Field hockey

Relief pentelic marble "Ball Players" 510-500 BC, NAMA 3476 102587

London 1908 Hockey

Dhyan Chand 1936 final

Hockey field metric

UVA field hockey

Field Hockey is a team sport played on a grass or synthetic field, known for its fast-paced nature and requirement of skillful ball handling and teamwork. The game is played globally, with a significant following in countries such as Australia, Netherlands, Germany, India, and Pakistan. It is governed internationally by the Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH), which oversees the sport's rules and regulations, as well as the organization of major international competitions.

History

The origins of field hockey can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but the modern form of the game developed in the British Isles in the 19th century. It was introduced as an Olympic sport for men at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, and for women at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.

Gameplay

A field hockey game is played between two teams of eleven players, including the goalkeeper. The objective is to score goals by hitting, pushing, or flicking a small, hard ball into the opposing team's goal using a hooked stick. The game consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes, with breaks in between for teams to rest and strategize.

Equipment

Players use a wooden or composite hockey stick with a curved head to play the ball. They also wear protective gear, including shin guards, mouthguards, and, for goalkeepers, padded gloves, body armor, and helmets. The ball used in field hockey is small, hard, and usually white or brightly colored to be visible on the playing surface.

Field

The field hockey pitch is a rectangular grass or synthetic turf field, 91.4 meters long and 55 meters wide. It is marked with a center line, a 23-meter line on each side, and a striking circle (D-shaped area) around each goal. The goals are 3.66 meters wide and 2.14 meters high.

Rules and Regulations

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) sets the official rules for field hockey. Some key rules include: - Players can only hit the ball with the flat side of their stick. - The ball must be played with skill and control; dangerous play is penalized. - Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their body to block the ball within the penalty circle. - Field players must not use their feet to control the ball. - Penalties, such as penalty corners and penalty strokes, are awarded for specific fouls within the defensive quarter and penalty circle.

Major Competitions

Field hockey features several major international competitions, including the Hockey World Cup, the Olympic Games field hockey tournament, and the Hockey Champions Trophy. Regional competitions, such as the European Hockey Championship, Asia Cup, and Pan American Games, also hold significant importance in the international field hockey calendar.

Popularity and Growth

Field hockey enjoys a high level of popularity in certain regions, with professional leagues in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The sport's inclusion in the Olympic Games and its global competitions have helped to maintain its status as a major world sport. Efforts by the FIH to promote and develop the game globally include initiatives to increase participation at the grassroots level and to enhance the visibility of major tournaments.