# Field, Stick and Ball · Field Hockey Level 1: Beginner

Field Hockey · Level 1: Beginner · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/field-hockey/level-1/field-stick-and-ball/)

The field and its markings, the circle and the 23-metres areas, the goals, the stick and its flat side, choosing a stick, the ball, turf and grass, protective kit, the goalkeeper's kit and looking after equipment.

## Test 1: The field and its lines

- USA Field Hockey gives the field as 100 by 60 yards (91.40 by 55 metres). (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The long boundaries are the side-lines; the short ones are the back-lines. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The centre-line divides the field in half; a centre pass is taken from its middle. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The 23-metres line is about 25 yards out, so Americans call it the 25-yard line. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Lines belong to the field; the ball is out only when it has fully crossed. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- USA Field Hockey notes feet may be outside as long as the ball is in or on the line. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The broken line marks 5 metres outside the circle; US guides note it helps judge set pieces. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Back-line, circle, broken line 5 m outside it, then the 23-metres line and the centre. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- About 14.6, 22.9, 55 and 91.4 metres. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The highlighted line runs across the middle of the field: the centre-line. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 2: The circle and the 23-metres areas

- Quarter-circles round each post are joined by a short straight in front of the goal. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The area from the 23-metres line to the back-line is a 23-metres area. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A deliberate foul by a defender in their 23-metres area can bring a penalty corner. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Defensive fouls in the circle give a penalty corner, or a penalty stroke if they stop a likely goal. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The penalty spot is where the ball is placed for a penalty stroke. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Each goal has its own circle. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Goalkeepers defend the circle; outside it they may play only with the stick. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The circle sits inside the 23-metres area, which sits inside the half. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Running at goal, the attacker passes the centre-line, then the 23-metres line, then the top of the circle. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The ball lies within the circle's line in front of the goal. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 3: The goals

- A goal is 3.66 m wide, about 12 feet. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A goal is 2.14 m high, about 7 feet. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The goal sits outside the field, its front edge against the back of the goal-line. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Boards about 18 inches high line the inside of the sides and back. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Goals sit flat and heavy for safety, so they are tipped and rolled on wheels. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Indoor goals are 3 m by 2 m, smaller than the outdoor 3.66 m by 2.14 m. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Goals are commonly aluminium or wood. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- About 46 cm, 1.2 m, 2.14 m and 3.66 m. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The goal must sit outside the field, square to the line, safe and secure. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The boards sit inside the goal, so a ball hitting them has crossed the line. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 4: The stick and its flat side

- Sticks are rounded on one side and flat on the other. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The flat playing side is on the left as the stick is held with the head pointing away. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specs 2.11)
- A stick has a handle and a curved head. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specs 2.4)
- Every stick has the same shape, so left- and right-handers use the same sticks. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Turning the stick so the flat face plays a ball on the left is reverse stick play. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The top hand controls the stick from the end of the handle. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The toe is the tip of the hooked head. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Grip at the top, handle, then the curved head ending in the toe. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The stick rolls over so its face points left before contact. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- The flat face (and its edges) plays the ball; the rounded back may not. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 5: Choosing a stick

- Too long a stick is difficult to manoeuvre. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A stick too short may be awkward and limit power. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Most adults of any height prefer sticks of about 36 to 37.5 inches. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Developing players often switch to a more powerful composite stick. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Wood is lighter and less rigid, which makes control easier. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- USA Field Hockey suggests asking a coach, manufacturer or retailer. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A heavier stick adds power but is slower to move. (Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide)
- Stick length grows with the player. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Measure against the hip, try it, then choose for comfort. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A stick reaching the top of the hip suits most players; much longer or shorter feels awkward. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 6: The ball

- Hockey balls are made of plastic. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Balls are usually white or orange, any colour that contrasts with the surface. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Dimples reduce aquaplaning on wet surfaces. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The ball is hard and spherical. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A hockey ball is about 22 to 23.5 cm round, close to a cricket ball. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- Indoor balls are slightly lighter than outdoor ones. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Bigger, softer development balls help beginners control the ball. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A hockey ball sits between a golf ball and a football. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- Dimpled balls are used to reduce aquaplaning on wet surfaces. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The hockey ball is the small, hard, white ball. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 7: Turf and grass

- Elite matches today are almost all on artificial surfaces rather than grass. (Source: FIH, The history of FIH & hockey)
- An even surface lets the ball run true and fast. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The pitch is sprayed with water before play, which keeps the surface quick and even. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Sand-filled turf holds sand among its fibres, common at club level. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specs 1.2)
- On multi-sport fields where hockey is not the priority, hockey lines are often yellow. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specs 1.2)
- Turf shoes have short rubber studs for grip. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- Hockey is played on grass and turf; grass is common at school level. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Watered turf is the fastest surface. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Grass, then turf from 1976, now watered turf. (Source: FIH, The history of FIH & hockey)
- The even green surface and white lines mark a synthetic turf pitch. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 8: Protective kit

- Hard plastic shin guards protect against balls and sticks. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Mouth guards prevent damage to the teeth. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Gloves are optional: for protection, grip and warmth. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Defenders may wear a face mask while defending a penalty corner. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Masks are removed safely once the corner is over, before playing outside the 23-metres area. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3 (n))
- Many shin guards have a part covering the ankle bones. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- Loose shin guards slip and leave the shin unprotected. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Mouth, hands, then shins. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Shin guards go under the socks; the mouth guard goes in just before play. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- The curved piece that fits the teeth is a mouth guard. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 9: The goalkeeper's kit

- Blockers are the goalkeeper's hand protectors. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A throat protector hangs below the helmet. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Some goalkeeper sticks have a curved blade for extra stopping area; a normal stick is allowed too. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The goalkeeper's shirt goes over the upper-body protection. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.3)
- Kit must fit well for maximum mobility and protection. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- A protective girdle is worn under the padded pants. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Kickers over the shoes let goalkeepers kick the ball away inside the circle. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Legs and feet first, then body, the helmet last. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- Head, neck, chest, legs, feet. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))
- The two tall pads strap onto the legs: leg guards. (Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025))

## Test 10: Looking after equipment

- A stick must be smooth with no rough or sharp parts. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.7)
- Grips and tape are allowed and help the hold, as long as the stick still fits the specification. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specs 2.23)
- A damaged stick can be dangerous; it should be replaced. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2)
- Washing and drying kit keeps it hygienic and lasting. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- A case keeps the mouth guard clean between uses. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- Pads left wet in a bag smell and wear out. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- Stick bags carry sticks, balls and kit safely. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- Unpack, dry, clean and air. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- Stick, protection, mouth guard, then off to the pitch. (Source: General field hockey reference)
- A split stick may be rough or sharp and dangerous to others. (Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2)

Sources: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, USA Field Hockey 101, NFHCA notes, FIH history and official results; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered rules belong to the Rules category (Field Hockey - Rules of Hockey).

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