There are 11 players in a hockey team; 10 out field players and 1 goal keeper.
Pitch Lines
Game length
Games are played in 2 halves, with each half lasting 35 minutes. Younger children sometimes play shorter
games. There is normally a 5 minute break in between each half.
At the start of the game, the umpire will toss a coin and the team who win the coin toss decide if they take the
first centre pass or choose the goal they will defend in the first half.
Basic Rules
The ball can only be played using the flat part of the stick.
A goal is scored when a player strikes the ball into the goal from within the striking circle.
When a goal is scored, the ball gets placed back in the centre and the team who did not score re-start.
Players cannot raise the stick above the waist in a dangerous manner while attempting to play or stop
the ball.
The ball can only be played with the stick. A ‘foul’ is given if a player tries to stop or play the ball with
any body part intentionally.
Players cannot obstruct another player getting the ball with their stick or body. All players must have an
equal chance to gain control of the ball as it is dribbled or passed down the field.
If the ball goes out of the playing area, the team who did not play it out gets to pass it back into play
using a push pass or hit.
A ‘green’ card is given to a player as a warning. A ‘yellow’ card suspends a player for a minimum of 5
minutes and a ‘red’ card permanently suspends a player for the rest of the game.
At the end of the game players from opposite team shake hands.
Basic Skills
Basic Grip
All hockey sticks are right handed
Place the left hand at the top of the stick
Place the right hand where the grip meets the wooden part of the stick
The stick should be held out the right hand side, in front of the body
Dribbling
Straight
Use the basic grip
Hold the stick in front and slightly to the right of your body
Keep the stick in contact with the ball during the dribble — this will allow for
easy passing
Run forward with the ball on your stick
Keep your head up and look for passing options
Dribbling
Indian/ Slalom
Place your hands in the basic hand grip
Your left hand should turn to the right and rotate the stick 180 degrees
Your right hand does not turn; it stays loosely in place to keep control of the stick
Keep both the ball and stick in front of your body
Push the ball flat across your body and to the left
Turn the stick over and reverse push the ball to the right
Repeat continually throughout the dribble
Scan the field for passing or shooting options
Passing/ Scoring:
Push Pass
Place your hands in the basic grip
The left side of your body should be facing the target
Place the ball to the right of your body, in line with your back foot
Bend your knees and keep low
Shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you push
the ball forward and across your body
You can step or stay stationary for the push, just make sure your left
foot is pointed towards the target
Keep the stick on the ball for as long as possible and follow through by
continuing the swing after the ball has been released (don’t bring it higher than waist-height)
The tip of the stick should be pointing at the target on the follow through
Hit
Place your hands together at the top of the stick
Your left foot should be pointed towards your target with your left shoulder
facing the target
Position the ball in line with your front foot
Bend your knees and get low
Keep your head still and level
Step towards the ball with your left foot. As you stride forward, bend your right
knee and let it sink low to the ground
As you are stepping forward, bring the stick back, cock your wrists, and do not
raise it above your shoulder
Swing across your body and through the ball. Shift your weight from your back foot
to your front foot
After striking the ball continue your swing until the stick is level with your hips
For immediate feedback on your swing, stop your follow-through as soon as the stick reaches your
waist and make sure the toe of the stick is pointing at the target
