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Field Hockey · Level 6: Advanced · Sub-level 6.1

Match Statistics

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 31 October 2026 · markdown

Match statistics turn a hockey game into numbers, and the KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide treats them as a starting point for analysis rather than an answer. Possession is the share of playing time each team controlled the ball, and territory shows how much play happened in each part of the field. Neither tells the whole story: counter-attacking teams can score from little possession, and safe passing at the back keeps the ball for long spells. The guide divides the field into three zones, and the closer to the opponents' goal, the more an action counts.

Analysts count each time a team gets the ball into the attacking circle, since a goal can only be scored from a ball played in the circle (Rule 8.1). Entries without shots show the attack breaking down, while quality entries create shots or penalty corners. Penalty corners are among the best scoring chances in hockey, and a turnover, when the defending team gets the ball, often starts a quick attack. The guide's advice is to focus on a few key aspects each match and to pair numbers with video, because numbers show what happened and video shows how and why.

The facts below cover possession and territory, circle entries, shots and shots on goal, penalty corners won and converted, turnovers, tackles and interceptions, passing numbers, goalkeeper saves, reading a stats sheet and what numbers miss.

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 1Possession and territoryTake a test

  1. It is a share of match time: 60% means that team had the ball for about six minutes in every ten. By itself it says nothing about chances created.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  2. Territory is about location, not time on the ball: a team with high territory spends most of the match in the opponents' half, even if it holds the ball little.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  3. Counter-attacking teams can score from little possession.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey · recall

  4. Safe passing at the back keeps the ball for long spells.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey · recall

  5. Being pinned back under a press keeps the ball deep.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  6. Possession near the opponents' circle matters more than at the back.

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

  7. The guide divides the field into three zones for pressing and analysis.

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

  8. The closer to the opponents' goal, the more it counts.

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

  9. The raw share means little alone: placing it on the field and setting it against chances created turns it into a conclusion a coach can use.

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

  10. Heavy shading in the defensive third means plenty of passing at the back but little threat near the opponents' circle.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses · applied

Test 2Circle entriesTake a test

  1. The count is made whenever the ball is played or carried into the attacking circle, because goals can only be scored from there.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  2. Every goal must be struck from inside the circle, so entries measure how often a team gets a chance to score at all, not just how long it holds the ball.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 8.1 · recall

  3. Entries without shots show the attack breaking down in the circle.

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

  4. Right-side entries suit the forehand of the carrier.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  5. Quality entries create shots or penalty corners.

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

  6. Entries need runners and finishers to become goals.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · recall

  7. Width spreads defenders and opens routes into the circle.

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

  8. Coding follows the attack as it unfolds: the team wins the ball, enters the circle, takes a shot, and the shot ends as a goal or a save.

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

  9. A goal is worth most, a lost ball least.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  10. Crossing the circle line with the ball counts as an entry whether it is carried or passed in; no shot or corner is needed for it to be logged.

    Source: General field hockey reference · applied

Test 3Shots and shots on goalTake a test

  1. A shot on goal would have gone in or been saved; one that misses the frame is only a shot. The gap between the two shows accuracy.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  2. A goal is valid only if the ball is played by an attacker inside the circle, so a long hit from the 23 cannot score even if it ends up in the net.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 8.1 · recall

  3. If shots keep missing the frame, the team is creating opportunities but wasting them, which points at finishing technique or composure rather than a lack of chances.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall

  4. Goals divided by shots.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  5. Shot location shows chance quality.

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

  6. A touch at the post may be logged as part of another shot.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  7. Patient attacks seek higher-quality chances.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 2 · recall

  8. A wide shot gives the attack nothing, a saved shot tests the keeper and may leave a rebound or corner, and a goal is the full reward.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  9. The closer, the better the chance.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  10. Only shots that would reach the goal count as on target; one passing outside the post is a shot in the total but not a shot on goal.

    Source: General field hockey reference · applied

Test 4Penalty corners won and convertedTake a test

  1. Goals from corners divided by corners won.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  2. Penalty corners are among the best scoring chances in hockey.

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

  3. A strong drag-flicker turns corners into goals.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  4. The evaluation leads to set-piece work in training.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match · recall

  5. Corners conceded come from defending errors in the circle.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 12.3 · recall

  6. Time and play are stopped on the award of a penalty corner.

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

  7. Each routine's success guides training.

    Source: NFHCA, Penalty Corners: Positions and Basic Tactics (2022), Basic options · recall

  8. Each corner is logged from the award through the injection and the shot to its outcome, so conversion can be traced step by step.

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

  9. 10%, 30%, 50%.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  10. Conversion is goals divided by corners won; many corners but few goals means a low ratio, so the routine needs work.

    Source: General field hockey reference · applied

Test 5TurnoversTake a test

  1. The team that loses the ball is said to turn it over, and the opponents gain possession, so the same event is a loss for one side and a gain for the other.

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

  2. A ball lost close to your goal gives a short route to a shot.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey · recall

  3. The full press aims to win the ball in the turnover.

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

  4. Loose control and pressure produce turnovers.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Turnover and dominance · recall

  5. A turnover often starts a quick attack.

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

  6. Safe options under pressure reduce losses.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure · recall

  7. A defender's lost ball is closest to goal.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  8. The nearer your goal, the worse.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey · recall

  9. A counter flows straight from the turnover: the opponent gains the ball, releases it forward while the defence is out of shape, and shoots.

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

  10. Lost balls near your own circle are the costliest turnovers, because the opponents are then only a pass or two from a shot.

    Source: General field hockey reference · applied

Test 6Tackles and interceptionsTake a test

  1. Interceptions cut out passes; tackles win the ball from a carrier.

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

  2. Cutting out a pass means the defender saw it coming and moved early, which shows good positioning rather than last-ditch tackling.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defending outside the circle · recall

  3. A missed tackle can be worse than none.

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

  4. Standing side-on lets the defender watch both the ball and the passer and step quickly into the line of the pass.

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

  5. Defending deep means the press is not stopping them.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey · recall

  6. Passes through a congested area are intercepted.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press · recall

  7. Fouls in dangerous areas concede free hits or corners.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 12 · recall

  8. An interception comes while the ball is still travelling, a tackle when a carrier is challenged, and picking up a loose ball beside an opponent is the closest of the three.

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

  9. Positives first, then misses and fouls.

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

  10. Stepping into the line of a pass to win the ball before the receiver controls it is an interception, not a tackle.

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

Test 7Passing numbersTake a test

  1. Completed passes divided by passes attempted.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  2. Many safe passes may not move the ball forward.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey · recall

  3. Penetrating passes beat lines but are easier to intercept.

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

  4. Passing maps show the hubs of the team, often the pivot.

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

  5. Long passes travel further through traffic.

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

  6. The pivot touches the ball most.

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

  7. A fast pass that misses the receiver gives the ball away, while an accurate one lets the receiver control it and play on at once.

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

  8. The deeper into the opponents' area, the harder.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  9. Both counts come first so a completion rate can be worked out; direction and key links then show whether the passing moves the team forward and who connects it.

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

  10. The hub is the player most passes run through; here the lines converge on the central midfielder, who links defence and attack.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side · applied

Test 8Goalkeeper savesTake a test

  1. Saves divided by shots on goal.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  2. A keeper facing close shots has a harder job.

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

  3. Clearing quickly gives fewer rebounds.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall

  4. Saves that drop in front invite rebounds.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall

  5. Late deflections leave no time to react.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  6. Corner defending is a set piece of its own.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive penalty corners · recall

  7. Good clearances to team-mates turn defence into attack.

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

  8. The line starts with the keeper's workload (shots faced), then the outcomes (saves and goals conceded), and finally clearances, the help given to the team.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  9. Save percentage is saves divided by shots on goal, so 90% means nine of every ten shots on target were stopped: the best of the three.

    Source: General field hockey reference · recall

  10. A save that drops in front of goal gives attackers a second chance, so analysts log it apart from a clean clearance to the side.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · applied

Test 9Reading a stats sheetTake a test

  1. A sheet holds too many figures to use at once; choosing a few tied to the match plan keeps the feedback clear and usable.

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

  2. Assess if the tactical tasks set to the team were carried out.

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

  3. Strong and weak points show up in comparison.

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

  4. Patterns shift as fatigue and tactics change.

    Source: FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 5.1 · recall

  5. A team leading late plays differently.

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

  6. Feedback should be short and clear.

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

  7. Identify what will be incorporated in the next training sessions.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match · recall

  8. The numbers are narrowed first, tested against the plan, explained by video, and only then turned into a training plan.

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

  9. Video adds the most context.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  10. Circling three numbers shows the coach picking out the few figures that matter instead of reading the whole sheet to the team.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Match analysis · applied

Test 10What numbers missTake a test

  1. Decoy runs create space but leave no number.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the strikers · recall

  2. Positioning closes space before a tackle is needed.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic defensive rules · recall

  3. Talk keeps cover and marking right but is not counted.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 1 · recall

  4. Numbers show what; video shows how and why.

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

  5. Key incidents are lost in totals.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  6. If you pay attention to everything you will miss the important things.

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

  7. The mental side of a match is hard to count.

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

  8. Goals are obvious; space is hard to measure.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide · recall

  9. Figures come first, video explains them, players add what the camera cannot show, and the review ends in a decision about training.

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

  10. Decoy runs leave no figure on the sheet.

    Source: KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the strikers · applied

Questions people ask

What does possession measure in hockey?
It is the share of playing time each team controlled the ball. Territory adds where on the field the play happened.
Can a team score a lot with little possession?
Yes. The KNHB/SAHA guide notes that counter-attacking teams can score from little possession, and that possession near the opponents' circle matters more than at the back.
What counts as a circle entry?
Each time a team gets the ball into the attacking circle. Entries that produce no shots show the attack breaking down, while quality entries create shots or penalty corners.
How is a penalty corner conversion rate worked out?
By dividing goals from corners by corners won. Penalty corners are among the best scoring chances in hockey, so many corners with few goals means low conversion.
What is the difference between an interception and a tackle?
An interception cuts out a pass, while a tackle wins the ball from a carrier. Interceptions show anticipation.
How is a goalkeeper's save rate calculated?
As saves divided by shots on goal. A keeper facing close shots has a harder job, so the figure needs context.
What do match statistics miss?
Key incidents are lost in totals, and decoy runs, talk and the mental side of a match leave no figure on the sheet. Numbers show what happened, video shows how and why.
How many things should a coach analyse after a match?
A few key aspects only. The guide warns that paying attention to everything means missing the important things.

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 Guide, Match analysis17
  • General field hockey reference16
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide11
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Glossary7
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Systems in hockey6
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 15
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive presses4
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Eleven-a-side3
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting under pressure2
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 8.12
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Phase 22
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Six-a-side2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Penalty corners2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Evaluates the match2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Outletting2
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Role of the strikers2
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 12.31
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 13.3a1
  • NFHCA, Penalty Corners: Positions and Basic Tactics (2022), Basic options1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Full press1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Turnover and dominance1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defending outside the circle1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Patience1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Important1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Half court press1
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 121
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Defensive penalty corners1
  • FIH Rules of Hockey 2027 (player's view), Rule 5.11
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Communication1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Basic defensive rules1
  • KNHB/SAHA Field Hockey Activity Guide, Warm-up1