Hockey : General > Equipments > Best Players

The name Hockey is derived from the French word for the distinctive curved shape of a shepherd's crook - hocquet.

The aim of the game is very simple i.e. to hit the ball into the opponents' net. The team which scores the most goals wins the match.When the ball passes between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar a goal is scored. If both the teams score the same mumber of goals or no goals are scored, then the match is a draw. A pushback from the center spot is the start of the game.

Origins

Hockey is the simplest and oldest of the ball and stick games, and a medieval version of the game can be seen in the stained glass windows of Canterbury Cathedral.

Rules to play Hockey

Pitch

Now a days, most matches are played on synthetic or artificial pitches. As compared to football pitch, hockey pitch is slightly smaller. It measures 91.4m long and 58m wide. The long sides are called the sidelines while the short sides are called the backline. The shooting circle is marked 14.63m from each goalpost. Goals are 2.14m high, 3.66m wide and 0.91m deep. The backboard is 18 inches high.

Penalties

There are three types of penalties in hockey. Penalty is awarded depending on the seriousness of the offence and the location on the pitch where it took place.
1. Free Hit: Given for a technical offence in open play. Taken from close to where the offence occurred, but opposition players must be given time to move back five metres. If the hit is within five metres of the circle, all players except the person taking the free hit must be five metres away.
2. Penalty Corner: Given for a minor offence inside the shooting circle or anintentional foul within the 22m area. Taken from the back line between the 10m mark and the circle edge. A penalty corner is also awarded if a defender intentionally plays the ball over the back line.
3. Penalty Stroke: For a more serious offence inside the shooting circle, such as illegally stopping a probable goal. Taken from the spot directly in front of goal.

Cards

For rough or dangerous play, misconduct or intentional offences, cards are shown in matchs. For official warning to a player Green card is shown. A Yellow card means you will be off the pitch for five minutes or more. And Red card is given for more serious offences and sees the player leave the match for good.


Foul Play

Obstruction

A player is not allowed to

• back into an opponent
• physically interfere with the stick or body of an opponent
• shield the ball from a legitimate tackle with their stick or any part of their body
• run in front of or block an opponent to stop them legitimately playing or attempting to play the ball (this is third party or shadow obstruction).

This is to make sure all players have an equal chance to gain control of the ball.

Stick Tackling:
Hitting, hooking or holding an opponent's stick with your stick is not allowed. Also players are not allowed to play the ball with the back of the stick.

Feet:
Except goalkeepers none of the other players are allowed to use their feet in hockey.

Offside:
There is no such thing as offside in hockey.

Dangerous Play:
Players on the field must hold their stick and not use it in a dangerous way - for instance lifting it over the heads of others.
Players must not play the ball with any part of the stick when the ball is above shoulder height. Players must not play the ball dangerously or in a way which leads to dangerous play.
Players must not intentionally raise the ball from a hit except for a shot at goal.
Players are permitted to raise the ball with a flick or scoop provided it is not dangerous - if it is within five metres of an opponent it will be considered dangerous.
Players must not approach within five metres of an opponent receiving a falling raised ball until it has been received, controlled and is on the ground.