Restarts in Open Play

A quick restart catches defenders out of position.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

The ball must be stationary.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2a · recall

Close to where the offence occurred, with no big advantage gained.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.1a · recall

The location must be more precise inside the 23-metres area.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.1a · recall

Speed helps only if the pass is still good.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

If that player is not influencing play, the free hit need not be delayed.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2b · recall

Midfielders are key players in restarts.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the midfielders · recall

Whistle, place, look, release.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Going alone is quickest; setting up is slowest.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Restarting before the defence sets: a quick free hit.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied

The taker may continue to play the ball without another player touching it.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2d · recall

The taker simply runs; there is no pass for defenders to read.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

A self-pass into open space gains ground at once.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

The ball must travel at least 5 metres before that player plays it into the circle.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · recall

At least 5 metres, not necessarily in a single direction.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · recall

Once a defender has touched the ball, the requirement no longer applies.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · recall

Defenders within 5 metres may shadow, without playing the ball until it has gone 5 metres.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2 · recall

Set, go, 5 metres, enter.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · recall

Keeping the ball, giving it short, sending it long.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Restarting and carrying on alone: a self-pass.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2d · applied

The ball is moved using a hit, push, flick or scoop.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2d · recall

It may be raised immediately with a push, flick or scoop, but not intentionally with a hit.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2e · recall

Prepared options make restarts quicker and safer.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Set play · recall

Using a team tactic prepared before the match.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · recall

Leads give the taker choices.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · recall

A safe pass back lets the team switch to the open side.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting · recall

A lifted pass is one way past a crowded line of defenders.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting · recall

Set, show, choose, play.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Set play · recall

Back is safest; over the press is boldest.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting · recall

Two leads give two choices.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · applied

Play restarts where the ball crossed, and the free-hit procedures apply.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.3 · recall

Feet can be outside the side-line as long as the ball is inside or on the line.

Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall

Restarting from the side-line is a midfield job in the guide.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the midfielders · recall

With the line on one side, all passes go one way.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Inside leads open the field.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Pinned against the line, the attackers have less room.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press · recall

Free-hit procedures: opponents at least 5 metres from the ball.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2b · recall

Out, place, show, play.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.3 · recall

Down the line, inside, then across.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

The ball must be on or inside the line; the feet may be outside.

Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · applied

All players other than the taker must be at least 5 metres away.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2c · recall

Played by an attacker after 5 metres, or touched by a defender.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · recall

Permitted high above the circle so that it lands outside, if not dangerous or playable in flight.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · recall

A short pass or self-pass gets the ball into the scoring area quickly.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Once 5 metres are travelled, the ball can be played in.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · recall

Any breach is considered to occur where the ball enters the circle.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · recall

Strikers must be ready for the ball entering the circle.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the strikers · recall

Set, move it 5 metres, enter, shoot.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · recall

Travel, play, enter.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · applied

Moving the ball 5 metres first makes the entry legal.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · applied

Opponents must be at least 5 metres from the ball.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2b · recall

Getting back between ball and goal stops the quick restart.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic defensive rules · recall

They must not play the ball until 5 metres away or the ball has travelled 5 metres.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2b · recall

Covering short options forces a longer, riskier pass.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Breakdown aims to force a faulty or risky pass.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey · recall

The offence occurs where the opponent interferes with play.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2b · recall

Attention lost gives away a quick restart.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Recover, retreat, mark, press.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Goal side is best; interfering is an offence.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2b · recall

Opponents within 5 metres must not interfere.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2b · applied

Taken up to 15 metres from the back-line, in line with the offence.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.1b · recall

A free hit to the defence awarded in the circle may be taken anywhere in the circle.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.1b · recall

Play restarts up to 15 metres from the back-line in line with where it crossed.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.4a · recall

USA Field Hockey marks the 16-yard line for 16-yard free hits.

Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall

Mistakes close to your own circle are punished at once.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting · recall

Wide outlets keep the ball away from the circle.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting · recall

Around the press: deep to the sweeper, who transfers.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting · recall

Out, place, outlet, build.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.4a · recall

Circle, 15 metres, then the 23.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.1b · recall

Up to 15 metres out after an attacker's miss: the defence's free hit.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.4a · applied

If played unintentionally by a defender, play restarts on the 23-metres line.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.4b · recall

In line with where it crossed the back-line.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.4b · recall

The procedures for taking a free hit apply.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.4b · recall

With the ball on the line, the restart is effectively within the 23-metres area.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.4b · recall

Attacking free-hit rules for the 23 apply.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.2f · recall

Defensive hits crossing the end line give a long corner.

Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall

Strikers get ready to receive at the circle.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the strikers · recall

Out, place, 5 metres, in.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.4b · recall

Defence ball, attack ball on the 23, then a corner.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.4 · recall

Ball on the 23 in line with where it crossed: the restart after a defender's accident.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 7.4b · applied

To start each quarter (as set) and after a goal.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 6.3 · recall

All players other than the taker must be in their own defending half.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 6.4c · recall

A practised routine keeps the ball from the start.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Set play · recall

A safe first pass keeps possession.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

After a goal, by a player of the team against which it was scored.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 6.3c · recall

Free-hit procedures, including the self-pass, apply.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 6.4d · recall

Set, start, keep, attack.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 6.4 · recall

Middle, 23, back-line.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rules 6-7 · recall

Everyone in their own half, ball in the middle: a centre pass.

Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 6.4 · applied

Midfielders are key players in restarts.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the midfielders · recall

A taker needs to see options and play them.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Speed of restart beats a perfect taker.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Defenders restart close to their own back-line.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Waiting for a specialist gives the defence time.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Every player should be able to restart well.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Summary · recall

Scoring: from free hits.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall

Speed first, then quality.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

Arrive, scan, choose, play.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the midfielders · recall

The nearest player, a midfielder, restarts quickly.

Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the midfielders · applied