field hockey
Image by Keith Johnston from Pixabay

Field hockey is often overlooked in the United States, but it’s among the most popular sports in many countries, drawing millions of players worldwide. It’s a fast-paced game with a long history, dating back to ancient times, and today, it’s played in schools, at colleges, and at the Olympics. If you like either soccer or hockey, you might find that field hockey is a great sport for you.

What Is Field Hockey?

Field hockey is a game played by two teams, each consisting of 11 players. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by hitting a solid plastic ball into the goal using a curved stick that’s flat on one side and rounded on the other. The sport is played on a rectangular field that’s 60 yards wide and 100 yards long. In front of either goal is a marked semicircle, called the striking circle; this is the area where goals can be scored from. The game is officiated by two umpires.

Basics of the Game

A game of field hockey is roughly an hour long, depending on the level of play: High school games have two 30-minute halves, college games have two 35-minute halves, and Olympic games have four 15-minute quarters. Players can either pass the ball with their stick or dribble it, pushing it down the field with the flat side of their stick toward the goal. You cannot hold the ball with your hands, and you cannot try to shield the ball with your body to keep your opponent from getting at it. You can only score a goal from within the circle; if you hit the ball into the goal from outside of the circle, you don’t get a point and the other team gets a free hit.

The Equipment

The most crucial pieces of equipment you need to play field hockey are a field hockey stick and a ball. It’s also a good idea to wear shin guards and a mouth guard to project yourself from injuries. Players typically wear tall socks over their shin guards, making them more comfortable and adding a little extra protection. They also need to wear shoes with good grip, helping them to make quick changes in direction as they play. Most players will wear a regular team uniform as well, but the goalkeepers usually get extra padding to go along with their clothing, including a helmet, chest pad, and leg and arm guards.

Rules and Regulations

Fouls

Fouls are actions that violate the rules of the game and can result in penalties. Types of fouls in field hockey include:

  • Shielding the ball from an opponent with your body or stick
  • Hitting the ball with the curved side of the stick
  • Stopping or playing the ball with your body
  • Placing your foot behind your stick to support it
  • Charging, hitting, or shoving an opponent
  • Holding an opponent’s stick
  • Raising the stick in an intimidating or dangerous matter
  • Playing the ball in a way that puts you or your opponents in danger

Free Hit

After a team commits a foul, their opponent usually gets a free hit, usually taken from wherever the foul happened. An exception to this rule happens if a defending player commits a foul inside of the circle; in this case, the other team usually gets a penalty corner.

Penalty Corner

A penalty corner is a scoring opportunity given to the attacking team. In this situation, the attacking team takes a shot from the line at the end of the field near the goal, hitting the ball across the circle to their teammates, who can then move into the circle and try to score.

Penalty Stroke

If the foul was a deliberate act intended to keep the attacker from scoring, an umpire can award a penalty stroke. This situation is somewhat like a shootout in hockey: A single attacker is given one shot from a specific spot on the field, and the goalkeeper has to try to block it. No other players are on the field.

16-Yard Hit

A 16-yard hit may be awarded to the defending team when the attacking team hits the ball over the back line of the field. In this situation, the defending team gets a free hit at the 16-yard line.

25-Yard Hit

If a defender hits the ball over the back line of the field, the attacking team can be awarded a 25-yard hit, which is taken from the 25-yard line that is in line with where it crossed the end line.

Glossary of Common Field Hockey Terms

  • Center Pass: The pass that starts each half of the game. It is also taken by one team after they have been scored against.
  • Circle: The area around the goal
  • Dangerous Play: Any action that can be considered reckless or could cause injury
  • Drag Flick: A technique used by players to take a legal shot at the goal during a penalty corner
  • Free Hit: A scoring chance awarded after a foul outside of the circle
  • Obstruction: When one player blocks their opponent from having a fair chance to gain control of the ball
  • Penalty Corner: A scoring chance awarded after a foul within the circle
  • Scoop: Lifting the ball off of the ground
  • Tackle: An attempt to steal the ball from an opponent

Additional Resources