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Field Hockey · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Sub-level 3.5

Small-Sided Games

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 30 October 2026 · markdown

The guide's game progression from three-a-side to eleven-a-side, positional play two against one and three against two, overloads in the circle, mini games, rotating positions and running a mini tournament.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1Three-a-sideTake a test

  1. Children from 7 years old can play 3 against 3.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  2. A team has at most three field players; there is no goalkeeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  3. The goal boxes are made of beacons.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  4. Every team has two goal boxes.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  5. For practical reasons, a 5-metre line is used instead of circles.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  6. A normal hockey ball is used.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  7. The playing direction is the width of the normal field.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  8. Two games side by side, then swap.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · applied

  9. Field, goals, teams, play.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  10. Three players each, beacon goals: three-a-side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · applied

Test 2Six-a-sideTake a test

  1. Suitable for boys and girls between 8 and 9.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  2. The field is a quarter of a normal hockey field.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  3. A maximum of five field players and one goalkeeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  4. Goal boxes on the back line, in the middle, the width of a normal goal.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  5. A backboard serves as a motivator when they hear the sound of a goal.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  6. The winner of the toss chooses the ball or the direction to play first.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  7. It is vital the goalkeeper has the correct equipment.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  8. Strip across the field, a quarter, then a half.

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

  9. Toss, choose, play, learn.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  10. Five plus a keeper on a quarter field: six-a-side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · applied

Test 3Eight-a-sideTake a test

  1. Half a normal field, between the baseline and the halfway line.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  2. Eight-a-side: seven outfield players and one keeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  3. They do not have the strength to hit long or the insight for a large group.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  4. Strikers, a row of four defensive players, and the goalkeeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  5. Left, central and right defenders plus a free defender.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  6. The game rules of six and eight-a-side are the same.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  7. The ball-side defender connects with the striker line.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  8. Strikers, the back four, the keeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  9. Three, five, then seven field players.

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

  10. Half a field, seven plus a keeper: eight-a-side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · applied

Test 4Moving up to eleven-a-sideTake a test

  1. The difference lies with an additional line of players.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · recall

  2. Three forwards, three midfielders, three defenders, a free defender and the goalkeeper.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · recall

  3. An additional free defender.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · recall

  4. Progression ensures players learn technique and tactics step by step.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  5. Attacking and defending penalty corners add new elements.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  6. Players will always be involved, with and without the ball.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  7. They learn how to function as a team.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  8. Three, six, eight, eleven.

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

  9. Quarter, half, full.

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

  10. Step by step from three-a-side to eleven-a-side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Game progression · applied

Test 52 against 1Take a test

  1. Two attackers against one defender.

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

  2. Task sharing: the role of attackers and defenders.

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

  3. Committing the defender frees the team-mate.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary (drawing an opponent) · recall

  4. Delaying buys time for help to arrive.

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

  5. Positional play grows from small numbers.

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

  6. Positional play 3-2 and reduce to 2-1.

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

  7. Pass too early and the defender recovers; too late and it is blocked.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. Attack, commit, pass, finish.

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

  9. Two, three, five players.

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

  10. Two attackers, one defender.

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

Test 63 against 2Take a test

  1. Three attackers against two defenders: one extra.

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

  2. Each attacker should see two ways to pass.

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

  3. Defenders are weak off the left foot.

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

  4. Be aware of the position of the goalkeeper.

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

  5. A triangle gives each player two options.

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

  6. Pressure and cover make two into a defence.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence · recall

  7. Out-number defenders in the circle and score.

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

  8. Shape, draw, release, finish.

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

  9. Fewer defenders, more advantage.

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

  10. Three against two.

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

Test 7Overloads in the circleTake a test

  1. Mini games in the circle where one team outnumbers the other.

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

  2. Play till you score.

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

  3. Extra attackers create chances to finish.

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

  4. Positional play followed by finishing at goal.

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

  5. With an extra player, one attacker cannot be marked.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  6. Hit and move for rebounds.

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

  7. Outnumbered, they guard the goal mouth first.

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

  8. Overload, stretch, find, finish.

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

  9. The bigger the overload, the easier the finish.

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

  10. More attackers than defenders in the circle: an overload game.

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

Test 8Mini games 4 v 4 and 5 v 5Take a test

  1. Mini games 4-4 and 5-5.

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

  2. The smaller the space, the more hand and body speed is required.

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

  3. Fewer players means more decisions each.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  4. In mini games everyone attacks and defends.

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

  5. Communication and support between attack and defence.

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

  6. Small games should be pleasant, safe and dynamic.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  7. Ball side / help side defence.

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

  8. Warm up, practise, play, cool down.

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

  9. Four, eight, ten players.

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

  10. Four a side: 4 v 4.

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

Test 9Rotating positionsTake a test

  1. Rotation shows each player what every line must do.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  2. The substitution rule lets every player play and rest.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  3. Substitution also gives a chance to deal with a small injury.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  4. Time must be allowed at the end of the game for feedback.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  5. The wide strikers stretch the six-a-side field.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  6. The strikers back off behind the ball, giving defensive width.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  7. It will enhance understanding of eleven-a-side tactics.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  8. Every line in turn.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side · recall

  9. Width in possession, recovery out of it.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · applied

  10. Swapping roles gives every player a feel for each position.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · applied

Test 10Running a mini tournamentTake a test

  1. Team 1 of A plays team 1 of B, team 2 of A plays team 2 of B, then swap.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  2. It gives every player the chance to play and have fun.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  3. Encourage competition as soon as they can handle a stick and ball safely.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  4. Try and use the field with the smoothest surface.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  5. Artificial field, grass or hardened surface.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  6. Fair games keep every child involved.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  7. Allow time at the end of the game for feedback.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall

  8. Set up, play, swap, review.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · recall

  9. From 7, then 8-9, then older.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Game progression · applied

  10. Two games at once with teams swapping: a mini tournament.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side · applied

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).

  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side20
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Three-a-side16
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 115
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eight-a-side14
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 213
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Game progression6
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide5
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan4
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary (drawing an opponent)1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic terms in defence1