Field Hockey: The Basic Rules

Here’s a brief outline of the basic rules of field hockey.

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Number of Players

• Each team has 11 players on the field, including one goalkeeper.
  
  

Game Duration

• Matches are typically played in two halves of 35 minutes each (may vary by level).
  
• There are intervals between halves, and overtime may be played in knockout games.
  
  

Objective

• Score goals by hitting the ball into the opponent’s net using a hockey stick.
  
  

Playing the Ball

• Only the flat side of the stick may be used to strike the ball.
  
• Players can use dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques to control the ball.
  
  

Scoring

• A goal counts only if the ball is hit from within the shooting circle (also called the “D”)—a marked semicircular area around the goal.
  
  

Fouls and Penalties

• Illegal plays include using the rounded side of the stick, playing the ball with feet or body intentionally, dangerous play, and obstruction.
  
• Penalties can result in free hits, penalty corners, or penalty strokes depending on the severity.
  
  

Penalty Corners

• Awarded for defensive fouls in the shooting circle or intentional fouls near the goal area.
  
• The attacking team gets a set play opportunity from the corner of the field.
  
  

Offside Rule

• Field hockey does not have an offside rule, unlike soccer or ice hockey.
  
  

Substitutions

• Rolling substitutions are allowed; players can enter and exit the field multiple times during play.