Field hockey
Field hockey is a team sport played on synthetic turf or grass where players use curved wooden or composite sticks to propel a hard ball. Goals can only be scored from within a semi-circular striking circle, making circular penetration central to tactics.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- Modern
- ORIGIN
- England
- PLAYERS
- 11 per side
- EQUIPMENT
- Hooked stick, hard ball
- PLAYING AREA
- 91.4 × 55 m
- DURATION
- 60 min (4 × 15 min)
- GOVERNING BODY
- FIH
- OLYMPIC
- Yes
Match regulations at a glance
| Feature | Standard regulation |
|---|---|
| Field dimensions | 91.4 m long × 55.0 m wide |
| Striking circle radius | 14.63 m (16 yards) |
| Match length | 4 quarters of 15 minutes |
| Flat side of stick rule | Ball may only be played with the flat side |
| Feet rule | Outfield players cannot touch ball with feet |
| Penalty corner | Awarded for defensive fouls inside the circle |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1861 | First formal club rules established at Blackheath, England |
| 1886 | The Hockey Association formed in London |
| 1908 | Field hockey debuts at the London Olympic Games |
| 1924 | International Hockey Federation (FIH) founded in Paris |
| 1976 | Olympic tournament transitions to synthetic turf surface |
| 1980 | Women's field hockey introduced at Moscow Olympics |
How a game works
Two teams of 11 players attempt to maneuver a small, hard ball into the opponent's goal using a stick with a flat and rounded side. Players may only use the flat side of the stick to strike or dribble the ball. Outfield players are forbidden from touching the ball with their feet or body.
Scoring in one line
A goal is awarded worth 1 point when the ball passes completely over the goal line after being touched by an attacker inside the striking circle.
Where it came from
Stick-and-ball games existed across ancient Egypt, Greece, and medieval Europe. Modern field hockey was codified in mid-19th-century England, expanding worldwide through British military and administrative networks, particularly across South Asia and Western Europe.
Field hockey today
Field hockey is governed globally by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Played predominantly on fast artificial water-based turf, top international powers include the Netherlands, Australia, India, Belgium, and Argentina.
Run a Field hockey tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — 4 × 15 min.
FAQ
Can you use both sides of a field hockey stick?
No, players may only contact the ball with the flat face or the edge of the flat side of the stick.
How long is an international field hockey match?
Matches consist of four 15-minute quarters, totaling 60 minutes of regulation playing time.
What is a penalty corner?
A penalty corner is awarded for defensive infractions inside the striking circle. An attacker pushes the ball from the backline to teammates waiting at the edge of the circle to take a direct shot.