Field hockey resembles soccer to an extent and has rules that make it unique. The game is primarily played outdoors. In the United States, field hockey is predominately a women's sport, and worldwide, field hockey is a popular for males as well. To get a better idea of what field hockey is about, it's important to know some of the basic rules, equipment and terminology of the sport.
Sticks
Perhaps the most important piece of equipment in field hockey is the stick. The stick's toe length, or the shape of the head, differs based on the position you play on the field. Shorti sticks are designed for defenders who must strike the ball hard. Midi and hook sticks are more for attacking players who need to dribble, flick or otherwise handle the ball. Sticks have a maximum allowable weight of 1.6248 lb., and the ball can only be played with the flat side of the stick head -- the back side is rounded. Field hockey sticks are only made right-handed. Also, goalies can use regular sticks or a stick that is designed especially for goalies. Goalie sticks are slightly thicker than regular sticks.
Other Equipment
Shinguards are required equipment for field hockey to protect the legs and ankles. Normally they go from the ankle to the knee. Mouth guards may not be required, but they certainly are suggested if you want to protect your teeth and gums. Gloves may also not be required but can help you better grip your stick. Cleats designed for lacrosse, soccer or field hockey itself are suggested footwear. Goalies require a helmet with face and throat shield, chest protector, padded pants, leg pads, hand protectors or special goalie gloves and arm pads.
The Field
A regulation playing field is 100 yards in length and 60 yards wide. The field is divided into 25-yard quarters. At each end of the field stands a goal that measures 7 feet high by 12 feet wide by 4 feet deep. A16-yard long, D-shaped area scoring zone in front of each goal that is called the circle.
Scoring
To score, a player has to be inside the circle," which is 16-yard, D-shaped area just in front of the opposing team's goal. A goal only counts if a player has pushed, flicked, scooped, hit or deflected the ball from within the circle. In the event of a tie, usually extra time is played, and the first team to score wins. Another scenario includes a penalty stroke competition. After a goal, play is restarted with a center pass. A player from the team that was scored on will play the ball from the center line in any direction. This is also how play starts at the beginning of a game and following halftime.
Fouls
Players are not allowed to touch or interfere with other players in any way. In fact, when a player is handling the ball, she is not allowed to obstruct the opponent using her body, equipment or other teammates. Players also cannot intentionally raise the ball with a hit unless shooting the ball at the goal, and opposing players must give an area of 5.5 yards for another player to receive and control a raised ball once it hits the ground. Players also cannot touch or handle the ball with anything other than their stick. Players may get green, yellow or red cards for intentional or repeated fouls. A green card is a warning, a yellow card is a five-minute in-game suspension of the player, and a red card results in the player being ejected from the game.
Free Hit
When a team commits a foul, the non-offending team gets a free hit, which happens around where the foul took place. Basically this is the term used to describe the restart of play. The player taking the free hit must self-pass, and no other player can be within 5.5 yards of them.
Penalty Stroke
A penalty stroke is awarded when a player is intentionally fouled inside the circle if the foul prevented what would have likely been a sure goal. The non-offending player stands on a penalty stroke mark seven yards from the goalie and takes a shot. The goalie may not move until the ball is hit.
Penalty Corner
A penalty corner is awarded if a team is fouled unintentionally within the circle, or intentionally within the 25-yard zone in front of the goal. The ball is played from the goal line, but at least 11 yards away from the goal cage. All offensive and defensive players must be outside the circle when the ball is played in, and the ball must be played out of the circle, and then back into the circle, before a goal can be scored.
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