In this category, we will discuss and provide resources for field hockey, a game played on a rectangular field between two teams of 11 players each, using curved sticks to drive a small, leather-covered ball into the opponent's goal.
The game's origins go back thousands of years. Variations of stick-and-ball games were played in ancient Greece, Egypt, and Persia. However, the modern form of field hockey emerged in the mid-19th century in England. The first formalized rules were established in London in 1852, and the game quickly spread through British schools and the military. Field hockey made its Olympic debut in 1908 for men and, after much advocacy, in 1980 for women.
India and Pakistan initially dominated the sport on an international level. In recent decades, however, the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, and Argentina have also risen to prominence, especially in men's and women's competitions.
Although field hockey and ice hockey share part of a name, they are distinct in their playing surface, equipment, and rules. Ice hockey is played on a frozen rink with skates and a puck, whereas field hockey is played on grass or artificial turf with a ball. However, there are similarities. Both sports emphasize fast-paced gameplay, skillful stick handling, and teamwork.
Ice hockey began as a variant of field hockey. Globally, field hockey is more widely played than ice hockey, but in North America, ice hockey dominates in terms of viewership. While field hockey has a broader global reach in terms of participation, ice hockey often garners more media coverage and fan engagement, particularly in North America and parts of Europe.
Field hockey is played between two teams of 11 players, including a goalkeeper. The objective is to score goals by striking a small, hard ball into the opposing team's net using curved sticks.
A match consists of four 15-minute quarters. The playing area is rectangular, measuring 100 yards by 60 yards. Players are allowed to use only the flat side of the stick. Actions like using the back of the stick, raising the stick dangerously, or obstructing an opponent can result in penalties. Goals can only be scored from within the penalty circle, also known as the "D."
Success in the game relies on a balance of individual skills and team coordination. Key strategies include passing and positioning to create opportunities to outmaneuver opponents. Aggressive defensive tactics are used to regain possession of the ball quickly. Players will generally spread out to create openings in the opposition's defense. Penalty corners are a critical aspect where teams employ set-piece strategies to score.
Field hockey has inspired some variants, such as indoor field hockey and Hockey5s, both of which may be featured in this category, along with field hockey, although they are unique sports.
In indoor field hockey, each team has six players on the field at a time. Many of the rules from field hockey remain in indoor field hockey, including obstruction and feet; there are several variations. Players may not raise the ball unless they are shooting at goal, and players may not hit the ball but instead push it to transfer it. The sidelines are replaced with solid barriers, from which the ball will rebound and remain in play. In addition, the indoor field hockey stick is slightly thinner and lighter than the one used in field hockey.
Hockey5s features five players on each team, including a goalkeeper. The field is approximately half the size of the playing surface used in field hockey. Few additional markings are needed as there is no penalty circle or penalty corners; shots can be taken from anywhere on the pitch. Penalty strokes are replaced by a "challenge," like the one-on-one method used in a penalty shoot-out. The match lasts three 12-minute periods with an interval of two minutes between periods; golden goal periods are multiple 5-minute periods. The rules are simpler, and the game is faster, creating more shots on goal with less play in midfield, which is attractive to spectators.
Topics related to field hockey, indoor field hockey, or Hockey5s are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Powered by a team of experienced players, coaches, and field hockey experts dedicated to helping others improve and succeed in the sport. The website offers in-depth articles, tutorials, and tips on skills, strategies, and techniques, catering to players at every skill level. Examples include "Understanding the Physical Demands of Field Hockey," "Building Endurance for Field Hockey," "Strength and Power Exercises for Field Hockey Players," and "Agility and Speed Development."
https://fieldhockeylab.com/
Field Hockey West is a regional chapter of the United States Field Hockey Association dedicated to promoting field hockey in the Western United States and Canada. Its mission, members, sponsorship opportunities, and contact data are provided, along with regional and national schedules, camps, clinics, and other upcoming programs and events. Resources for players, coaches, and umpires are provided, along with the game rules, regional and national news, and a photo gallery.
https://www.fieldhockeywest.org/
International Hockey Federation
The International Hockey Federation, commonly known by the acronym FIH, is the international governing body of field hockey and indoor field hockey. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FIH is responsible for field hockey's major international tournaments, notably the Hockey World Cup. Matches and hockey live scores are published on the website, which highlights events, such as the World Cup, Youth Olympic Games, FIH Pro League, Hockey Nations Cup, Hockey5s Tour, and others.
https://www.fih.hockey/
National Field Hockey Coaches Association
The NFHCA is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating field hockey coaches and the sport itself. The organization provides resources like coaching education, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. They also recognize excellence through various awards for athletes, teams, and coaches. The NFHCA hosts an annual convention, which brings together coaches for networking, learning, and celebrating achievements, as well as other events.
https://nfhca.org/
The NFHL is a governing body for collegiate club field hockey in the United States. Established in 1997, the organization acts to promote and grow the sport through a member-centered structure, improving access to competitive play, and fostering community through tournaments and educational training. Its website highlights tournaments, standings, and membership opportunities. Membership requirements and responsibilities, schedules, results, and scores are included.
https://nationalfieldhockeyleague.com/
USA Field Hockey is the national governing body for field hockey in the United States and a member organization of the United States Olympic Committee and the International Hockey Federation. Founded in 1922 with the merger of the U.S. Field Hockey Association and the Field Hockey Association of America, the organization is responsible for the U.S. Men's and Women's National Field Hockey teams. Team USA, membership information, events, and contacts are featured.
https://www.usafieldhockey.com/
