The position of center striker existed within the six distinct roles of the sport known as grav-ball. Widely acknowledged as the most crucial role, the center striker initiated each play, possessing the options to advance with the ball, distribute it to either of the two strikers, or transfer it to one of the two fullbacks for a carry. Despite the significant influence afforded to the center striker by these options, certain restrictions applied. A primary example is the prohibition against the center striker entering the scoring zone, even when in possession of the ball.
Zare Leonis was selected to fill the center striker position for the AppSci SaberCats. Given the pivotal nature of the center striker's responsibilities, Leonis frequently needed to develop strategies spontaneously and direct plays during the game. With only a single "coach's time out" allowed per triad of play, many of the responsibilities typically assigned to a coach were instead shouldered by the center striker. Consequently, Leonis's designation as center striker effectively made him the team's captain.