The basic rules of field hockey are simple: two teams of eleven players use sticks to move a ball into the opposing goal, and a goal only counts if the ball is played from inside the shooting circle. Players may only use the flat face of the stick, the ball must not be played dangerously, and fouls are punished with free hits, penalty corners or penalty strokes.
Field hockey is popular across South Asia, Europe, Australia and beyond, and it features at the Olympic Games and the Asian Games. Here is what a beginner needs to know before watching or playing a first match.
Teams, Field and Match Length
Each team has eleven players on the field, usually ten outfield players and one goalkeeper. Substitutions are rolling, which means players can come off and go back on as often as the coach likes, without stopping play except for some specific situations such as a penalty corner.
The pitch is a rectangle, now almost always an artificial surface that is watered to make the ball run fast and true. At each end is a goal and a semicircular area in front of it called the shooting circle, sometimes called the D. International matches are played in four quarters of fifteen minutes, with short breaks between quarters and a longer break at half-time.
The Stick and How to Play the Ball
The hockey stick has a rounded side and a flat side. Players may only play the ball with the flat side and the edges, never the rounded back. This is one of the first rules beginners must learn, and it shapes every skill in the game, from dribbling to passing.
- Outfield players must not stop or move the ball with their feet or body on purpose.
- Only the goalkeeper may use the body, legs and protective kit inside the circle.
- Raising the ball is allowed when it is safe, such as an aerial pass, but not when it endangers others.
- Players must not hit, hook or hold an opponent’s stick.
Scoring a Goal
A goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line between the posts after being touched by an outfield player of the scoring team inside the shooting circle. A shot from outside the circle that goes straight in does not count. This rule rewards teams for working the ball into dangerous areas rather than shooting from distance.
Fans who follow the Asian Games will know that hockey and cricket often share the spotlight there. You can read about the cricket side of that multi-sport event in the Asian Games cricket overview.
Fouls and Restarts
When a foul happens, the umpire awards a restart to the other team. The type of restart depends on where the foul took place and how serious it was.
- Free hit: given for most fouls in open play. Opponents must stand back several metres, and in the area near the circle the ball must travel a short distance before it can be played into the circle.
- Penalty corner: given for certain fouls by defenders inside the circle, or deliberate fouls in the area just outside it. The ball is pushed from the back line to teammates waiting at the top of the circle, while a small number of defenders run out from the goal.
- Penalty stroke: given when a foul inside the circle stops a probable goal. One player takes a push or flick at goal from a spot in front of it, facing only the goalkeeper.
Other restarts include a side-line hit when the ball goes out over the sideline, and a long corner when defenders put the ball over their own back line outside the circle.
Cards and Umpires
Two umpires control a match, each mainly responsible for one half of the pitch. Video referrals are used at top international events. To manage behaviour, umpires use three coloured cards.
- Green card: a warning, with a short suspension of a couple of minutes at international level.
- Yellow card: a temporary suspension, usually of five minutes or more.
- Red card: permanent removal from the match.
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Tips for New Players
- Practise keeping the stick low and the ball close when dribbling.
- Always wear shin guards and a mouthguard, as the ball is hard.
- Learn the flat-side rule early so it becomes natural.
- Watch how teams try to win penalty corners, as they are major scoring chances.
Summary
Field hockey is fast, skilful and easy to follow once the basics click. Remember the flat side of the stick, the shooting circle rule for goals, and the three main restarts, and you will understand most of what happens on the pitch.