FIELD HOCKEY 101

BASICS RULES:
• 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. Do not hold the stick cross-handed.
• There are no left-handed sticks.
• The ball cannot be played with either the feet or the hand.
• Hockey sticks are made of dense mulberry wood and/or aluminum and fiberglass.
• Sticks should be kept well below shoulder height at all times.
• There is no body checking in field hockey, and no stick-checking.
• There is no off-sides rule.
• The goalie has equipment similar to an ice-hockey goalie, and can use her feet, hands and body to stop the ball.
• Time does not stop for fouls, the clock is running at all times.
• Obstruction: A player cannot obstruct another player if she is stationary, she must move into a position to obstruct and the obstructed player must be actively trying to play the ball. A player can turn away from a tackler so long as the ball is held in front, and the player moves away from the tackler. (Most confusing & frequent foul called)

REWARDS FOR FOULS:
Free Hits: Given when any foul is made OUTSIDE of 5yd marker for circle. Everyone must be 5 yds away when player takes the "free hit". Player taking the hit is only allowed to hit it once, no matter no far the ball goes. If she misses the ball, she is allowed another hit.

Penalty Corner: Given when any foul is made WITHIN the circle. Five defenders, one attacker line up on goal line; ball is pushed out by attacker to offense teammates lined up around circle; once attacker hits the ball play resumes as normal.

Penalty Stroke: Given when foul is intentional to prevent a sure goal within the circle. Attacker players stands 7 yds from goal. 1v1 play with goalie. (Not called very often at rec level)