How to Avoid Penalties in Field Hockey

Learning the skills to play a sport is a big part of the game. But in field hockey, for example, knowing the penalties and how to avoid them will make for a faster-paced and cleaner game. It may also keep you out of some costly arguments with your opponents. Most penalties relate to stick use and ball movement.

Things You'll Need

  • Balls
  • Sticks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remember that your stick has a flat side and a rounded side. It is a penalty to hit the ball with anything other than the flat side of the stick.

    • 2

      Be careful not to shield the ball with your body; it's a penalty. Use your stick and keep the ball moving instead.

    • 3

      Watch that you use only your stick to advance the ball. No one except the goalie may use any part of the body to do this. Goalies can use their hands and feet.

    • 4

      Use safety as a guide when you're hitting that ball. If you're swinging your stick around like a helicopter in a way that is dangerous to other players, you're going to invite a penalty. This call is up to the officials, but use your best common sense. Keep the stick's swing below your knees and the ball low to the ground.

    • 5

      Fight the temptation to use your stick as a weapon. If you use it in a dangerous manner or threaten your opponents with it, you're going to get slapped with a penalty.