Field Hockey · Level 5: Upper-Intermediate · Sub-level 5.1
Goalkeeping in Depth
10 tests · 99 facts · updated 30 October 2026 · markdown
Where the keeper may play and how, using stick and body, high and low saves, one against one, clearing with the stick, leading the corner defence and facing a penalty stroke.
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 1The keeper's areaTake a test
A goalkeeper must not take part outside the 23-metres area they are defending.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall
Except when taking a penalty stroke.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall
Headgear must be worn at all times, except when taking a penalty stroke.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall
Padded keepers belong in the defending area.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall
Most keeping happens in the circle being defended.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Coming out quickly to clear through balls before attackers reach them.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
A team with only field players has no one with goalkeeping privileges.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3f · recall
Mostly in the circle, sometimes to the 23, never beyond it in play.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall
Read, go, arrive, clear.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Coming out to clear a through ball: sweeping.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied
Test 2Stick and body in the circleTake a test
In the circle, with stick in hand, keepers may use stick and body.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · recall
Privileges apply when they have their stick in their hand.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · recall
Keepers may deflect the ball over the back-line.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · recall
Keepers must not be dangerous by taking advantage of their protective equipment.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · recall
Kickers send the ball away with distance and direction.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Leg guards cover the low part of the goal.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
A save that drops in front hands attackers a second shot.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Line, set, kick, clear.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
The two-leg stop controls most.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
In the circle keepers may use body and kit.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · applied
Test 3Outside the circleTake a test
Outside the circle, keepers may only play the ball with their stick.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.4 · recall
Outside the circle only the stick may be used.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.4 · recall
Beyond the circle the stick is the keeper's only tool.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.4 · recall
Work the ball away with the stick.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Keepers may play up to their own 23-metres line.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall
Out of the goal, the keeper leaves it open.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
The goal is empty until the keeper returns.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Out, arrive, stick, back.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.4 · recall
The stick works everywhere the keeper may go; kit only in the circle.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2-10.4 · recall
Test 4Never on the ballTake a test
Goalkeepers must not lie on the ball.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.3 · recall
Smothering it denies the attack fairly contested play.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.3 · recall
Clearing the ball keeps play going legally.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Offences by defenders in the circle give a corner or a stroke.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 12.3-12.4 · recall
A keeper on the ground is out of the game.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Keepers on their feet recover fastest.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Defenders protect the empty goal.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Save, clear, rise, set.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.3 · recall
Clearing is fair; lying on it is an offence.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.3 · recall
Goalkeepers must not lie on the ball.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.3 · applied
Test 5High ballsTake a test
Reaction to high and low balls.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
High balls are met with the gloves or the stick.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Drag-flicks rise towards the top of the goal.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Hands ready in front cover the top of the goal.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Wide saves keep the ball from attackers.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
The swing and body angle give clues about height.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Headgear must be worn at all times.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall
Read, raise, save, clear.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Ground, low, high.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Hand up to a rising shot: a high save.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · applied
Test 6Low ballsTake a test
Stop the ball with two legs.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Kick the ball to the side.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
A low stick save covers the corners on the stick side.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Closed pads leave no gap.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Forward weight moves the keeper to the ball.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Late deflections near the post leave no time.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Clear to the side, not the middle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
See, close, stop, clear.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Pads in front, a leg out, then the stick.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Stick laid low by the post: a stick save.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied
Test 7One against oneTake a test
To close down and communicate with the defenders.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Moving off the line makes the goal smaller.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
A set keeper can react either way.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Watch the ball, not the dummies.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
A rushing keeper can be chipped.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
A spread keeper fills the target.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
On the ball-to-goal line the angle is narrowest.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary (angles) · recall
Out, narrow, set, save.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Set early is best; staying back gives the most goal.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
Coming out and setting against a lone attacker.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · applied
Test 8Clearing with the stickTake a test
The stick reaches balls the feet cannot.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Away to the side, not into the middle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
A firm grip gives control and distance.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Clear to the side of the circle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Players may play the ball at any height unless dangerous.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.7 · recall
Beyond the circle only the stick may be used.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.4 · recall
Short clearances invite second shots.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
See, reach, clear, recover.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Hard and wide is safest.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Clearing with the stick.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · applied
Test 9Leading the corner defenceTake a test
The keeper immediately aligns in the direct line of the ball.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Goalkeeper · recall
The post player steps out at the feet of the goalkeeper.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Post player · recall
The goalkeeper steps out of the cage and saves direct shots.
Source: NFHCA, Penalty Corners: Positions and Basic Tactics (2022), Defensive corner · recall
Second and third wave defenders clear rebounds off the pads.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Second and third wave · recall
The keeper organises the defensive unit.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive penalty corners · recall
A first-shot hit must cross at no more than 460 mm.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3l · recall
A step forward narrows the shooting angle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary (angles) · recall
Organise, align, step, save.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive penalty corners · recall
Keeper, post, then the runner.
Source: NFHCA, Penalty Corners: Positions and Basic Tactics (2022), Defensive corner · recall
Lined up for the shot with a post player: a corner.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Goalkeeper · applied
Test 10Facing a penalty strokeTake a test
Both feet on the goal-line.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e · recall
Must not leave the line or move either foot until the ball has been played.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e · recall
All other players must be outside the 23-metres area.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7b · recall
The ball is placed on the penalty spot.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7c · recall
A field player defending a stroke may wear only a face mask as protection.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7f · recall
Behind and within playing distance of the ball.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7d · recall
Takers often favour one side.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Clear, place, start, shoot.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7 · recall
Line, watch, go, save.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e · recall
One taker, keeper on the line: a penalty stroke.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7 · 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 Guide27
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 113
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan11
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.17
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.25
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.45
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.35
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e3
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side2
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary (angles)2
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Goalkeeper2
- NFHCA, Penalty Corners: Positions and Basic Tactics (2022), Defensive corner2
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive penalty corners2
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.72
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3f1
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2-10.41
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 12.3-12.41
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.71
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Post player1
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Second and third wave1
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3l1
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7b1
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7c1
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7f1
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7d1