Quick Info

The game starts off with a ‘push back’ from the centre spot – no ‘bully off’ anymore.
The ball can only be hit with the flat side of the stick.
The left hand should always be above the right when dribbling, shooting or passing.
There are no left-handed sticks. Left-handers need not worry as the strong left arm on top will work to your advantage.
The ball is pushed or flicked with the hands apart and the knees bent. The ball is hit with two hands placed together on the upper part of the stick (like a golf club). The emphasis is on pushing, not hitting.
The ball cannot be played with either the feet or the hand.
The ball can be dribbled by running with it on the end of the stick (“straight dribble”), or rotating the stick over the ball (“Indian Dribble”).
Hockey sticks are made of dense mulberry wood and/or aluminium and fibreglass.
Sticks should be kept well below shoulder height at all times.

quick-info

There is no body-checking in field hockey, and no stick-checking.
The ball may not be raised or lifted into another player.
There is no off-side rule.
The goalie has equipment similar to an ice-hockey goalie, and can use his feet and body to stop the ball, though he cannot fall on the ball or hold on to the ball.
A player cannot obstruct if he is stationary, no matter which way he is facing.

Women & Men
21 - 30 August 2015