Field Hockey · Niveau 6 : Avancé · Sous-niveau 6.5
The Science of Stick and Ball
10 tests · 100 faits · mis à jour le 30 octobre 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.
Chaque test ci-dessous compte dix questions sur Insporta. La liste sous un test indique ce que les questions vérifient : un fait par question, avec la source dont il est tiré. Lisez-la avant le test, ou revenez-y après une mauvaise réponse.
Test 1The stick's materialsFaire un test
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 · restitution
A stiff shaft returns more energy to the ball.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Wood is less rigid and more forgiving when stopping the ball.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Stiff sticks make the ball bounce off more.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Specifications cap the stick's weight.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
The stick must pass through a 51 mm ring.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
Carbon adds stiffness.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Wood is most forgiving.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Layers, shape, cure, finish.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Composite sticks use carbon fibre layers.
Source : Official results (Olympedia, FIH), see FIELD_HOCKEY_VERIFIED_FACTS.md, History · application
Test 2The bow and the flickFaire un test
The bow is the curve along the stick.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
Bow must not exceed 25 mm.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
A curved shaft cradles the ball for lifting.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Low-bow sticks put the curve close to the head, helping lifts.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Deeper bows could make shots more dangerous.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
Bow aids lifting and flicking.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Style and weight are personal preference within limits.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
From none to the limit.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
Lifting shots rely most on the bow.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
The gap under the curve is the bow.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · application
Test 3The ball in flightFaire un test
Launch angle and speed set the flight.
Source : General field hockey reference · restitution
A smooth surface keeps the ball moving.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
A hard falling ball can injure; hence the 5-metre rule.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 9.10 · restitution
Air drag slows a moving ball.
Source : General field hockey reference · restitution
Gravity pulls it down.
Source : General field hockey reference · restitution
As speed falls, the curve steepens.
Source : General field hockey reference · restitution
The 460 mm limit protects defenders.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3l · restitution
Up, peak, down.
Source : General field hockey reference · restitution
Ground, low, high.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3l · restitution
Gravity curves every lifted ball back down.
Source : General field hockey reference · application
Test 4Turf and waterFaire un test
Watering makes the ball run fast and true.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
A wet surface lets the ball skid smoothly.
Source : General field hockey reference · restitution
Dimpled balls reduce aquaplaning on wet surfaces.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Synthetic turf made the game faster and passing more effective.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Tactics · restitution
The chop is only used on astro fields.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · restitution
Sand between fibres slows the ball.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Montreal 1976.
Source : Official results (Olympedia, FIH), see FIELD_HOCKEY_VERIFIED_FACTS.md, Olympics · restitution
Watered turf is fastest.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Check, water, settle, play.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Water makes the ball skid smoothly.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · application
Test 5Speed of the drag-flickFaire un test
Speed plus height leaves little reaction time.
Source : General field hockey reference · restitution
Power comes from the body and the drag.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · restitution
Longer contact means more acceleration.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Flick/overhead · restitution
Protective equipment guards against fast shots.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · restitution
Power builds from the ground up.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · restitution
Staying low lengthens the drag.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Flick/overhead · restitution
Flicks may rise but must not be dangerous.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3m · restitution
Du sol vers le haut.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · restitution
The flick is fastest of these at the top level.
Source : General field hockey reference · restitution
Fast shots leave almost no time to react.
Source : General field hockey reference · application
Test 6Grip and vibrationFaire un test
A grip wrap gives a firm, comfortable hold.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Impacts send vibration up the shaft.
Source : General field hockey reference · restitution
Dampening cuts the sting in the hands.
Source : General field hockey reference · restitution
Gloves protect, improve grip and keep hands warm.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Hand protection must not increase the natural size of the hands significantly.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · restitution
A slippery grip loses control.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Strengthen the grip by holding tightly with both hands.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle · restitution
Dry and new is best.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Off, clean, wrap, fix.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
A fresh grip improves hold.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · application
Test 7Protective kit and impactFaire un test
Hard plastic shields spread impact.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Mouth guards prevent dental injury.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Padding absorbs the ball's energy.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Players must remove corner equipment before playing outside their 23.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3n · restitution
Protective headgear at all times, except when taking a stroke.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · restitution
Players must not wear anything dangerous to other players.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · restitution
A close fit stops the mask moving when struck.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · restitution
Head down.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · restitution
The keeper wears the most.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Hard outside, soft inside.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · application
Test 8Le temps de réactionFaire un test
Narrowing the angle covers more goal.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · restitution
L'anticipation fait gagner du temps.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Important · restitution
Weight on the balls of the feet in the channel position.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Two-hand block tackle · restitution
Late direction changes beat reaction time.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · restitution
Scanning means less to think about on the ball.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary · restitution
Commands train quick reactions in a fun way.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 1 · restitution
The actions are opposite to the commands so players listen carefully.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 2 · restitution
See, go, win.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Interception tackle · restitution
The closer and later, the less time.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · restitution
At 'Hit the Deck' players lie down as fast as possible.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up activity 1 · application
Test 9The body in a matchFaire un test
A good warm-up prepares players and can prevent injuries.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · restitution
Easing down right after play is the last step of the day.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Cool-down · restitution
Children's muscles are naturally suppler.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · restitution
Substitutes must remain warm.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · restitution
Running without the ball is quicker than dribbling.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side · restitution
Ensure everyone hydrates.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half-time · restitution
Substitutions are permitted at any time, with exceptions at corners.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 2.3 · restitution
Pulse, loosen, stretch, skills.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up · restitution
Prepare, play, recover, wash.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Cool-down · restitution
Cool-downs help prevent lactic acid build-up.
Source : KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Cool-down · application
Test 10Equipment testingFaire un test
The FIH publishes field and equipment specifications.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
Field and Equipment Specifications 1-4.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
The ring test.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
156-163 g.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
Specifications cover the field as well.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
The rules and equipment for men and women are the same.
Source : USA Field Hockey, Field Hockey 101 (2025) · restitution
Only legal equipment may be used.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 4.2 · restitution
Thickness, weight, bow, length.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
25 mm, 51 mm, 105 cm.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · restitution
Balls must weigh 156-163 g.
Source : FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Specifications · application
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