Field Hockey · Level 5: Upper-Intermediate · Sub-level 5.1
Goalkeeping in Depth
10 tests · 100 facts · updated 31 October 2026 · markdown
A hockey goalkeeper plays under rules of their own. Under FIH Rule 10.1 a keeper must not take part outside the 23-metres area they are defending, apart from taking a penalty stroke, and must wear headgear at all times. Most keeping happens in the circle being defended, sometimes out to the 23, never beyond it in play. Inside the circle, with the stick in hand, a keeper may use stick and body (Rule 10.2); outside it, only the stick may play the ball (Rule 10.4). Goalkeepers must not lie on the ball (Rule 10.3).
The KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide supplies the technique. Keepers read high and low shots, close down a lone attacker by moving off the line, which makes the goal smaller, and clear to the side rather than the middle, because short clearances invite second shots. At a defensive penalty corner the keeper organises the unit, aligns on the line of the ball and steps out to save direct shots, while the first-shot hit must cross at no more than 460 mm (Rule 13.3l). At a penalty stroke the keeper stands with both feet on the goal-line and may not move either foot until the ball has been played (Rule 13.7e).
The facts below cover the keeper's area, stick and body in the circle, play outside the circle, never lying on the ball, high balls, low balls, 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
A keeper must stay within their own 23 metres during play. The one exception is stepping up to take 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
The circle is where shots arrive, so the keeper spends most of the match guarding the goal from inside it.
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
Goalkeeping privileges, such as using body and kit, belong to a designated keeper. A team of field players only has none, so all play by field-player rules.
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
The keeper reads the pass, leaves the line early enough to arrive first, then clears wide so the ball does not stay dangerous.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
A keeper who leaves the goal to clear a through ball ahead of the striker is acting as a sweeper, covering the space behind the defence.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied
Test 2Stick and body in the circleTake a test
Inside the circle a keeper holding a stick may stop the ball with stick, body or kit. Outside it only the stick is allowed.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · recall
The body-use privilege depends on the stick being in hand. Without it the keeper loses these privileges.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · recall
This is a legal save, not an offence, because inside the circle the keeper may use body and kit as well as the stick.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · recall
Padding makes a keeper hard to hurt but heavy to collide with, so using it against other players is dangerous play.
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
The keeper gets in line with the shot, sets the body, kicks the ball away and so clears it wide of the goal.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Both pads together stop the ball dead and keep it at the keeper's feet. A first-time kick clears it but with less control, and a deflection off the body gives the least.
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
Beyond the circle the keeper's kit privileges stop, so the ball may only be played with the stick, like any field player.
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
Beyond the circle the stick is the only tool, so older keepers learn to control and clear the ball with it as well as to kick.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
The 23 is the limit of the keeper's area. Beyond it they may not take part in play at all.
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
The keeper leaves the circle, reaches the ball, plays it with the stick (kit may not be used out there) and returns to guard the empty goal.
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
Outside the circle the keeper has no kit privileges, but the stick may be used like any field player's.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.4 · applied
Test 4Never on the ballTake a test
Smothering the ball stops play, so a keeper may stop, kick or push it away but never hold it down by lying on it.
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
The keeper makes the save on the ground, pushes the ball away, gets up quickly and sets again for the next shot.
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
Lying on the ball smothers play. Inside the circle that gives the attack a penalty corner or a stroke.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.3 · applied
Test 5High ballsTake a test
Older keepers train to react to shots at every height, from ground-level slaps up to drag-flicks at the top of the goal.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Hand protectors and the stick reach above the pads, so they deal with shots the leg guards cannot cover.
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
The helmet protects the head and face and must be worn throughout play, except to take a stroke.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall
The keeper judges how high the shot is, raises the hands, gets in its path or pushes it aside, and sends it wide of the goal.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Ground, low, high.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
A rising shot is met with the hand protector up, because the leg guards only cover the low part of the goal.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · applied
Test 6Low ballsTake a test
Pads together in front of the ball give a wide, steady block, the simplest low save for a young keeper to learn.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Clearing to the side moves the ball away from the goal mouth, where a central rebound would give attackers a second shot.
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
A kick to the side takes the ball out of danger, while a central clearance can rebound straight to a waiting attacker.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
The keeper sees the low shot, closes the pads so no gap is left, stops the ball and kicks it wide.
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
A stick laid flat and low covers the ground by the post, beyond the reach of the pads.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied
Test 7One against oneTake a test
Closing down means leaving the line to meet the attacker, which shrinks the goal. The keeper also talks to the defenders around.
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
The keeper leaves the line, closes the angle to the shooter, sets the body just before the shot and then makes the 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 off the line to meet a lone attacker and stopping set shrinks the goal and lets the keeper react either way.
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
A clearance into the middle of the circle can fall to an attacker, whereas one to the side lands far from the shooters.
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
Aiming to the side keeps the ball away from the goal mouth and from the attackers waiting in front of it.
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
The keeper sees the wide ball, reaches for it with the stick, strikes it away to the side and then recovers position.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
A hard clearance to the side travels furthest from goal. A soft one can be caught up, and one into the middle is the most dangerous.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
The stick reaches balls the keeper cannot get to with the feet, so a stretched stick clears a wide ball out of the circle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · applied
Test 9Leading the corner defenceTake a test
Standing in line with the ball means the keeper covers the straight shot before anything else.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Goalkeeper · recall
The post player has a set job beside the post, which covers that side of the goal and leaves the keeper free to deal with the shot.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Post player · recall
Stepping out of the cage lets the keeper meet direct shots earlier, which narrows the shooting angle.
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
The keeper first calls out the defenders' jobs, lines up with the ball, steps out as the ball is stopped and then makes the save.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive penalty corners · recall
The keeper is in goal, the post player is beside the keeper at the post, and the flyer is the runner furthest out.
Source: NFHCA, Penalty Corners: Positions and Basic Tactics (2022), Defensive corner · recall
A keeper in line with a stopped ball and a post player beside is the defensive set-up for a penalty corner.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Goalkeeper · applied
Test 10Facing a penalty strokeTake a test
At a stroke the keeper must start on the goal-line, which fixes where the one-against-one begins.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e · recall
The keeper cannot leave the line or move a foot before the ball is played, so they cannot narrow the angle early.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e · recall
Clearing everyone else out of the 23 leaves only the taker and the keeper, a pure one-on-one.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7b · recall
The penalty spot is 6.4 metres from the goal-line, in front of the centre of the goal.
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
The taker stands behind the ball, close enough to play it, and waits for the whistle.
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
The 23 is cleared of players, the ball is placed on the spot, the whistle starts the stroke, then the shot and the save follow.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7 · recall
The keeper stands with both feet on the line, watches the ball, moves only once it is played and then makes the save.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e · recall
One taker at the spot facing a keeper on the line, with everyone else outside the 23, is the set-up for a penalty stroke.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7 · applied
Questions people ask
- How far from the goal may a goalkeeper play?
- A keeper must not take part outside the 23-metres area they are defending, except when taking a penalty stroke (Rule 10.1). Most keeping is done in the circle, sometimes out to the 23, never beyond it in play.
- When can a goalkeeper use their body and kit?
- In the circle, with the stick in their hand, keepers may use stick and body (Rule 10.2). Outside the circle only the stick may be used to play the ball (Rule 10.4).
- Is a goalkeeper allowed to lie on the ball?
- No. Goalkeepers must not lie on the ball (Rule 10.3). Clearing it is fair and keeps play going legally, while smothering it denies the attack fairly contested play.
- Why should a keeper clear to the side of the circle?
- The KNHB/SAHA guide says to clear away to the side, not into the middle, and hard and wide is safest. Short clearances invite second shots.
- What does the goalkeeper do at a defensive penalty corner?
- The keeper organises the defensive unit and aligns immediately in the direct line of the ball. The goalkeeper steps out of the cage and saves direct shots, as the NFHCA describes the defensive corner.
- How does a goalkeeper make the goal smaller against a lone attacker?
- By moving off the line, which narrows the shooting angle. The angle is narrowest on the ball-to-goal line, and setting early is best, since staying back gives the most goal.
- What must a keeper do when facing a penalty stroke?
- Stand with both feet on the goal-line and not leave the line or move either foot until the ball has been played (Rule 13.7e). A field player defending a stroke may wear only a face mask as protection (Rule 13.7f).
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 10.46
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.25
- 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