Field hockey is a fast-paced, skillful sport played worldwide. With similarities to sports like soccer and ice hockey, it involves distinct rules that ensure smooth gameplay and fair competition. Understanding the rules of field hockey is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike.

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Objective of the Game

The primary goal of field hockey is to score more goals than the opposing team by hitting a small ball into the opponent’s goal using a curved stick. The game features two teams of 11 players, including a goalkeeper, and is played on a rectangular field with goals at each end.

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The Field and Equipment

• Field: The pitch is 100 yards long and 60 yards wide, divided into two halves, with a shooting circle near each goal. Goals must be scored from within this circle.
• Ball: The ball is small, hard, and made of plastic or composite materials.
• Stick: Players use a J-shaped stick with one flat side. The flat side is used to control, pass, and hit the ball.
• Protective Gear: Players wear shin guards, mouthguards, and gloves. Goalkeepers wear additional protective equipment, including pads and helmets.

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Game Duration

A standard match lasts 60 minutes, divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each. Short breaks occur between quarters, with a longer break at halftime. If the score is tied in knockout competitions, extra time or shootouts may be used to determine the winner.

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Starting Play

The game begins with a center pass from midfield. After every goal, play restarts with another center pass by the team that conceded the goal.

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Scoring

A goal is scored when the ball is hit or deflected into the goal by an attacking player, but only if it is struck from within the shooting circle. Goals from outside the circle do not count unless touched by a player inside the circle before entering the goal.

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Key Rules of Play

• Ball Control: Players must use the flat side of their stick to hit, pass, or dribble the ball. Using the back (curved) side is illegal and results in a foul.
• No Hands or Feet: Only the goalkeeper can use their body to play the ball. Field players cannot use their hands or feet to control the ball.
• Stick Height: Players cannot raise their stick above shoulder height when playing the ball, unless it’s part of a controlled shot on goal.
• Obstruction: Field hockey is a non-contact sport. Players cannot use their bodies or sticks to shield the ball from opponents, leading to a foul.

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Penalties and Free Hits

• Free Hits: These are awarded for most fouls and are taken from where the infraction occurred. Defenders must stand at least 5 meters away from the ball when a free hit is taken.
• Penalty Corners: When a defensive team commits a serious foul inside the circle, the attacking team is awarded a penalty corner. The ball is placed on the backline, and the defending team lines up in the goal.
• Penalty Strokes: A penalty stroke is awarded for intentional fouls that prevent a goal or for severe fouls in the circle. It is a one-on-one between the attacker and goalkeeper, taken from 7 yards in front of the goal.

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Common Fouls

Several common infractions can lead to free hits, penalty corners, or penalty strokes:

• Foot Foul: A player (excluding the goalkeeper) touches the ball with their feet.
• Backstick: Using the rounded side of the stick to play the ball is illegal.
• Third Party Obstruction: This occurs when two players block an opponent from getting to the ball.
• Dangerous Play: Any action that could cause injury, such as hitting the ball too high in a crowded area or swinging the stick dangerously.

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Goalkeeping Rules

Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to use their hands, feet, and body to block shots, but only within the shooting circle. Outside the circle, they must play by the same rules as field players, using only their stick.

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Substitutions

Field hockey allows for rolling substitutions, meaning players can come on and off the field multiple times without stopping play. This keeps the game fast-paced and ensures teams maintain energy throughout the match.

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Conclusion

Field hockey’s rules, from scoring within the circle to restricting stick use, ensure a fair and competitive game. With fast-paced action and unique strategies, the sport requires a deep understanding of its rules to fully appreciate its intensity and skill.