What Equipment Is Needed for Field Hockey?

Field hockey is a popular international sport consisting of two teams of 11 players each. Players score by hitting the ball into the other team's goal. While field hockey resembles other types of hockey in terms of rules, the required equipment is different.

  1. Balls

    • Field hockey uses solid plastic balls that range in weight from 5 1/2 to 5 3/4 ounces and are 8 13/16 to 9 1/4 inches in diameter. Field hockey balls are typically white, but other colors can be used if teams agree in advance.

    Sticks

    • Field hockey sticks range in length from 36 1/2 to 37 1/2 inches and consist of a straight handle with a curved head. The playing side is flat and smooth, while the back of the stick is rounded and smooth.

    Toe Lengths

    • The toe, or the head, of a hockey stick is typically classified as shorti, midi or hook. The toe length varies according to position.

    Goalie Equipment

    • The goalkeeper's equipment includes leg pads, hand pads, boots and a full helmet that offers full-face protection.

    Playing Field

    • The playing field measures 100 yards long and 60 yards wide, and is divided in half by a center line. Each half is further divided by a 25-yard line.

    Goals

    • Field hockey goals measure 7 feet high, 12 feet wide and 4 feet deep.