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Field Hockey · Level 6: Advanced · Sub-level 6.5

The Science of Stick and Ball

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

The physics and biology behind the game, kept to what the equipment rules and coaching sources support: stick materials and bow, the ball on turf and in the air, water on the pitch, the drag-flick's speed, grip, protective kit, reaction time, the body in a match and how equipment is tested.

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 stick's materialsTake a test

  1. Fibreglass, carbon fibre and Kevlar were applied to stick cores in the early 1970s.

    Source: Official results (Olympedia, FIH), see FIELD_HOCKEY_VERIFIED_FACTS.md, History · recall

  2. A stiff shaft returns more energy to the ball.

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

  3. Wood is less rigid and more forgiving when stopping the ball.

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

  4. Stiff sticks make the ball bounce off more.

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

  5. Specifications cap the stick's weight.

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

  6. The stick must pass through a 51 mm ring.

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

  7. Carbon adds stiffness.

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

  8. Wood is most forgiving.

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

  9. Layers, shape, cure, finish.

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

  10. Composite sticks use carbon fibre layers.

    Source: Official results (Olympedia, FIH), see FIELD_HOCKEY_VERIFIED_FACTS.md, History · applied

Test 2The bow and the flickTake a test

  1. The bow is the curve along the stick.

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

  2. Bow must not exceed 25 mm.

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

  3. A curved shaft cradles the ball for lifting.

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

  4. Low-bow sticks put the curve close to the head, helping lifts.

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

  5. Deeper bows could make shots more dangerous.

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

  6. Bow aids lifting and flicking.

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

  7. Style and weight are personal preference within limits.

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

  8. From none to the limit.

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

  9. Lifting shots rely most on the bow.

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

  10. The gap under the curve is the bow.

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

Test 3The ball in flightTake a test

  1. Launch angle and speed set the flight.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  2. A smooth surface keeps the ball moving.

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

  3. A hard falling ball can injure; hence the 5-metre rule.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.10 · recall

  4. Air drag slows a moving ball.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  5. Gravity pulls it down.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  6. As speed falls, the curve steepens.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  7. The 460 mm limit protects defenders.

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

  8. Up, peak, down.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  9. Ground, low, high.

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

  10. Gravity curves every lifted ball back down.

    Source: General field hockey reference · applied

Test 4Turf and waterTake a test

  1. Watering makes the ball run fast and true.

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

  2. A wet surface lets the ball skid smoothly.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  3. Dimpled balls reduce aquaplaning on wet surfaces.

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

  4. Synthetic turf made the game faster and passing more effective.

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

  5. The chop is only used on astro fields.

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

  6. Sand between fibres slows the ball.

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

  7. Montreal 1976.

    Source: Official results (Olympedia, FIH), see FIELD_HOCKEY_VERIFIED_FACTS.md, Olympics · recall

  8. Watered turf is fastest.

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

  9. Check, water, settle, play.

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

  10. Water makes the ball skid smoothly.

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

Test 5Speed of the drag-flickTake a test

  1. Speed plus height leaves little reaction time.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  2. Power comes from the body and the drag.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  3. Longer contact means more acceleration.

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

  4. Protective equipment guards against fast shots.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall

  5. Power builds from the ground up.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  6. Staying low lengthens the drag.

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

  7. Flicks may rise but must not be dangerous.

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

  8. Ground up.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  9. The flick is fastest of these at the top level.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  10. Fast shots leave almost no time to react.

    Source: General field hockey reference · applied

Test 6Grip and vibrationTake a test

  1. A grip wrap gives a firm, comfortable hold.

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

  2. Impacts send vibration up the shaft.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  3. Dampening cuts the sting in the hands.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  4. Gloves protect, improve grip and keep hands warm.

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

  5. 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

  6. A slippery grip loses control.

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

  7. Strengthen the grip by holding tightly with both hands.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle · recall

  8. Dry and new is best.

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

  9. Off, clean, wrap, fix.

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

  10. A fresh grip improves hold.

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

Test 7Protective kit and impactTake a test

  1. Hard plastic shields spread impact.

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

  2. Mouth guards prevent dental injury.

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

  3. Padding absorbs the ball's energy.

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

  4. Players must remove corner equipment before playing outside their 23.

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

  5. Protective headgear at all times, except when taking a stroke.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall

  6. Players must not wear anything dangerous to other players.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall

  7. A close fit stops the mask moving when struck.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall

  8. Head down.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall

  9. The keeper wears the most.

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

  10. Hard outside, soft inside.

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

Test 8Reaction timeTake a test

  1. Narrowing the angle covers more goal.

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

  2. Anticipation buys time.

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

  3. Weight on the balls of the feet in the channel position.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle · recall

  4. Late direction changes beat reaction time.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  5. Scanning means less to think about on the ball.

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

  6. Commands train quick reactions in a fun way.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 1 · recall

  7. The actions are opposite to the commands so players listen carefully.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 2 · recall

  8. See, go, win.

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

  9. The closer and later, the less time.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  10. At 'Hit the Deck' players lie down as fast as possible.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 1 · applied

Test 9The body in a matchTake a test

  1. A good warm-up prepares players and can prevent injuries.

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

  2. Easing down right after play is the last step of the day.

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

  3. Children's muscles are naturally suppler.

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

  4. Substitutes must remain warm.

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

  5. Running without the ball is quicker than dribbling.

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

  6. Ensure everyone hydrates.

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

  7. Substitutions are permitted at any time, with exceptions at corners.

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

  8. Pulse, loosen, stretch, skills.

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

  9. Prepare, play, recover, wash.

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

  10. Cool-downs help prevent lactic acid build-up.

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

Test 10Equipment testingTake a test

  1. The FIH publishes field and equipment specifications.

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

  2. Field and Equipment Specifications 1-4.

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

  3. The ring test.

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

  4. 156-163 g.

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

  5. Specifications cover the field as well.

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

  6. The rules and equipment for men and women are the same.

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

  7. Only legal equipment may be used.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · recall

  8. Thickness, weight, bow, length.

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

  9. 25 mm, 51 mm, 105 cm.

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

  10. Balls must weigh 156-163 g.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · 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)30
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications15
  • General field hockey reference12
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.26
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide5
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up4
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Cool-down3
  • Official results (Olympedia, FIH), see FIELD_HOCKEY_VERIFIED_FACTS.md, History2
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3l2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Flick/overhead2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 12
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.101
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Tactics1
  • Official results (Olympedia, FIH), see FIELD_HOCKEY_VERIFIED_FACTS.md, Olympics1
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3m1
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3n1
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.11
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Important1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 21
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Interception tackle1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time1
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 2.31