What is a free hit in hockey?
B · Beginner · How does play restart? · 8 of 12A free hit restarts play after most fouls. The other team takes it close to where the foul happened, with the ball still and opponents at least 5 metres away. The taker can pass, or play it to themselves and run with it (a self-pass). The same procedure is used for the centre pass and for restarts when the ball goes out.
How it works
- Where: close to the foul, within playing distance and with no real advantage gained. Inside the 23-metre areas the spot must be more exact.
- A free hit to the defence within 15 metres of its own back-line may be taken anywhere up to 15 metres out, in line with the foul. One awarded inside the defence's circle can be taken anywhere in the circle.
- The ball must be stationary, if only briefly.
- Opponents must be 5 metres away. One who is closer must not interfere or try to play the ball.
- The ball can be moved with a hit, push, flick or scoop.
- It may be raised straight away with a push, flick or scoop, not intentionally with a hit.
- A free hit is given for an offence anywhere between the 23-metre areas, for any offence by an attacker in the 23-metre area they are attacking, and for a defender's accidental offence in their own 23-metre area outside the circle.
Tricky cases
Can the taker play the ball to themselves?
Yes. That is a self-pass. The ball must still be stationary first.
An opponent is standing 3 metres away. Must the taker wait?
No. If that player is not interfering, the free hit can be taken at once. If they try to play the ball, they are penalised.
What happens if the team that was given the free hit then commits a foul?
The umpire can reverse it. If there is another offence before a penalty is taken, the umpire can give a more severe penalty, add a card or reverse the penalty if the side that was awarded it offends.
Can a defender still wearing a face mask from a penalty corner take a free hit?
Yes, but only a pass. A self-pass is not allowed while wearing penalty corner protective kit.
Why the rule exists
A quick restart, where the team that was fouled chooses the next move, punishes the foul without stopping the game for long.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | As above | H12.2, 13.1, 13.2 |
| Free hits to the attack in the 23-metre area | Everyone 5 metres away; the ball cannot go into the circle until it has gone 5 metres or a defender has touched it | H13.2 c, f |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rules 12.2, 12.5, 13.1, 13.2 and the guidance to 13.3 n, in force from 1 March 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF).