SportsMaze

What you can't watch without

The rules you will see every few minutes, in the order you meet them. Each opens on its answer.

B · Beginner · 12 rules · Step 1 of 4

How is a goal scored?

  1. When does a goal count in hockey?A goal counts only when an attacker plays the ball with the stick inside the shooting circle and the ball then crosses the goal-line completely, under the cross-bar, without leaving the circle first.
  2. What is the D in hockey, and why does it matter?The shooting circle, often called the D, is the marked area in front of each goal, about 14.6 metres deep.

How does a match work, and how is it won?

  1. How long is a hockey match?A hockey match is four quarters of 15 minutes, so 60 minutes of playing time.
  2. Can a hockey match end in a draw?Yes.
  3. How does a hockey shoot-out work?Five players from each team take turns to run at the opposing goalkeeper from the 23-metre line, with 8 seconds to score.

What can players do with the stick and the ball?

  1. Which side of the stick can you use in hockey?Only the flat side of the stick, and its edges, may play the ball.
  2. Is it a foul if the ball hits a player's foot in hockey?Not always.

How does play restart?

  1. What is a free hit in hockey?A free hit restarts play after most fouls.

Penalty corners and penalty strokes

  1. Why was a penalty corner given?A penalty corner is given for a defender's offence inside their own circle that did not stop a probable goal.
  2. How is a penalty corner taken?The ball is placed on the back-line at least 10 metres from a goal-post.

What do the green, yellow and red cards mean?

  1. What do the cards mean in hockey?Hockey has three cards.

Who plays, and who can come on?

  1. How many players are in a hockey team?Eleven players from each team are on the field at once, usually ten field players and a goalkeeper.
I · Intermediate · 21 rulesNext: intermediate rules