The Basics of Field Hockey by Wayne Blazejczyk

Are you new to field hockey and looking to get involved as a player or spectator? It looks fast and chaotic, but the basics are easy to pick up. This article gives a quick summary so you have everything you need to know for your first match.

The Field

Teams - Two teams of 11 (ten outfield players and a goalkeeper) play four 15-minute quarters. It used to be played in halves but the sports governing body made the change a few years ago to keep the sport fast and exciting to watch.

Scoring - As with a lot of sports; the aim is to score in the opposition's goal. One catch: goals only count if the shot is taken from inside the “circle” (also called the D), the semicircle in front of goal.

23m Line - Looking at the pitch, there is a line 23 metres from each goal. The zone between that line and the back line is where most of the action happen as one team pushes their attack and the other staunchly defends. Some fouls by defenders inside their own 23m area can be punished more heavily, such as by awarding a penalty corner.

Penalty corners - A penalty corner is hockey’s big set piece, and you’ll see plenty of them. It’s awarded when a defender commits certain fouls in their own circle, or breaks the rules in the 23m area.

Here’s how it works:

1. The ball is placed on the back line, and an attacker inserts it into play.

2. Five defenders (usually including the goalkeeper) wait behind the line, ready to rush out.

3. The ball is stopped at the edge of the circle, then a shot is taken.

4. Many teams have a specialist “drag-flicker” who unleashes a powerful low shot. It’s one of the most exciting moments in the sport.

One more thing you should know for your first game is what it means when a player is carded for misconduct.

• Green card: a short suspension (two minutes) for minor misconduct. The team plays a player down.

• Yellow card: a longer suspension, usually five or ten minutes at the umpire’s discretion.

• Red card: the player is sent off for the rest of the match and can’t be replaced.

Now you know the basics, you're ready for your first match!