Interactive Explainer
Field HockeyRead the Gamefrom the Bench
Pick a formation, tap any player to learn their role, and decode the rules that trip up new parents at the sideline.
Sport DNA
Youth Field (7v7)
~55–65 yds × 35–45 yds
Half-pitch or marked multi-use field common
Full Field
100 yds × 60 yds
Shooting circle (~16 yd D) in front of each goal
Goal Size
12 ft wide × 7 ft tall
Goals only count from inside the circle
Stick Length
28–38 in (youth by height)
Flat side only — back of stick is illegal
Ball
~9 in circumference
Hard plastic — denser than it looks
Players per Side
11 (full) · 7 (youth 7v7)
Includes 1 goalkeeper
Match Length
4 × 15 min (FIH)
Youth often 4 × 10–12 min quarters
Countries Playing
140+ FIH members
Olympic sport · strong in Europe, Asia, Oceania
Founded
England · mid-1800s
Modern club rules from the late 19th century
4-3-3 Standard
A balanced formation with four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards. The wide midfielders and forwards stretch the defense while the center midfielder controls possession in the middle of the pitch.
Tap any player to see their role
Ready to get them on the field?
Find local Field Hockey programs in your area.
Before the Start
Essential Gear
See all 9 itemsField Hockey Stick
The most important piece of equipment. Composite sticks are more durable than wood for beginners and provide better feel. Stick length is sized to the player — not by age.
Est. $30 – $150
Turf Shoes
Low-profile turf shoes (not cleats) are the standard for artificial turf fields. Look for a flat rubber sole with small nubs for grip. Regular cleats can damage turf surfaces — check with your league before purchasing.
Est. $35 – $80
Shin Guards
Shorter and slimmer than soccer shin guards to fit inside long socks without bulk. Must cover the full shin. Some models include ankle protection — good for beginners who take a lot of stick-on-ankle hits.
Est. $15 – $40
Field Hockey Goggles
ASTM-rated eye protection is required by USA Field Hockey rules for all youth players. Caged goggles or clear-lens models both work — check that they're ASTM F2713 certified. Your league will enforce this.
Est. $25 – $60
Full gear guide
7 must-haves · 9 items total · Est. $80 – $250
Parent's Cheat Sheet
What just happened?
Official Wording
Players may only play the ball with the flat side of the stick. Using the rounded back of the stick to hit, push, or stop the ball is a foul.
Parent Translation
The stick has a flat side and a rounded side — only the flat side is legal. If your kid accidentally hits the ball with the back of the stick, the other team gets a free hit. It's instinctive to use the wrong side when the ball comes from an awkward angle, so coaches drill this constantly.
