Resources
Field Hockey Glossary
Bully: A neutral re-start to play following a stop in the action, much like a face-off in ice hockey. The ball is placed on the ground between two players, one from each team. The players alternate a tap to the ground with a tap to the flat side of their opponent's stick, only once, before going for the ball.
Center Line: The line that divides the field into two equal halves.
Center Mark: The hash mark in the middle of the field on the center line where the ball is placed at the start of the game.
Center Pass: A pass from the center of the field used to start the beginning of the game, start the second half of the game, or start the game following a goal. The player must pass the ball to a teammate who is at least 1 meter back. Also known as a "pass back" or "push back."
Clear: To move the ball away from the goal and out of the scoring circle after an attack by the other team has been stopped.
“D”: The scoring circle in front of each goal which is shaped like a D. Also called the scoring circle or goal circle.
Dangerous play: An action that could result in injury to any player, including the player performing the action. It includes an illegal tackle, a raised ball (18” or higher), and playing the ball while lying on the ground.
Defender: A player positioned in the defensive end of the field whose primary job is to keep the offense or attacking players out of the scoring circle.
Dribble: To control the ball with short strokes of the stick while on the move.
End Line: One of two lines marking the lengthwise boundaries of the field. The goal line is the section of the back line between the goal posts.
Flick: A pushed ball that is raised off the ground, usually when shooting on goal.
Forward: A player positioned in the offensive or attacking end of the field, whose primary job is to generate scoring opportunities.
Free Hit: A play awarded for any infraction or violation on the field but outside of the goal circle. The free hit is awarded at or near the spot of the infraction, and all opposing players must stand at least five yards away.
Goal Circle: A D-shaped area measured 16 yards out from each goal post and joined by a short straight line. An attacking player must be within this area to score. Also known as the scoring circle or “D.”
Goal Line: The portion of the end line that is between the goal posts.
Goalkeeper: Each team must have a goalkeeper among its eleven players. The goalkeeper is allowed to use the kickers and leg guards, as well as the stick, to block the ball. The hands may also be used to stop the ball, but not to grasp it.
High Stick: A violation when the stick is raised above the shoulder while near another player.
Hit: To strike the ball usually with a swinging motion as to propel the ball forward.
Inner: A forward or midfield position that plays in or near the center of the field when there are more than three players on one line.
Jab: A poking method directed toward the ball in an attempt to make an attacking player lose ball possession.
Kicking Back: An 11th field player who takes place of the goalkeeper; only this player is allowed to use her feet to stop a ball while inside the defensive scoring circle. A kicking back must wear a distinguishing jersey and, in the event of a defensive penalty corner or a stroke, the kicking back must wear a throat protector, chest protector, and helmet.
Long Hit: If a defending player unintentionally hits the ball over the back line, it is put in play on the side line about 5 meters from the corner flag, and the attacking team is given possession. Also called a long corner.
Midfielder: A player who is both offensive and defensive in nature whose primary role is to connect with the defense to carry the ball through to the forwards in the middle of the field.
Obstruction: A violation where a player uses their stick or body to prevent (obstruct) other players from getting to the ball. All players must have an equal chance to gain control of the ball as it is dribbled or passed down the field.
Penalty Corner: A free hit awarded to an offensive player from a point on the goal line least 10 yards from the nearest goal post. One attacking player hits the ball to a teammate just outside the striking circle line. No shot on goal may be taken until the ball is controlled outside the circle and then brought back into the scoring circle. All attackers must be outside the circle before the hit is taken. A maximum of five defenders (including the goalkeeper) may be behind the goal line while the remaining defenders must be positioned beyond the center line.
Penalty Stroke: If a defending player fouls an opponent in the goal circle, a penalty stroke is awarded. The ball is placed 7 yards (6.4 meters) from the goal and only the goalkeeper is allowed to defend.
Pitch: Another term for the field hockey playing area. The pitch is 100 yards long by 60 yards wide, divided by a center line, and two 25-yard lines on each half of the field.
Push: It is a push when a player moves the ball with a short, pushing movement of the stick, with both the ball and the head of the stick in contact with the ground.
Reverse Stick: To use the stick on the non-dominant or left side of the player in order to dribble or hit the ball.
Scoop: It is a scoop when a player raises a stationary or slowly moving ball off the ground with a shovel-like movement of the stick, which is placed slightly under the ball.
Scoring Circle: See goal circle or D.
Side In: A pass that puts the ball back into play after it has gone out of bounds. Also known as a push in.
Sixteen-Yard Hit: When the offense commits a foul in the goal circle, the opponent is given a free hit at the top of the circle, 16 yards from the end line.
Stick: The field hockey stick is made of wood or fiberglass and has a curved head that is flat on one side and rounded on the other. Only the flat side of the stick can be used to strike the ball.
Stick Interference: Intentionally or unintentionally using the stick to hit an opponent’s stick.
Striker: An offensive player who plays above the main line of offense/forwards whose primary job is to score goals.
Stopper: The offensive player who stops the ball on a penalty corner in order to stop the travel of the ball so that it can be hit toward the goal.
Sweeper: A defender who plays between the defense line and the goalkeeper.
Tackle: An attempt to take the ball away from the opponent using the stick.
Third-Party Obstruction: Positioning oneself between the ball and an opponent, thereby allowing a teammate unobstructed access to the ball.
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