Information on Field Hockey Equipment

Field hockey is an ancient team sport played on a rectangular field. Players use a wooden stick to hit a ball past a goalie into a goal cage that measures 7 feet high, 12 feet wide and 4 feet deep. Today field hockey is played in 132 countries and is an Olympic sport.

  1. History

    • Despite being popular in Europe for thousands of years, field hockey has only been played in the United States since 1901. It became popular in women's schools and universities around the country. The United States Field Hockey Association was founded in 1922 to promote the sport. Men started playing the sport in the United States in 1928. Since there is little opportunity in the United States for boys to participate in the sport, it is played predominantly by women.

    Description

    • Field hockey is played on a grass or synthetic turf field that measures 100 yards by 60 yards. A semicircle 16 yards in diameter is drawn around the goal on each end. Each team consists of 10 players and a goaltender. Players use sticks to advance a ball into the opponents' goal. While the players are only allowed to advance the ball with their sticks, the goaltender can use any part of her body to block the ball.

    Ball

    • Originally a leather-covered cricket ball was used in field hockey. Today the ball is usually white plastic. Some field hockey balls are dimpled like golf balls. They weigh about 5½ ounces and are about 9 inches in circumference. A properly hit hockey ball can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.

    Hockey Stick

    • Most of today's field hockey sticks are made of wood and can be reinforced with fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon or dyneema. They are usually 36 to 38 inches long and have a flat striking surface. The back of the stick is rounded and cannot be used to strike the ball. The head of the stick is curved and can be one of several different shapes.

    Protective Equipment

    • The only protective equipment worn by the 10 players are shin guards and mouth guards. However, the goalies require more protective gear. They wear pads on their legs and protective boots called kickers. Padded gloves are used because the goalie can block the ball with her hand. Helmets with facemasks protect the goalie's head from the hard ball, and chest protectors may also be worn.

    Injury Prevention

    • Most injuries in field hockey occur after being hit by the stick or ball. Always use shin guards and good quality mouth guards when practicing or playing. In addition to these injuries, joint strain can also occur. Adequately stretch and warm-up prior to playing field hockey. Taping or bracing ankles may also help prevent these injuries.