Field hockey resembles ice hockey played on an open field, as teams try to shoot a ball into a goal cage. A goalie works to keep balls from going into the goal net. Field players tend to wear less equipment than the goalkeeper to allow for more speed and mobility.
Goal Gear
The goalkeeper wears more protective gear, including a protective helmet and full-face cage to protect the face, than other position players. Goalies need to wear a neck protector, along with a padded chest guard, arm protectors and thick padded hand protectors, which cannot exceed 9 inches in width or 14 inches in length. Leg pads, which protect the lower body and block shots, cannot exceed 12 inches in width, the U.S. Field Hockey Association states. He should also wear padded shorts, a groin protector and kickers on his feet. As do other players, the goalkeeper carries a stick for blocking and passing.
Player Gear
Field players wear padding, such as shin guards to protect their legs from balls, kicks, and errant sticks. Padded gloves, called astro gloves, protect against contact and allow better handling of the stick. Leagues may require players to wear mouth guards to protect teeth and gums. Players can opt to wear goggles for eye protection. The payers need proper running shoes. They carry a stick to handle, pass and shoot the ball. Traditional field hockey sticks were made of wood, but today are made from lighter materials such as fiberglass and Kevlar. Stick length is usually proportional to the player's height. Sticks have a rounded handle flattened on the left side with a hook at the bottom of the shaft. The ball must be played with the flattened side of the hook.
Goal Cages
Players shoot the ball into the goal cages, one on each side of the field, to score points. Typically goal cages are 7 feet high, 12 feet wide and 4 feet deep. Youth leagues may use smaller goal cages. The goal cages are set up on opposing sides of a field that measures 100 yards long and 60 yards wide, per U.S. Field Hockey Association rules. International leagues and tournaments may use slightly different lengths.
Ball
Field hockey balls are made of solid plastic with indentations and typically weigh 5 1/2 oz. to 5 3/4 oz. They have a circumference of 8 13/16 inches to 9 1/4 inches. Leagues typically use white balls, but some leagues and tournaments may opt for a different color.
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