Field Hockey · Level 5: Upper-Intermediate · Sub-level 5.1
Goalkeeping in Depth
10 tests · 99 facts · updated 30 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
Except when taking 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
Most keeping happens in the circle being defended.
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
A team with only field players has no one with goalkeeping privileges.
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
Read, go, arrive, clear.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Coming out to clear a through ball: sweeping.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied
Test 2Stick and body in the circleTake a test
In the circle, with stick in hand, keepers may use stick and body.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · recall
Privileges apply when they have their stick in their hand.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · recall
Keepers may deflect the ball over the back-line.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.2 · recall
Keepers must not be dangerous by taking advantage of their protective equipment.
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
Line, set, kick, clear.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
The two-leg stop controls most.
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
Outside the circle, keepers may only play the ball with their stick.
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
Work the ball away with the stick.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Keepers may play up to their own 23-metres line.
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
Out, arrive, stick, back.
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
Test 4Never on the ballTake a test
Goalkeepers must not lie on the ball.
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
Save, clear, rise, set.
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
Goalkeepers must not lie on the ball.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.3 · applied
Test 5High ballsTake a test
Reaction to high and low balls.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
High balls are met with the gloves or the stick.
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
Headgear must be worn at all times.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.1 · recall
Read, raise, save, clear.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Ground, low, high.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall
Hand up to a rising shot: a high save.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · applied
Test 6Low ballsTake a test
Stop the ball with two legs.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Kick the ball to the side.
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
Clear to the side, not the middle.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
See, close, stop, clear.
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
Stick laid low by the post: a stick save.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · applied
Test 7One against oneTake a test
To close down and communicate with the defenders.
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
Out, narrow, set, 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 out and setting against a lone attacker.
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
Away to the side, not into the middle.
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
Clear to the side of the circle.
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
See, reach, clear, recover.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall
Hard and wide is safest.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Skill plan · recall
Clearing with the stick.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · applied
Test 9Leading the corner defenceTake a test
The keeper immediately aligns in the direct line of the ball.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Goalkeeper · recall
The post player steps out at the feet of the goalkeeper.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Post player · recall
The goalkeeper steps out of the cage and saves direct shots.
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
Organise, align, step, save.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive penalty corners · recall
Keeper, post, then the runner.
Source: NFHCA, Penalty Corners: Positions and Basic Tactics (2022), Defensive corner · recall
Lined up for the shot with a post player: a corner.
Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Goalkeeper · applied
Test 10Facing a penalty strokeTake a test
Both feet on the goal-line.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e · recall
Must not leave the line or move either foot until the ball has been played.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e · recall
All other players must be outside the 23-metres area.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7b · recall
The ball is placed on the penalty spot.
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
Behind and within playing distance of the ball.
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
Clear, place, start, shoot.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7 · recall
Line, watch, go, save.
Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.7e · recall
One taker, keeper on the line: 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 10.25
- FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 10.45
- 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