Hockey rules for beginners

How a match works

• Two teams of 11 players (one goalkeeper), with up to 5 substitutes who can come on and off any number of times.
• A match is four quarters of 15 minutes, with 2-minute breaks after the first and third quarters and a 10-minute half-time.
• The team with more goals wins. In many tournaments a draw that needs a winner goes to a shoot-out: a player has 8 seconds to score one-on-one against the goalkeeper.
• There is no offside in hockey.

Using the stick and the ball

• Play the ball only with the flat side of the stick (and its edges); never with the rounded back.
• Field players may not stop, kick, carry or throw the ball with any part of the body. Only the goalkeeper may use their body in their own circle.
• Do not raise the ball dangerously. Lifting it with a controlled flick or scoop is allowed if it is safe.
• Do not hit, hook or hold an opponent's stick or body, and do not block an opponent with your body (obstruction).

Scoring a goal

A goal counts only when an attacker plays the ball inside the shooting circle (the D in front of the goal) and it goes fully over the goal line. A shot from outside the circle does not count, even if it goes in.

Free hits, penalty corners and penalty strokes

• Free hit: for most fouls, the other team restarts from where it happened. Opponents must be 5 metres away. The taker may pass to a team-mate or dribble it themselves (a self-pass).
• Penalty corner: for a defender's foul in their own circle (or a deliberate foul in their 23-metre area). The ball is pushed out from the back line; up to five defenders, including the goalkeeper, start behind the back line, and the attackers try a set-piece shot.
• Penalty stroke: when a defender's foul in the circle stops a probable goal. One attacker against the goalkeeper, from the penalty spot.

Cards

• Green card: warning and 2 minutes off the field.
• Yellow card: at least 5 minutes off the field.
• Red card: sent off for the rest of the match.

While a player is suspended, the team plays with one fewer player.

Tips for beginners

• Hold the stick with the left hand at the top and the right hand lower down; keep knees bent and stay low.
• Keep the ball on the flat side, slightly in front of you, when dribbling.
• Look up before you pass; quick passing beats long dribbles.
• Always wear shin guards and a mouth guard.