scoring. It’s about where you are, how you think, and what you do in each moment under the surface.”
Let me walk you through what I’ve learned after years of playing and coaching.
Must read: Underwater Hockey Rules: The Ultimate Guide to This Thrilling Sport!
Why Position Matters More Than Power
When I played in my first tournament, I was fast. I chased the puck like crazy. But I didn’t know where to be or when to pass. I got tired fast, and we lost 5–1.
After that match, my team captain said something I’ll never forget.
“Position wins the game. Not just passion.”
That moment changed everything for me. I began to study underwater hockey like a student preparing for a final exam. And I discovered how each position has a special job that makes the team work together like a machine.
The Three Core Underwater Hockey Positions
Here is a simple breakdown of each role on the team:
| Position | Number of Players | Main Role | Key Skills Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forwards | 2 to 3 | Attack, score, pressure | Speed, puck control |
| Midfielders | 1 to 2 | Link defense and attack | Awareness, balance, passing |
| Backs | 2 to 3 | Defend, block, clear puck | Strength, timing, vision |
Each role has its own strengths and responsibilities. Let me explain each based on what I’ve experienced in real matches.
Forwards – The Goal Chasers
I started as a forward. It’s the most exciting position. You get to attack, push the puck forward, and score goals.
But being a forward is more than speed. You need to think quickly, pass when it’s right, and stay close to your teammates. You are the first to make a move and the first to lose oxygen because of how intense the position is.
Things to remember as a forward:
- Stay low near the puck.
- Don’t hold the puck too long. Pass quickly.
- Use small zigzag dribbles to beat defenders.
- Push the puck along the wall when needed.
One mistake I made early on was going too far ahead without looking back. The puck came flying in the other direction, and our team conceded a goal in seven seconds.
That taught me that forwards must work with others, not just chase the puck alone.
Midfielders – The Game Changers
Most people don’t talk about midfielders enough, but I believe they are the brain of the team.
I moved to midfield after I gained better control of my breathing and vision. Midfielders help the forwards attack, and they help the backs defend. They stay in the middle, read the game, and keep everything in balance.
What midfielders do:
- Distribute the puck smartly.
- Watch for gaps and opponents.
- Drop back to defend when needed.
- Support forwards by passing close to the goal.
As Coach Sandra Liu of the Australian national team said:
“Midfielders are like the lungs of the team. They keep things alive.”
This position requires a lot of thinking. You can’t chase everything. You must read the pool and act at the right time.
Backs – The Wall of Steel
Backs are defenders. They stay close to the goal and protect it with everything they have.
This is one of the most physically demanding roles. You need to be strong, calm, and alert. I trained as a back in my third year. I had to learn how to block, flick, and clear the puck under pressure.
The job of a back:
- Deflect and block attacks.
- Use the wall and pool corners to your advantage.
- Cover empty space when midfielders and forwards push ahead.
- Pass smartly to restart an attack.
Good backs know how to read the puck’s direction before it arrives. Communication is also key. We often use hand signals or tap our fins to signal danger.
Underwater Hockey Stats That Prove Positioning Matters
Some real-world stats can show just how important roles are in this sport:
- Teams with balanced midfield support win 67 percent more games than those who rely only on forwards. (UWH Data Report, 2023)
- At the elite level, backs block 12 to 18 scoring attempts per game.
- Over 61 percent of goals are assisted, not solo. That means teamwork and positioning are more important than just speed.
These stats match what I’ve seen in real matches. Teams that play as one unit always beat teams that only rely on individual speed or strength.
Real-Game Example: Team Canada vs France, 2022
One of the best examples I saw was in a 2022 match between Canada and France.
Canada changed their formation by using one less forward and adding an extra midfielder. That gave them more control in the middle. They kept the puck for 60 percent of the game and won 3–1.
Even though the French players were faster, Canada’s better positioning won the game.
Position Rotation – Yes, It’s a Thing
One thing many people don’t know is that positions can change during a match.
If I’m a forward and I see our defense is under pressure, I might drop back to help. Once things settle, I return to my usual place. That kind of movement keeps the team flexible and strong.
Good teams don’t stick to fixed positions. They adapt based on what’s happening in the game.
FAQs – People Always Ask Me These
Can I switch positions during a match?
Yes. You can rotate with teammates, but make sure to communicate clearly.
Is there a goalkeeper in underwater hockey?
No. The goal is a small metal tray at the bottom of the pool. Defenders take the role of protecting it.
Which position is best for beginners?
Start as a forward. You’ll learn puck control and game flow faster.
Do all players need to be fit?
Yes. You’ll swim 500 to 1000 meters underwater in a single match. Fitness is crucial.
Expert Tip: Train Based on Your Role
Here’s a table of training drills I use, based on position:
| Position | Drill | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Forward | Zigzag puck push through cones | Improve dribbling and control |
| Midfielder | 360-degree sweep and pass | Increase awareness and timing |
| Back | Wall block with flick clearance | Master defense and clearing |
Train smart. Choose drills that fit your position.
Advanced Tactics: How Top Teams Use Positions to Win
After I started studying elite matches and playing with experienced players, I realized one thing—the best teams don’t just play their positions; they control space.
Let me break this down.
In underwater hockey, the puck is always moving, and so are the players. The best teams use a “diamond formation” during both attack and defense.
What is the Diamond Formation?
- One forward at the front
- Two midfielders slightly behind and to the side
- One back at the rear
- The other players adjust based on pressure
This shape helps maintain balance. It allows for passing, support, and rotation—all at once. I saw this used by the New Zealand national team during their 2023 World Cup run. They barely lost possession in some matches.
Why This Works
- Creates more passing angles
- Reduces puck loss
- Players stay within “oxygen range” to each other
I practiced this setup with my team during weekly sessions. It took time to master, but it worked. In one match, we scored two goals using this shape while controlling the game for nearly six minutes straight.
Real-Life Mistakes I Made and What I Learned
Let me be honest. I made a lot of mistakes in my early years. Here are three big ones—and what I learned from them.
Mistake 1: Chasing the puck instead of holding position
I used to swim non-stop, chasing the puck wherever it went. I ended up tired, out of position, and useless in defense.
What I learned: Stay in your zone. Let the puck come to you sometimes. Position is more powerful than motion.
Mistake 2: Not trusting teammates
Sometimes I tried to do everything on my own—dribble, pass, shoot. I didn’t trust my team.
What I learned: Underwater hockey is a team sport. You can’t win alone. The best goals come from a series of short, smart passes.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the backs
As a forward, I often forgot about our defenders. I would swim ahead, and when we lost the puck, our backs had no support.
What I learned: Good forwards work closely with midfielders and defenders. Support is not optional. It’s how games are won.
How National Teams Train Positionally
I once had the chance to attend a two-day clinic by a UK-based UWH coach who trains national-level players. He shared how top teams approach training:
- Forwards focus on speed, short passes, and rebound recovery.
- Midfielders train with 360-degree awareness drills and team communication exercises.
- Backs work on blocking flicks, intercepting wall pushes, and keeping composure under pressure.
Each player is trained with positional intention. You’re not just swimming—you’re training for where you’ll be and what you’ll face.
The coach told us:
“A good forward is fast. A great forward knows when not to move.”
That hit me hard. Since then, I trained more with purpose and less with guesswork.
How to Build Your Own Positional Training Plan
Let me help you create a basic plan based on what I’ve used with my team.
Step 1: Know your role
Pick the position you want to master—forward, midfielder, or back. Stick with it for at least one month before rotating.
Step 2: Pick 3 drills per session
Choose drills that match your role. For example:
- Forward: Fast puck zigzag, corner rebounds, quick-flick shots
- Midfielder: Sweep-and-pass, triangle vision drill, mid-pool interception
- Back: Wall block, flick clearance, last-man defense drills
Step 3: Review after every game
Ask yourself:
- Did I stay in position?
- Did I help my teammates?
- Did I hold the puck too long?
- Was I aware of the full pool around me?
This kind of self-review helped me grow faster than any coach’s feedback.
Positional Awareness and Underwater Communication
Here’s one of the hardest parts about underwater hockey—you can’t talk underwater. So how do you communicate?
You use body language.
We use:
- Fin taps to alert teammates
- Hand gestures to point at openings
- Stick signals to ask for the puck
- Eye contact before passing
This takes practice, but once your team learns it, your positioning becomes smoother. You begin to move like one unit.
Trust: The Invisible Position
This might sound strange, but in every good team I’ve played in, there was always an “invisible position.”
It’s called trust.
When I trust my back to hold the line, I can go forward with confidence.
When I trust my midfielder to pass on time, I don’t overthink the play.
And when my team trusts me, I play with heart—not fear.
Without trust, positioning falls apart. With trust, it becomes natural.
Final Thoughts: Why I Respect Every Position
After years of playing, I’ve come to respect each position deeply.
- Forwards bring energy and drive.
- Midfielders hold the team together.
- Backs protect the goal with courage.
A team isn’t great because of one strong player. It’s great because each person plays their role with purpose.
If you’re new to the sport, start by understanding your position. Learn it. Live it. Own it. Then, help others play better too.
Conclusion: Mastering Underwater Hockey Starts with Position
Underwater hockey may look like chaos to someone watching from above. But when you’re down there, you realize it’s a game of structure, discipline, and balance.
Positioning isn’t just a strategy. It’s the soul of the game.
I’ve seen fast swimmers lose games because they were out of position. I’ve also seen calm, well-placed players turn defense into attack with one perfect pass.
If you want to grow in this sport, start with your position. Study it. Respect it. And most importantly—trust your team.
That’s how real underwater hockey is played.
