Subject of our investigations is QCD formulated in terms of physical degrees of freedom. Starting from the Faddeev-Popov procedure, the canonical formulation of QCD is derived for static gauges. Particular emphasis is put on obstructions occurring when implementing gauge conditions and on the concomitant emergence of compact variables and singular fields. A detailed analysis of non-perturbative dynamics associated with such exceptional field configurations within Coulomb-and axial gauge is described. We present evidence that compact variables generate confinement-like phenomena in both gauges and point out the deficiencies in achieving a satisfactory non-perturbative treatment concerning all variables. Gauge fixed formulations are shown to constitute also a useful framework for phenomenological studies. Phenomenological insights into the dynamics of Polyakov loops and monopoles in confined and deconfined phases are presented within axial gauge QCD.