10 Basic Rules Of Field Hockey
Field hockey is a popular and exciting sport that is played all over the world. It is a fast-paced game that requires skill, agility, and teamwork. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned player, it is important to understand the basic rules of field hockey. In this article, we will cover 10 basic rules of field hockey that every player should know.
Rule 1: The Objective of the Game
The objective of field hockey is to score more goals than the opposing team. Each team consists of 11 players, including a goalkeeper. The game is played on a field that is 100 yards long and 60 yards wide. The goals are located at opposite ends of the field and are 12 feet wide and 7 feet high.
Rule 2: Starting the Game
The game starts with a coin toss to determine which team will start with the ball. The team that wins the toss starts with the ball at the center of the field. The game is started by a pass from the center of the field.
Rule 3: Scoring a Goal
A goal is scored when the ball is hit into the opposing team's goal from within the striking circle. Only an attacker in the striking circle can score a goal. If the ball is hit by a defender or goes outside the striking circle, a goal cannot be scored.
Rule 4: Fouls
Field hockey has strict rules against dangerous play, such as hitting another player or using the back of your stick. These offenses are called fouls and result in a free hit for the opposing team.
Rule 5: Free Hit
A free hit is awarded when a foul is committed by the opposing team. The player who was fouled takes the free hit from where the foul occurred. The opposing team must be at least 5 yards away from the player taking the free hit.
Rule 6: Penalty Corner
A penalty corner is awarded to the attacking team when a defender commits a foul within the striking circle. The player taking the penalty corner hits the ball to a teammate who can then shoot at the goal.
Rule 7: Penalty Stroke
A penalty stroke is awarded when a defender commits a foul that denies a probable goal within the striking circle. The penalty stroke is taken by a single attacker against the goalkeeper, who must stay on the goal line until the ball is hit.
Rule 8: Offsides
A player is considered offsides if they are in the opposing team's half of the field and ahead of the ball. If an attacking player is offsides, a free hit is awarded to the defending team.
Rule 9: Stick Contact
Players must use their stick to play the ball, not their body. Stick contact with other players is allowed, but not body contact. Players must also not lift their stick above shoulder height when playing the ball.
Rule 10: Timekeeping
A game of field hockey consists of two halves, each lasting 35 minutes. There is a 5-minute halftime break. If there is a tie at the end of the game, the game can go into extra time or a penalty shootout.
Now that you understand the basic rules of field hockey, you are ready to start playing. Remember, field hockey is a team sport that requires communication, strategy, and skill. With practice and dedication, you can become a skilled field hockey player.
