Field hockey is an energetic team game that involves the use of a stick and a hard ball, on a rectangle field. The importance of passing, dribbling and shooting with the stick while attempting to score the goal in an opponent’s goal. Knowing field hockey rules, field hockey history, the Hockey World Cup, the hockey Olympics, field hockey facts and field hockey equipment should help you to get a better idea of how this popular sport has evolved.

Indeed, field hockey has been played in numerous countries, including India, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, England, Argentina and others. Additionally, it is one of the most distinguished team sports events in the world, the Olympic Games and the FIH Hockey World Cup (Men’s /Women’s) take place.

What is field hockey?

Field hockey is a team sport in which 2 teams compete in order to score more than other groups. Typically, teams are made up of 11 players (including a goalkeeper).

Players are allowed to play the ball with the flat side of the hockey stick. They hand it off to fellow teammates, proceed to the field and try to shoot before they go into the shooting circle.

In modern field hockey, the typical field hockey area is a synthetic turf surface, as the synthetic surface enables the ball to roll fast and in similar pathways. In International hockey each playing surface and marking is carefully designed to ensure similar playing condition for teams from all around the world.

How Is Field Hockey Played?

The concept of playing a field hockey game is very straightforward: to score more field goals than the opposing team.

Typically, players play various positions on the field:

Position	Main responsibility
Goalkeeper	Defends goal, prevents shots from getting through
Defenders	Stop attacks and build play from the back
Midfielders	Connect defence and attack
Forwards	Passes shots, finds opportunities and shoots goals

Every player has got a role to play in hockey, but in these times, everyone has to do something. Defenders can also assist attack, and forwards can push to the back also to assist their side when losing the ball.

Field Hockey Rules

For novices, learning field hockey would be greatly facilitated by understanding the fundamental rules of field hockey. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has been the organization in charge of the official rules worldwide.

• Each of the two teams will have 11 players

Two teams play at the same time with up to 11 players per team on the field at any given time. Substitutes are allowed for teams and substitutions – especially rolling substitutions – are a large part of contemporary hockey.

• Players using the stick to control the ball

The standard game of the outfield players is the stick, for passing, receiving and dribbling and shooting. All players are not allowed to use the “sticking” style of the ball with the foot or body.

The goalkeeper is given other privileges inside the defending circle and can protect the ball with his/her body and/or protective gear.

• The norm is to use the flat side of the stick

The stick is flat on one side (the playing side) and rounded on the other (the back). Players to play ball with the playing side of the stick.

This is one of the reasons the players must have good stick control in hockey. Attitude of the stick will always have to change in any rolling the player is involved in.

• Play can only be scored from inside the shooting circle

A goal is usually scored if the attacker’s ball passes between the posts and under the crossbar having played completely in the center arc area.

The shooting circle, commonly referred to as the D, is then a very important zone of the pitch.

• Free hits (or penalty corners) can result fouls

If a player commits an offence, the umpire may give him/herself or another appropriate Flag.

If a more serious offence is committed in the defending area, it could lead to a penalty corner. Penalty corners are one of the most crucial attacking situations that can exist in contemporary hockey.

• Penalty strokes can be awarded

A penalty stroke might be given if a defending player commits a serious infraction which denies an attacking player a likely goal or scoring chances.

Attacker takes the shot from the assigned position and the goalkeeper works to get the ball.

• Offences are addressed with the use of cards

In hockey, there are three main types of cards –

Green card:  temporary suspension (valid for a certain period of time)

Yellow card: a longer temporary suspension

Red card: permanently suspended from the match

The length of suspension as a result of a card will vary according to the circumstances and rules.

How Long Is a Field Hockey Match?

Normally international field hockey is played with four quarters of 15 minutes for a total of 60 minutes of playing time.

There are breaks between the quarters. The structure enables players to keep the ball moving at a good tempo and provides opportunities for coaches to vary the tactics.

Depending on the age, school, indoors or another competition, it can differ from one competition to another, so check the rules of the competition that you are playing.

Field Hockey/Pitch and Its Dimensions

The field is rectangular in shape about 91.4 metres long and 55 metres wide; the normal pitch layout for outdoor field hockey.

There are some noteworthy markings on the pitch:

• Centre line
• 23-metre areas
• Shooting circles
• Backlines
• Side lines
• Penalty stroke spots
• Goal areas

That’s particularly the case of the shooting circles as assault play and goals are closely linked to this zone.

Field Hockey History

Field hockey’s history is even older than the modern international game. There were numerous variations of stick-and-ball games around the world, but modern field hockey flourished especially in Britain.

The use of organised rules helped to transform the game from a recreational activity to a structured team sport. According to the Olympic Library this game evolved fixed rules at Eton in 1868 and in 1886 and English Hockey Association was re-established. 

The sport was then exported with British influence, military connections and migration to various parts of the world. Some other countries like India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand emerged as hockey countries. 

Growth of hockey in India

India has a special foray in the history of international field hockey.

The sport was made popular in India in the early games of the Olympics, among the many players like Dhyan Chand, who were all international sporting sensations. The Olympic gold medal in hockey started trickling in for India as they won their first gold medal in the 1928 Men’s Gold Medal hockey at Olympia.

According to Olympic Library India had won 6 gold medals in men’s Hockey from 1928 onwards continuously. 

Beyond medals, India has made its presence felt in sports. Indian delegation also attended the Los Angeles 1932 Olympics in which the Europeans were absent, and when the Europeans did not come, they were represented at the Olympics by the Indians and hockey continued with the Olympics. 

When Did Field Hockey Become an Olympic Sport?

Field Hockey is an ancient sport, and is an Olympic sport.

Field Hockey first appeared at the London Olympics in 1908 marking the first time it was contested by the male team. It was also used as an arena in Antwerp at the Games 1920, but not during the Games 1912 or 1924. Since 1928 it has been incorporated into the Summer Olympic. 

In 1980 Field Hockey was added for the first time to the Olympic Games as a sport for women. Zimbabwe scored the first women’s Olympic hockey success at the Olympic Games in Moscow. 

Men’s and Women’s field hockey are still played in the Olympics today and are a crowd pleaser on the world’s largest multi-sport stage.

Hockey in the Olympics

A few of the best of the world’s hockey teams compete at the Olympics.

Olympic hockey has not only captured the attention of the rest of the world, but also helped contribute to the growth of the game. They are important moments in the history of Olympic hockey for countries including India, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Argentina and Great Britain.

Olympics is the highest level of international competition. It is also a chance for fans to witness the sport’s top talent converge, all at once, in a high stress setting.

Which is the largest hockey tournament in the world?

In International field hockey, one of the largest competitions is the Hockey World Cup.   It’s hosted under FIH and has all the strongest national teams in the world.

The men’s Hockey World Cup was first held in Barcelona, Spain in 1971. The record of the FIH’s activities indicates that this tournament took place between 17 March and 24 March 1974. 

What is the difference between the Olympics and the Hockey World Cup?

They are two different competitions, with elite national teams brought together in both.

Feature	Hockey World Cup	Olympics
Governing body	FIH	Olympic Movement with FIH involvement
Type	Dedicated hockey championship	Multi-sport event
Men’s competition	Yes	Yes
Women’s competition	Yes	Yes
Importance	Major world championship	Major global multi-sport competition

The Olympics make hockey one among 32 or more sports, and World Cup brings hockey its own worldwide tournament.

Field Hockey Equipment

A good field hockey kit should enable the players to play the game safely and effectively.

Hockey Stick

No equipment is more vital than the hockey stick. It is used in almost all of the technical action such as dribbling, receiving and shooting.

Modern sticks come in a variety of materials: composite fibres, carbon, fiberglass or aramid. There are many types of sticks, ranging from different shapes to various levels of stiffness, as well.

Hockey Ball

A field hockey ball is hard, and it’s intended to roll smooth on the field. Balls are typically manufactured from hard plastic and are commonly white, though they may be other colors for visibility due to competitions.

Protective Equipment

Players may use:

• Shin guards
• Mouthguards
• Protective gloves
• Appropriate footwear
• Goalkeeper-specific protective equipment

Goalkeepers wear much more extensive protection because they are continually exposed to high-speed shots.

Hockey Shoes

Hockey shoes offer grip, stability and support for hockey players who stop and change direction rapidly, as well as accelerate quickly.

Likewise, the type of playing area influences the type of shoes worn. Players should wear suitable footwear for the type of turf upon which they play.

Types of Field Hockey Surfaces 

Hockey greatly derives its appeal and manner of play from the surface on which it is played.

Natural Grass

Hockey was played on natural grass in the past. But today’s top-level hockey shifted to synthetic turf, due to its consistency of ball movement.

Sand-Dressed Synthetic Turf

Sand could be used in a manner that can create a playing surface of decent durability that will support a range of hockey levels. In addition, it has been adopted in some multi-sport facilities.

Water-Based Hockey Turf

Many municipalities have water-based synthetic turf in fields. Water regulates friction and facilitates the ball to glide smoothly and swiftly.

The exact level of a facility and the type of game it is used for will determine the type of turf chosen. FIH’s turf programme consists of various categories for various kinds of competitions and playing requirements.

The construction materials of hockey surfaces, for instance, drainage and shock-absorption systems, featured in Gallant Sports’ hockey infrastructure information is covered in relation to hockey surfaces that have been approved by FIH. 

Field Hockey skills each player should know

Someone who’s learning to play cannot learn it all just in one daze. The key skills in this game are all of the basic ones.

1. Dribbling

Dribbling is moving whilst controlling the ball using the stick. Dribble well to get around opponents and open space.

2. Passing

Passing is a way of making a team quickly move the ball. Short passes make it easier to be in possession, longer passes can find a new attack.

3. Receiving

For a player to stop or control a pass, they need to be quick to do so. You might enable an opponent to have first possession through poor first touch.

4. Shooting

Shooting will be the last action in a number of attacking plays. Players must be accurate, quick (in time) and able to look for clear space around the goal.

5. Tackling

There are a variety of tackling techniques defenders use to gain possession without fouling. Sometimes what is more important than trying to hit the ball as hard as possible is merely the timing of the attempt.

Field hockey is played on synthetic turf for a variety of reasons

The importance of artificial turf in modern field hockey is that it enables the ball to bounce at a consistent bounce speed and gives a surface that has consistent bounce.

It is also important that the Hockey Field be drained properly. Poor drainage will allow surface water to accumulate and impact on play.

In addition to factors previously mentioned, schools, universities, academies and professional facilities must take into account the type of turf that suits the type of foot traffic in terms of a planned maintenance program and the relevant FIH rules.

Gallant Sports has taken the initiative to provide the hockey facilities like Varanasi, Hisar and Jamshedpur for Hockey India, approved by FIH, for example! 

Interesting Field Hockey Facts

Here are some facts about field hockey that you might not have known that can illustrate how the sport has evolved!

• Field hockey is one of the oldest team sports in the modern Olympic programme
• Hockey was introduced at the 1908 Olympics for the men
• Since 1928, hockey has been an Olympic game for men
• Women’s hockey competition in the Olympics started in 1980
• In 1971 Barcelona hosted the inaugural Hockey World Cup: one for Men
• The first world Women’s Hockey tournament was held in Mande lieu in 1974
• From 1928, India won six consecutive gold medals in the Olympics in hockey – for men only. 
• In today’s hockey, the synthetic turf is used to make the most of playing hockey internationally.
• Field dimensions for a game are typically around 91.4 metres (in length) and 55 metres (in width).
• Penalty corners are a crucial area in an attack.
• Goalkeepers are given special equipment and playing conditions to outfield players.

Field Hockey at the Indian level

The game of Field Hockey has a particular significance in the history of Indian sports. The country has given rise to iconic players in the early Olympics and a vibrant culture in the sport, especially in various parts of the country.

Hockey is still played in both schools and academies, universities and clubs as well as in professional competitions, today. Improvements in playing facilities, and through organised coaching, more opportunities are also afforded to young players.

Another crucial aspect of this expansion is the creation of approved facilities by FIH. Gallant Sports for instance, has a list of activities, projects specified by FIH and projects related to infrastructure, related to the hockey game, in India. 

If you are in the process of planning a new hockey playing facility, the playing surface is just one component. The following components related to base construction, drainage and irrigation (as needed), shock pads, and fencing, lighting and maintenance should all be considered together.

Finding the right hockey turf can be a difficult task

When selecting turf for a school, academy, university or sports facility, take these aspects into consideration if you will be using the surface for hockey:

• Level of play: to determine if it is used for recreational, school, club, national or international use.

• Turf type: Select surface suitable to the desired level of play.

• Drainage: Ensure that rain water will drain away effectively from the playing surface.

• Base structure: A good and stable base will ensure surface stability over time.

• Shock absorption: Think about cushioning for the players and protection of the playing surface.

• Irrigation: There needs to be an appropriate water-management system for water-based surfaces.

• Maintain: Regular cleaning, brushing, check and repairs.

• Certified competition: See criteria for certified competition in the appropriate FIH documents in the field is specifically designed for certified competition.

The design of a hockey field should be based on how the field will be used, rather than “which type of turf to use” and then (optional) additional considerations.

FAQs

Q1. How many players are on a hockey team?

Ans. A maximum of 11 players in field at one time including the goalkeeper. Teams can also have substitutes, and modern hockey allows rolling substitutions in most situations.

Q2. How much total does a field hockey game last?

Ans. The length of a regular international field hockey tournament is 15-minute periods (quarters) of play for a total of 60 minutes. There may be varying formats for a competition depending on the type of competition and are different in youth modified and in some cases.

Q3. What is the basic of field hockey?

Ans. What is really important is to have control of the ball with the stick (don’t play too near the ball), and to shoot within the shooting circle and to shield and/or keep the ball outside the danger area. Penalties vary, but can include free hits or penalty corners or penalty strokes for your teams depending on the offence.

Q4. What kind of materials/gadgets do you need to play field hockey?

Ans. Basic pieces of equipment used include a hockey stick, a hockey ball, and proper shoes and protection including shin guards and a mask with mouthpiece. Goalkeepers have extra protective gear as they are exposed to rapidly thrown balls.

Conclusion

Field hockey is a blend of speed, skill, teamwork and quick decision making. It has a long international history; organized in Britain, developed throughout Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas.

It has been a part of its Olympic legacy and also its cleanse adjustable pathway and the making of present-day man-made turf that have all molded the sport because we all know it. If you’re just beginning your field hockey journey, dipping into the field hockey history of the 17th century, or an organization for a new hockey facility, learning the rules, equipment uses, pitch and playing surface will help lay the foundation.

Although today’s hockey is played really quickly, the principals as to how to play the game are pretty basic – keeping the puck, passing the puck to others, finding good play-making space, and hit the net! From 1928, India won six cons