Hockey is one of the most popular games across the globe. The game is played in almost 100 countries across the globe. The sport's origin is in Egypt, but the modern form which we see now is said to be originated in Britain.

Hockey that we see today has witnessed radical changes, and the modern game is played based on rules and regulations. The International Federation of Hockey formulates the rules of field hockey. Therefore, we doubt how to play the hockey game while seeing these games. Here we are discussing a few facts, including how to play a hockey game and field hockey rules.

How To Play Hockey?

Field hockey or hockey is played between two opposing players with 11 players on each side, where they use specially designed curved bats to score goals. The team that successfully scores the most goals will win the contest. The game consists of two halves with 35 minutes in each half, which begins with a non-defended pass from one teammate to another at mid-field. Goals are scored when the ball passes the goal line, which the bat of the attacker hits. When a goal is scored, the team gets one point. The goal is only valid if its hit from the flat side of the curved, 

Game Facts

Field Hockey is an eleven aside game played on a pitch 100 yards by 60 yards divided by a center line and a 25-yard line on each side of the field. The striking circle is marked 16 yards from the goalposts. The goal post is 7 feet high, 12 feet wide, and 4 feet deep in standard matches. The balls used It is about 9 inches in circumference. The stick is usually 36 to 38 inches long and weighs 340 to 790 grams.

10 Basic Rules Of Field Hockey

The hockey game has been in a transition for many years, and there have been considerable changes in the rules of field hockey. When we see someone playing a game or on the television, we may think about how to play a hockey game. Here we are listing out 10 basic rules of field hockey which you wish to know

• While playing hockey, you can only use the flat side of the stick to hit the ball.

• You are not allowed to touch the ball using your feet or other body parts unless you are the goalkeeper.

• A goal can only be scored from a field goal, penalty stroke or penalty corner.
• Being a player, you cannot push or physically handle the opposite player as it's a non-contact sport. The referee can charge from free hit to penalty corner for the same.

• The ball cannot go on air, especially in free hits, which can be decided by the referee, where there is an exception in goals.

• A penalty corner can be awarded to the attacking side when the defending side commits an offense that has prevented an almost specific goal.

• When taking a hit into the circle, you cannot directly hit it, whether it is a free hit or a long hit. Instead, you must pass it first or carry the ball for 5 yards before hitting the ball into the circle.

• A corner hit will be called if a foul occurs in either team's circle.

• Raise the stick in a dangerous or intimidating manner while approaching can be called a foul

• Two players from separate teams can chase the ball, but if another player gets involved, it's called a third party, and the ball goes to the team with only one player involved in the third party.

Fouls Or Punishments In Hockey

Two umpires on the hockey field are usually responsible for each half of the pitch. They have authority over the gameplay and can decide the fouls in the game.

Penalty Corner: A penalty corner is awarded to the attacking side when the defending team fouls in the shooting circle or intentionally sends the ball past the finish line.

Free Hit: When a foul occurs on the field, the opposing team is awarded a free hit, which must be taken near the location where the violation happened.

Penalty Stroke: When the defense either commits a deliberate foul inside their opponent's attacking circle or purposely fouls inside the shooting circle, preventing a goal from being scored, a penalty stroke is awarded.

Final Thoughts

It's satisfying to watch the ball gets whacked using the long stick. Hockey has got great relevance in the current generation, especially for kids. The game helps to develop hand-eye coordination, improves the resistance power of their hands, and increases the spontaneous responses and reactions during the game. If you wish to help your kids know how to play hockey, we can help you. Sportstoon App provides easy access to learning correct sports techniques and related physical exercises/activities. The same can be learned online without a personalized coach in the initial sports learning stage. So let’s start learning hockey with Sportstoon.