Leisure Kicks - The essencial sport and leisure guide

Field hockey consists of two teams of 11, including one goal keeper. The goal keeper must be fully padded and wear a helmet, as the ball can move at fast speeds.

The game time is divided into two equal halves of 35 minutes each. When a goal is scored, the ball is re-started from centre field by the conceding team; at this point each team stands on the half of the pitch which they are defending, but the ball can be played in any direction. Players can only move the ball with the flat side of the stick, by ‘dribbling’ or pushing the ball along.

Pushing and shoving players isn't allowed, but tackling is allowed as long as you don’t make contact with your opponent or their stick before touching the ball in their possession. Free hits are awarded only when an offence has been committed outside the scoring circle.

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Watch here for the International Hockey Federation’s guide to the basics