Rules Of Field Hockey

There are many rules of field hockey that one should know before playing this sport. If you don't fully understand all the rules, odds are that you won't have many players on your team to happy. Below are the main rules of field hockey.

1. The Game. There are two 20-25 minute halves within each game of field hockey. Each game has 11 players on each team, including a goal keeper. A goal is scored whenever the attacker hits the ball into the goal.
2. The many fouls a player can make. The player cannot shield the ball from an opponent with their stick, cannot play the ball on the side of the stick that is rounded, and cannot shove or trip their opponent. It is also considered a foul if you stop the ball in the air or the ground with any part of your body. Keep this rule of field hockey in mind every time you play.
3. The Push-In. A push-in can be given to the opposition of a player if the player hits the ball over the sideline. To avoid this, all players and their sticks need to be at least 5 yards away from where the ball is put into play.
4. Scoring goals. A goal is scored when the ball passes over the goal line between the goal post. They are usually positioned on each end line. To get a score though, the ball has to be struck by a player in the striking circle, or touch the stick of an attacking player.
5. The ball. The ball is to be moved toward the goal by using the flat, left-handed side of the stick. You can only dribble or push the ball along. The ball is one of the most important rules of field hockey that needs to be kept in mind- as it is the main object of the game of field hockey.