Field Hockey

Field hockey is one of the oldest team sports in the world. Players use curved sticks to dribble and pass a small, hard ball. The goal is to hit the ball into the other team's net.

How to Play

Two teams of eleven players face off on a big field. Each player carries a curved stick. They can only hit the ball with the flat side of the stick. Players dribble, pass, and shoot to try to score goals.

The game has two halves, each lasting 35 minutes. A goalkeeper wears extra padding and guards the net. Only shots taken inside a special area called the circle can count as goals.

Where It Is Popular

Field hockey is very popular in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Countries like India, the Netherlands, and Australia have strong teams. It has been an Olympic sport since 1908.

In the United States, field hockey is popular in schools, especially on the East Coast. Both boys and girls play, though it is more common for girls in American schools. It is a fast and exciting sport to watch and play.

Fun Facts

• Field hockey is one of the oldest known sports, played for over 4,000 years.
• India has won the most Olympic gold medals in field hockey.
• The ball in field hockey is very hard and can travel over 100 miles per hour.

Did You Know?

Ancient drawings from Egypt show people playing a game with curved sticks and a ball over 4,000 years ago, making field hockey one of the oldest sports ever!