Field Hockey · Level 5: Upper-Intermediate · Sub-level 5.5
Sticks, Turf and Kit
10 tests · 100 facts · updated 30 October 2026 · markdown
Equipment for players who are getting serious: the parts of the stick, wood and composite, choosing a length, the limits on sticks, the ball, playing surfaces, footwear, protective and goalkeeping kit and looking after it.
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 1Parts of the stickTake a test
The flat side, the face, is the side that plays the ball.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.5 · recall
The head is the curved part at the bottom.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
The toe is the end of the curved head.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
A grip wrap covers the handle for a firm hold.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
The bow is the curve along the length of the stick.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
Grips wear smooth and need rewrapping long before the stick is done.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
A bow nearer the head helps flicks and drag-flicks.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
Grip at the top, then shaft, head and toe.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Face and edges are used; the back is not.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.5 · recall
The tip of the curved head is the toe.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · applied
Test 2Wood and compositeTake a test
Beginner sticks are usually constructed of wood.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Wood is lightweight, less rigid and more forgiving.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Players move on to a more powerful composite stick.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Composites mix carbon, glass fibre and other materials.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
A stiff stick transfers more energy to the ball.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
A forgiving stick makes stopping and control easier.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Stick length, style and weight is based on individual preference.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
From forgiving wood to powerful composite.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
More carbon, more stiffness.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Wood is lighter and more forgiving.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · applied
Test 3Choosing a stick lengthTake a test
Too long is hard to manoeuvre; too short is awkward and limits power.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
A stick that is too long will be difficult to manoeuvre.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
A stick too short may be awkward and limit power.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Many players judge from the ground to the hip bone.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Length follows height.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Two players of the same height may still prefer different lengths.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Shorter sticks favour tight skills.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Measure, check, grip, test.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Shorter for small children, longer as they grow.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · applied
Shoulder height is too long for most players.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · applied
Test 4The stick's limitsTake a test
The stick must pass through a ring with an inside diameter of 51 mm.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
Maximum weight 737 g.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
The bow must not exceed 25 mm.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
Limits keep lifted shots safer.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
Maximum total length 105 cm.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
A thicker stick would not pass through.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
Equipment specifications are set by the FIH.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
25 mm, 51 mm, then 105 cm.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
Weight, ring, bow, length.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
The ring test checks the stick's width.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · applied
Test 5The ballTake a test
Scuffed balls run and bounce less truly.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Usually white or orange, but any colour that contrasts with the surface.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Dimples cut aquaplaning when the turf is wet.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Any colour that contrasts with the playing surface.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Weight 156-163 g.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · recall
USA Field Hockey offers it as beginner equipment.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Different balls may be used for development training and play.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
A golf ball, the normal hockey ball, then the oversized GO Ball.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Dimples matter most when wet.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Dimples reduce aquaplaning on wet turf.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Test 6Turf typesTake a test
Elite outdoor hockey is played on water-based turf.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Hockey5s is played on synthetic turf, grass and sometimes sand-based turf.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Indoor is played on hard courts, including gym floors.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Watering makes the ball run fast and true.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
The chop is only used on astro fields.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · recall
The drag can only be used effectively on artificial turf.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Injector · recall
Synthetic turf made the game faster and passing more effective.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Tactics · recall
Watered turf is fastest.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Grass, then turf, then watered turf.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · applied
Wet, smooth synthetic: water-based turf.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · applied
Test 7FootwearTake a test
Short rubber studs grip without damaging turf.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Spikes tear turf and can injure players.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
Grass needs studs for grip.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Indoor is played on hard courts with flat soles.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Match the shoe to the surface.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Kickers protect and help clear the ball.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 2.2 · recall
Players must not wear anything dangerous to other players.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
Flat soles, short studs, longer studs.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Surface, choice, laces, test.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Short rubber studs suit turf.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · applied
Test 8Protective kitTake a test
Field players are strongly recommended to wear shin, ankle and mouth protection.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
Hand protection must not increase the natural size of the hands significantly.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
Face masks for defending penalty corners.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
All field players must remove corner equipment before taking part in play outside their 23.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3n · recall
For medical reasons, a smooth close-fitting face mask, soft headgear or goggles.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
Knee pads may be worn outside the socks if their colour matches or is black.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
Mouth guards prevent dental injury.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Mouth, hands, shins, ankles.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
Finish, remove, then play on.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3n · applied
Corner protective equipment is allowed.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · applied
Test 9Goalkeeping kitTake a test
A goalkeeper wears at least protective headgear, leg guards and kickers.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 2.2 · recall
A goalkeeper wears a different colour shirt.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 2.2 · recall
Keepers keep the helmet on throughout play; the stroke is the only exception.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall
Blockers are the keeper's hand protectors.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
A throat protector hangs below the helmet.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
It is vital the goalkeeper has the correct equipment.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · recall
Padding protects against hard balls.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Head, chest, legs, feet.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 2.2 · recall
Body, legs, feet, then head and hands.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Helmet, blockers, pads and kickers: goalkeeping kit.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 2.2 · applied
Test 10Caring for kitTake a test
A damaged stick can splinter and hurt someone.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
A good grip gives control.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Drying stops smells and damage.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Rough edges are dangerous.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
Clean guards stay safe to use.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
A damaged grille or strap is a safety risk.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Heat can weaken composite and glue.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
Stick, guards, mouth guard, pack.
Source: USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · recall
A worn grip is minor; a crack is serious.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall
Rough parts are dangerous to others.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · 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).
- USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025)60
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications13
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.213
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 2.25
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.52
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3n2
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary1
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Injector1
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Tactics1
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.11
- KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side1