Skip to content
Insporta Book
en
EnglishРусскийDeutschEspañolEestiSuomiItalianoFrançaisPolski日本語한국어中文
FootballCricketFutsalTriathlonTennisGolfFigure SkatingBasketballVolleyballRugbyBaseballBadmintonField HockeyMethodologyWhy it worksTake a test

Field Hockey · Level 5: Upper-Intermediate · Sub-level 5.3

Match Play and Game Management

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

The coach's match day as the guide lays it out: the pre-match talk, watching and talking during play, substitutions, half-time, after the whistle and the evaluation, plus managing the score and the clock and the captain's role on the field.

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 pre-match talkTake a test

  1. Give a few tactical team-directed instructions, limited and simple.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Pre-match discussion · recall

  2. Give a few individual instructions, concrete and non-threatening.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Pre-match discussion · recall

  3. E.g. which set-up, what the strikers must do, the corner plans.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Pre-match discussion · recall

  4. A single tip or encouragement when the team is set up on the field.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Pre-match discussion · recall

  5. Technique: 'Try to get every ball on your front stick...'

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Pre-match discussion · recall

  6. Tactics: 'Do not take any chances in the circle; rather...'

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Pre-match discussion · recall

  7. Do not give too much information at a time.

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

  8. Team, lines, individuals, a final tip.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Pre-match discussion · recall

  9. The closer to the whistle, the shorter.

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

  10. A short talk before the match: the pre-match discussion.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Pre-match discussion · applied

Test 2Watching the matchTake a test

  1. Assess and manage the tactical patterns: do the players keep to their tasks?

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach observes · recall

  2. Identify the opposition's strong and weak points.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach observes · recall

  3. If you pay attention to everything you will miss the important things.

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

  4. Restrict the number of aspects; focus on a few key aspects.

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

  5. How does the opposition take the free hit and attacking short corner?

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

  6. Check the team and individually directed instructions.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach observes · recall

  7. Physical, technical and tactical aspects.

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

  8. Us, our plan, them, focus.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach observes · recall

  9. Strengths, lines, gaps.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Match analysis · applied

  10. Watching and noting: the coach observes.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach observes · applied

Test 3Talking during playTake a test

  1. Call clear direct instructions to players, e.g. 'Keep your stick low'.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  2. Stimulate and encourage.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  3. Give instructions to substituting players.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  4. 'Keep your stick low.'

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  5. Clear, short calls work in the noise of play.

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

  6. Umpires must not coach during a match.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 11.7 · recall

  7. Correcting should stay positive.

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

  8. See, simplify, say, praise.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  9. Specific beats general; negative hurts.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  10. A short call from the side: a direct instruction.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · applied

Test 4Substitutions and changesTake a test

  1. Make substitutes and adjust players' functions during the match.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  2. E.g. when the short corner does not work.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  3. Substitutions can be timed for fresh legs or a change of plan.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  4. There is no limit on the number of substitutions.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 2.3 · recall

  5. Substitute players not in the starting line-up must remain warm.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · recall

  6. Adjust players' functions when something is not working.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  7. A short reason keeps the player involved.

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

  8. See, prepare, brief, change.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  9. From a tweak to a new shape.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · recall

  10. Instructions to substituting players.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts · applied

Test 5Half-timeTake a test

  1. Allow for player input but do not let them vent or react negatively.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time · recall

  2. Ensure that everyone hydrates.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time · recall

  3. Half-time is for two or three team points about the opponents.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time · recall

  4. Refer to points from the team talk before the match.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time · recall

  5. Ensure that players start the second half well-motivated.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time · recall

  6. Two or three clear points are all players can take in at a break.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 5.1 · recall

  7. Negative reactions towards each other must be avoided.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time · recall

  8. Recover, listen, instruct, motivate.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time · recall

  9. 2 minutes, 10 minutes, then 15.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 5.1 · recall

  10. Drinks and a talk between halves: half-time.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time · applied

Test 6After the final whistleTake a test

  1. Give realistic comments on the outcome.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Directly after the match · recall

  2. Positive comments on the inputs, teamwork, the opponents and the umpires.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Directly after the match · recall

  3. Make notes for what to work on in training.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Directly after the match · recall

  4. 'Hitting a long ball is faster than when somebody runs with the ball.'

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Directly after the match · recall

  5. Detail is better left for the evaluation.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  6. Handshakes and a cool-down.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Cool-down · recall

  7. Jogging at low intensity, stretching, a warm shower.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Cool-down · recall

  8. Outcome, praise, notes.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Directly after the match · recall

  9. Jog, stretch, shower.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Cool-down · recall

  10. Post-match notes for the next sessions.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Directly after the match · applied

Test 7Evaluating the matchTake a test

  1. Point out technical points.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match · recall

  2. 'Our strikers take too long to react in the circle.'

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match · recall

  3. 'Our defenders struggled to release pressure out the back.'

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match · recall

  4. Identify what will be incorporated in the next training sessions.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match · recall

  5. Used to improve skills and correct technical and tactical problems.

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

  6. Adapt team strategy at half-time if necessary.

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

  7. Clear tactical instructions are needed to analyse a game.

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

  8. Plan, watch, judge, train.

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

  9. Half-time, after the match, then training.

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

  10. Reviewing the match to plan training.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match · applied

Test 8Focusing the analysisTake a test

  1. Narrow attention catches the details that decide matches.

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

  2. These aspects may change from game to game.

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

  3. Assess if tactical tasks, e.g. maintaining formation, have been carried out.

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

  4. Are the team disciplined at performing trained set pieces?

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

  5. Are there areas not covered by the opposition that could be exploited?

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

  6. Physical aspects: mobility, agility and speed.

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

  7. Passing and receiving, dribbling, defending and scoring skills.

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

  8. Choose, watch, note, share.

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

  9. Us, then them.

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

  10. A few key aspects only.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Match analysis · applied

Test 9Managing the score and the clockTake a test

  1. A match consists of four quarters of 15 minutes.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 5.1 · recall

  2. Time and play are stopped on the award of a penalty corner.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3a · recall

  3. The score and time remaining affect the choice of press.

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

  4. Score and time push a trailing team to attack.

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

  5. Play is prolonged at the end of each quarter to complete a penalty corner.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.4 · recall

  6. Umpires ensure that the full time is played.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 11.5 · recall

  7. Safe possession runs the clock when ahead.

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

  8. Shape, possession, protection, safety.

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

  9. The more you need a goal, the more you risk.

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

  10. Keeping the ball safely to protect a lead.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · applied

Test 10The captain on the fieldTake a test

  1. Captains are responsible for the behaviour of all players on their team.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 3.4 · recall

  2. Captains meet the umpires and take part in the toss.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 6.1 · recall

  3. The captain wears a distinctive armband or similar.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 3.3 · recall

  4. The on-field leader talks and organises.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  5. Captains answer for their team's behaviour.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 3.4 · recall

  6. The captain is responsible for behaviour.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 3.4 · recall

  7. The captain adds a word when the coach cannot reach the players.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. Before, start, during, after.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 3.4 · recall

  9. Toss, start, finish.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 6.1 · applied

  10. The armband marks the captain.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 3.3 · 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, Match analysis20
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach acts14
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Pre-match discussion8
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time8
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Directly after the match6
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, The coach observes5
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match5
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses5
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 3.44
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When speaking3
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 5.13
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Cool-down3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, When correcting2
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 6.12
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 3.32
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 11.71
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 2.31
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up1
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3a1
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.41
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 11.51
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey1