Hockey 101

Hockey 101 - our basic guide to Field Hockey

Hockey is a team sport with 11 players on each side. The aim is to score more goals than the opposition.

Played on an artificial surface of 100 yards by 60 yards (91.4 metres x 55 metres).

Games are 35 minutes each way at club-level and 15 minute quarters at International standard.

Teams are permitted unlimited rolling substitutions in order to maintain a high intensity.

A goal is only scored when an attacker touches the ball in the ‘D’.

Outfield players are not allowed to play the ball with any part of their body, Goalkeepers are allowed to whilst in the ‘D’.

There is no offside in hockey.

A self-pass is where a player effectively takes a free hit to themselves, similar to a penalty in Rugby where a player taps the ball with their foot to restart.