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Field Hockey 101

Welcome! Whether your athlete is brand new or just getting started, this page gives families a quick, friendly overview of what field hockey is, how it’s played, and what to expect at each age level.

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Click here to learn more from USA Field Hockey

What Is Field Hockey?

Field hockey is a fast-paced team sport played with sticks and a ball. The objective is simple: work together to move the ball down the field and score goals by hitting or deflecting the ball into the goal from inside the shooting circle.

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It is one of the most popular sports in the world, played in over 140 countries, and has been part of the Olympic Games since 1908. Field hockey is known for being inclusive, skill-focused, and fun for all ages. 

 

Field hockey dates back thousands of years, with early versions played in ancient civilizations. The modern game took shape in England in the 1800s and quickly spread worldwide. Today, field hockey is played at youth, high school, college, adult, and international levels—including the Olympics.

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How the Game Works

  • Teams play with field players and a goalkeeper

  • Players use the flat side of the stick only (there is no left-handed stick)

  • Goals count only if the ball is hit or deflected from inside the shooting circle

  • Players may not use their feet to control the ball

  • The game emphasizes passing, positioning, and teamwork over physical contact

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Depending on age and level, games may be played on a full field or in smaller-sided formats.

Why Families Love Field Hockey

  • Emphasizes skill, fitness, and teamwork

  • Considered a safe sport with low rates of serious injury

  • Offers opportunities from youth programs through college and beyond

  • Builds confidence, coordination, and sportsmanship

Fun Field Hockey Facts

  • Field hockey is usually called just “hockey” outside the U.S., Canada, and Argentina

  • It is the third most popular sport in the world, behind soccer and cricket

  • The sound of the ball hitting the goal boards is unique to field hockey

  • Players of all sizes and skill levels can succeed

Equipment Checklist

Field Players

Required:

  • Field hockey stick (correct height)

  • Mouth guard

  • Shin guards

  • Cleats or sneakers

  • Water bottle

 

Optional:

  • Goggles / Eye protection

Goalie

Goalkeepers wear specialized protective gear including a helmet, leg guards, kickers, chest protector, gloves, and throat protection.

What size stick do I need?

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What Play Looks Like by Age Group

Grades 3/4

Learn & Love the Game

  • Introductory 7v7 game play

  • Focus on fun, fundamentals, and confidence

  • Basic stick skills, dribbling, and passing

  • Flexible positions and frequent substitutions

Grades 5/6

Build Skills & Game Awareness

  • Increased structure and teamwork (7v7)

  • Introduction to positions (forward, midfield, defense)

  • Emphasis on passing, spacing, and basic strategy

  • Rules begin to resemble traditional field hockey

Grades 7/8

Compete & Prepare

  • More defined positions and formations (11v11)

  • Advanced skills such as shooting, defending, and transitions

  • Emphasis on decision-making, fitness, and teamwork

  • Prepares athletes for high school-level play

Emma Watson

Jennifer Garner

Amy Poehler

Cate Blanchett

Pink

Taylor Swift

Kamala Harris

Princess Kate

Sue Bird

Julie Foudy

Actors & Entertainers Who Played Field Hockey

Ready to Play?

Field hockey is a sport for life—welcoming beginners, encouraging growth, and building confidence on and off the field. We’re excited to help athletes learn, grow, and have fun with the game!

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