How to Play Field Hockey

If you want off the ice or it never interested you in the first place, field hockey is a great, fast-paced alternative. Learning to play is a combination of knowing the game's rules and learning how to control the ball with a stick.

Things You'll Need

  • Balls
  • Sticks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up teams of 11 players each, which will be split into offensive and defensive positions. Game play usually consists of two 30-minute halves.

    • 2

      Remember that the point of the game is to put the ball in the opponent's goal. Field hockey is a passing game, where the ball is moved via passing, dribbling and hitting.

    • 3

      Set up the field with a goal on either end. There should be a striking circle in front of each goal, like a penalty box. Goals are scored when the ball goes into the goal after touching the stick of a player in the striking circle.

    • 4

      Mark a midfield circle at the half line. This is where the ball is put into play after each goal and at the beginning of each half. The game is started by passing the ball back to a teammate.

    • 5

      Get to know the different offensive positions. The forwards are the offensive front line and do the majority of the attacking. The midfielders offer attack support for the offense.

    • 6

      Learn the defensive positions. The midfielders, in addition to supporting the offense, also serve as the first line of defense. The fullbacks are the primary defenders. The goalkeeper is in charge of keeping the ball out of the goal.

    • 7

      Familiarize yourself with the different penalties that you can face for unsafe stick handling (see "eHow to Avoid Penalties in Field Hockey"). The referee can award free hits for intentional or unintentional fouls, so saying you didn't mean to won't save you from losing possession of the ball.