Indoor field hockey, usually just called indoor hockey, is a fast, compact version of the game played on a sports hall court. Each team has six players on the court, five field players and a goalkeeper, the ball is pushed rather than hit, and low side boards keep the ball in play along the sidelines. To play well indoors, keep the ball close, stay low and balanced, use the boards to pass around defenders, and communicate constantly, because space closes quickly and every player must attack and defend. Many players use indoor hockey in the winter to sharpen stick skills, quick passing and decision making for the outdoor season.
Indoor vs outdoor hockey
| Feature | Indoor | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|
| Players on the field | 6 per side | 11 per side |
| Playing area | Hall-sized court with side boards | 91.4 m by 55 m field |
| Hitting | Not allowed; push passes only | Allowed |
| Raised ball | Restricted, mainly to shots at goal | Allowed if not dangerous |
| Sticks | Often lighter and thinner | Standard |
| Surface | Wooden or synthetic indoor floor | Synthetic turf or grass |
Rulebook note: these points are based on the FIH Indoor Hockey Rules. Court size, game length, substitution rules, equipment and details on raised balls can differ between national, school and club competitions, so check the rules for your league before playing.
The indoor court
An indoor hockey court is much smaller than an outdoor field, usually around the size of a basketball or handball court. Low side boards run along the sidelines so the ball can rebound back into play, which makes the game continuous and fast. Each end has a goal smaller than an outdoor goal and a shooting circle, from which goals must be scored. Because the court is so compact, players are always close to the action and have very little time on the ball.
Key rules to know
No hitting. The ball must be pushed, not hit. This reduces the risk of injury in the enclosed space and places emphasis on stick skills and passing accuracy.
Raised ball. The ball can generally only be raised for a shot at goal, and even then there are limits on height and danger. Players cannot lift the ball over opponents as they might outdoors.
Playing position. Field players must not lie on the floor or play the ball while lying down, and the ball must be played with the flat side of the stick in most situations. The rules protect players in the tight space.
Side boards. The ball can be played off the side boards, and passes that bounce off the boards are part of normal play.
Rolling substitutions. Teams usually have a small squad of substitutes and can change players frequently, which keeps intensity high.
How to play indoor hockey well
- Keep the ball close. Space closes quickly, so tight control is essential.
- Stay low. Bend your knees and keep your stick on the floor, ready to receive and tackle.
- Use the side boards. Play the ball off the boards to pass around defenders or to yourself.
- Move constantly. Make short leads to create passing angles.
- Communicate. With only five teammates, everyone must talk about marking and space.
- Defend as a unit. Stay compact and shift together to close passing lanes.
- Shoot quickly. Chances appear and disappear fast, so shoot as soon as you have a sight of goal.
Skills indoor hockey develops
Indoor hockey is often used to develop skills that transfer to the outdoor game. Because hitting is not allowed and space is tight, players must improve close control, quick push passes, receiving on the move and fast decision making. Using both forehand and reverse is essential. Defenders learn to stay patient and tackle carefully, since fouls near the circle are costly. Goalkeepers face many close-range shots and deflections, which sharpens their reactions. Many coaches believe that players who play indoor hockey return to the outdoor season with better touch and awareness.
Drills to prepare for indoor hockey
Board passing. Pairs stand near a wall or side board and practice pushing the ball off the board to a partner at different angles. This teaches players how the ball rebounds and how to use the boards as a teammate.
Tight-space dribbling. Set up a small square with cones and have players dribble while keeping the ball close, changing direction on the coach’s call. Add defenders to increase pressure.
Rondos. Four or five players keep possession around one or two defenders in a small area, using only push passes. Rondos build quick passing, movement and communication.
Two versus two to goal. Small-sided games in a half court encourage quick decisions and shooting under pressure.
Low stance conditioning. Short intervals of defensive shuffling and receiving in a low position help players build the leg strength indoor hockey demands.
Transitioning between indoor and outdoor
Players moving between indoor and outdoor seasons need a short adjustment period. Coming back outdoors, players must get used to hitting again, longer passing distances and more running. Going indoors, they must drop the hit, stay lower and adapt to the speed of the court. Scheduling a few transition sessions focused on these differences helps players adapt quickly and reduces the risk of overuse injuries from sudden changes in training.
Equipment for indoor hockey
Indoor sticks are often lighter and thinner than outdoor sticks, which suits the push-only game and allows quicker stick work. Indoor balls may differ slightly from outdoor balls, depending on the competition. Players wear indoor court shoes with non-marking soles for grip on the hall floor. Shin guards and mouthguards are still recommended, and some leagues require them. Goalkeepers wear protective equipment adapted for indoor play, including a helmet, pads and gloves. Check your league’s rules for specific requirements.
Indoor tactics
Indoor teams often use simple structures, such as two defenders and three attackers, or a diamond shape. Players rotate positions constantly, and every player needs to attack and defend. Using the side boards is a key tactic, both to beat defenders and to switch play quickly. Penalty corners also occur indoors and can be important scoring opportunities, though they follow indoor-specific rules. Teams that keep possession patiently and move the ball quickly around the circle often create the best chances.
Common indoor hockey mistakes
- Trying to hit the ball, which is not allowed.
- Raising the ball outside of shots at goal.
- Standing too upright, making it hard to receive and tackle.
- Ignoring the side boards as a passing option.
- Holding the ball too long in tight spaces.
- Not communicating with teammates.
- Wearing outdoor shoes that mark or slip on the hall floor.
Health note: indoor hockey involves repeated sharp changes of direction on hard floors, which can stress the ankles, knees and hips. Warm up properly, wear supportive indoor shoes, and seek advice from a qualified professional if you have pain or injury.
Getting started
Many clubs run indoor leagues during the winter, and some schools and colleges offer indoor tournaments or training sessions. Contact your local club or national association to find opportunities. If you have not played before, start with training sessions focused on push passing, receiving and using the boards before joining competitive games.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hit the ball in indoor hockey?
No. The ball must be pushed, which keeps the game safer in an enclosed space.
How many players are on an indoor hockey team?
Six players are on the court for each team, five field players and one goalkeeper, with substitutes available.
Does indoor hockey help outdoor skills?
Yes. It improves close control, quick passing, receiving and decision making, which all transfer to outdoor hockey.
