1. Umpires Award Free Hits as Field Hockey Penalties
Every sport uses penalties to promote fair play and minimize unfair advantages. When it comes to free hits in field hockey, the umpires use their discretion and interpretation to determine the penalty. Typically, an umpire awards a free hit when a foul like an obstruction occurs outside the striking zone. The umpire may give a free hit to either the offense or defense depending on who creates the foul. More serious penalties like dangerous play or raising field hockey sticks outside the goal require a stricter penalty.
2. Free Hits Follow Field Hockey Rules
In field hockey, a free hit functions much like a free throw in basketball. The players must be a set distance away from the player awarded the free hit. The distance depends on the location of the foul and the type of foul. Most free hits occur at the site of the foul unless the ball went out-of-bounds, in which case the umpire sets up the play on the field perpendicular to the exit point.
3. Free Hits Go the Distance
The further away the defensive players must be, the better the advantage for the offense. According to field hockey rules, the defense must not advance toward the ball until the offensive player hits the ball. When the defense creates an infraction above the striking zone, but not in the shooting circle, the defense must move approximately 15 yards away from the player. The added distance allows the offense to press their advantage; if they move quickly enough, they may get a shot at the goal before the defense returns to play.
4. Pass the Ball to Play
A striker is the person who hits the ball during a free hit. Before the striker hits the ball, the ball must be stationary. Once the striker moves the ball, she cannot touch it again until another player moves the ball. Professional teams can return the ball to the striker in less than 3 seconds.
5. Take Advantage of Free Hits
When utilized correctly, a field hockey team benefits from a free hit. But there are rules the striker must follow. If the striker hits the ball while it is still in motion or uses a raised hit to move the ball, the umpire may reverse the decision. When this happens, the defense gains possession of the ball. Depending on the location of the foul, this may give the defense the chance to score before the offense switches into defensive mode.
Member Comments