Field hockey is played by two teams of 11 players, including one goalkeeper each, who use hooked sticks to move a small, hard ball and try to score in the opponent’s goal. Field players may only play the ball with the flat face or edges of their stick, not with their feet or body, and a goal only counts if an attacker plays the ball inside the shooting circle before it crosses the goal line. International games are played in four 15-minute quarters on a 91.4 by 55 meter field, usually of synthetic turf. To play, you need a stick, shin guards, a mouthguard and an understanding of a few key rules on fouls, restarts and scoring.
The basics
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Players | 11 per side, including a goalkeeper, with rolling substitutions |
| Field | 91.4 m by 55 m (100 by 60 yards), usually synthetic turf |
| Game length | Four 15-minute quarters in FIH play; school and youth leagues vary |
| Scoring | The ball must fully cross the goal line after an attacker plays it inside the circle |
| Ball | Hard, usually plastic, roughly the size of a baseball |
| Sticks | Flat face on one side only; all sticks are made for right-handed play |
How a game works
A game begins with a center pass from the middle of the field. Teams then try to move the ball upfield by passing and dribbling, aiming to get into the shooting circle, the D-shaped area in front of the goal, and score. The defending team tries to win the ball back by tackling, intercepting passes and forcing mistakes. After each goal, play restarts with a center pass by the team that conceded. At the end of the four quarters, the team with more goals wins. Some competitions use shootouts or extra time to decide knockout games that end level.
Key rules
Use the flat side. The ball may only be played with the flat face or the edges of the stick. Playing it with the rounded back of the stick is a foul.
No feet or body. Field players cannot deliberately use their feet or body to stop or control the ball. Only goalkeepers, within their own circle, may use their body and protective equipment.
No obstruction. Players must not use their body or stick to block an opponent who is trying to play the ball.
No dangerous play. The ball must not be raised in a way that is dangerous, and players must not swing their sticks recklessly or hit opponents’ sticks.
Advantage. Umpires can let play continue after a foul if stopping would hurt the team that was fouled.
Rulebook note: these rules follow the FIH Rules of Hockey, which govern international and most club play. NFHS rules for US high schools, NCAA rules for college and national youth rules differ in areas such as game length, equipment and some procedures. Check the current rulebook for your competition.
Restarts
| Restart | When it happens |
|---|---|
| Center pass | Start of each quarter and after each goal |
| Free hit | After most fouls, taken where the foul occurred |
| Sideline hit | When the ball crosses the sideline |
| Long corner | When defenders unintentionally put the ball over their own backline |
| Penalty corner | Certain defensive fouls in or near the circle |
| Penalty stroke | A foul that prevents a probable goal, among other serious offenses |
Free hits give opponents a 5 meter buffer, and players can often take them quickly as a self-pass, moving off with the ball themselves. Near the attacking circle, extra rules apply to protect defenders, such as requiring the ball to travel at least 5 meters before entering the circle.
Cards and discipline
Umpires use cards to manage behavior and serious fouls. Under FIH rules, a green card is a warning with a short temporary suspension, a yellow card means a longer temporary suspension, and a red card removes the player for the rest of the game. A suspended player’s team plays with one fewer player until the suspension ends, which can be a big disadvantage. Card durations differ in school and college rules, so learn the system for your league.
Basic tactics for beginners
Good field hockey is about space and teamwork. In attack, spread out across the field so the ball carrier has options, move into space to receive passes, and pass the ball quickly rather than dribbling into crowds. In defense, stay between your opponent and your goal, work with teammates to close passing lanes, and be patient when tackling. Communicating constantly, calling for the ball and warning teammates of pressure, makes both attack and defense much more effective. As you gain experience, you will learn more advanced ideas such as pressing, overloads and penalty corner routines.
Positions
Teams usually organize players into forwards, midfielders, defenders and a goalkeeper. Forwards focus on creating and scoring chances, midfielders link defense and attack, and defenders protect their own circle and start attacks. The goalkeeper wears full protective equipment and is the only player allowed to use their body to stop the ball inside their circle. Formations vary, and modern teams often rotate positions fluidly.
Equipment you need
- A field hockey stick of the right length, usually reaching around the hip bone.
- Shin guards to protect the lower legs.
- A mouthguard, required in many competitions.
- Turf shoes with good grip, or cleats for grass.
- Optional eye protection or goggles, which some leagues require.
- Full protective gear for goalkeepers.
Basic skills to learn first
- Grip. Hold the stick with the left hand at the top and the right hand lower down.
- Dribbling. Move with the ball close to your stick, keeping your head up when possible.
- Push pass. Pass accurately without a backswing, keeping the ball on the ground.
- Receiving. Stop and control the ball on both the forehand and reverse.
- Tackling. Learn the block and jab tackles, staying low and patient.
- Hitting and slapping. Develop more powerful passes and shots once the basics are solid.
How to get started
The easiest way to start is to join a local club, school team or introductory program. Many clubs lend sticks and equipment to beginners and run sessions for all ages. National governing bodies, such as USA Field Hockey, England Hockey and Hockey Australia, list clubs and beginner programs. Small-sided formats, including Hockey5s and youth games on smaller fields, are great ways to learn because they give players more touches and more chances to score. Indoor hockey is another option in winter and builds close control.
Common beginner mistakes
- Using the back of the stick.
- Letting the ball hit your feet.
- Holding the stick with the hands together or the wrong hand on top.
- Swinging the stick high or raising the ball dangerously.
- Standing upright instead of bending the knees.
- Diving in on tackles instead of staying patient.
- Shooting from outside the circle, where goals do not count.
Health note: field hockey involves running, sudden stops and a low posture. Warm up before playing, build fitness gradually, wear shin guards and a mouthguard, and seek advice from a qualified professional if you have pain or health concerns.
Frequently asked questions
How many players are on a field hockey team?
Eleven players are on the field for each team, including one goalkeeper, with substitutes available.
Can you score from anywhere in field hockey?
No. A goal only counts if an attacker plays the ball inside the shooting circle before it crosses the goal line.
Are there left-handed field hockey sticks?
No. All sticks have the flat face on the same side, so everyone plays right-handed style, though left-handed people play the game very successfully.
