Hockey player positions and playing

area
Playing area
A competitive hockey match is played on a large rectangular grassy field or, more typically, an
artificial turf that is 91.40 m (100 yards) × 55 m (60 yards).

Inside the pitch are a series of very precise inner markings:

 Goal - these are placed at the end of the pitch and consist of two posts and a crossbar.
The inner edges of the posts must be 3.7 metres wide, the bottom of the crossbar must be 2.1
metres above the ground and the goal must be 90 cm in depth.
 Penalty circle - a goal in hockey can only be scored if the shot is struck inside the
penalty circle and fully passes over the goal line. A goalkeeper can play the ball with any part
of their body in this area and defenders who foul attacking players inside the area will be
punished with a penalty corner for the opposition.
 Half way line - this line divides the pitch in two and is used to begin and resume a match
following a goal.
 23-metre line - a number of rules relate to this line with the umpire awarding free-hits
from this position. In addition, it is also used by the attacking team to resume play when a ball
has passed the backline.
 Penalty corners - although this does not have a specific mark on the pitch, a penalty
corner is taken on the backline inside the circle from a mark at least 10 metres from the goal
post, from whichever side of the goal the attacking team prefers.

Players
A hockey team consists of 11 players per side and is divided into forward, midfield, defending
and goalkeeping positions. Like most sports the team has very clear roles to support their overall
success:

 Goalkeeper - the goalkeeper is responsible for the defensive circle and should support
the leadership of the defence.
 Defenders - similar to all invasion games, the defence must work as a unit and limit the
opposition's chances of scoring. However, the modern game dictates that they also have
attacking responsibilities. Defence positions include:
 o right half
o left half
o right back
o left back
 Midfielders - the midfielders are required to support and contribute to the attack through
the inside right and inside left positions, whilst maintaining key defensive responsibilities. The
midfield needs to stop attacks through the middle of the field and in possession be good
distributors of the ball. Midfield positions include:
o inside right
o inside left
o centre half
 Attackers - the attackers are responsible for generating and scoring opportunities, but
they are also the first line of defence. A team's ability to 'reverse press' (putting defenders
under pressure) is an essential part of the modern game. Attacking positions include:
o right wing
o left wing
o centre forward

Hockey scoring, rules and officials

Scoring
In hockey, a goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes between the goalposts and travels
fully over the goal line. However, a goal is not awarded until the referee has signalled this and
they are confident that no infringement of the rules has been committed.

The team at the end of 70 minutes with the most goals will be awarded the winners. However, in
the event that both teams have the same score, a draw is recorded.

Rules
 A hockey team is made up of 11 players and six substitutes.
 All players on the pitch must have a hockey stick.
 Players may only use one side of the stick to hit the ball.
 The ball can only be passed or dribbled using the stick.
 A hockey player (goalkeeper excluded) cannot intentionally play the ball with other body
parts.
 A foul is awarded to the opposition if a player purposely tries to hit the ball off another
player with the intent of causing harm.
 Players are not permitted to hit the ball with the rounded side of their hockey stick.
 Players must not raise the hockey stick above waist height.
 Players must not hit a hockey stick off an opponent to interfere with play.

Officials
During a competitive game of hockey, there are two umpires responsible for upholding the laws
of the game. The umpire’s decision is always final and to ensure all players are aware of their
decision they have a number of signals to reinforce the call.