What are the rules for an attacking free hit inside the 23?
I · Intermediate · How does play restart? · 9 of 21When the attack gets a free hit inside the 23-metre area it is attacking, every other player, teammates included, must be 5 metres from the ball. The ball cannot be played into the circle until it has travelled at least 5 metres or a defender has touched it.
How it works
- All players other than the taker stay 5 metres from the ball.
- Before the ball is played into the circle, it must travel at least 5 metres (not necessarily in one direction) or be touched by a defender.
- The taker can keep playing the ball any number of times, but must move it 5 metres before taking it into the circle.
- Once a defender has touched the ball, anyone can play it into the circle, including the taker.
- At a free hit within 5 metres of the circle taken straight away, defenders inside the circle within 5 metres may shadow the taker around the inside of the circle, without playing or trying to play the ball, until it has travelled 5 metres or been touched by a defender.
- If the taker waits, everyone must be 5 metres away first.
- The ball can be lifted high over the circle to land outside it, if that is safe and no one can play it in the air above the circle.
- The dotted line 5 metres outside the circle helps everyone judge the distance.
Tricky cases
Can the attacker hit the free hit straight into the circle?
No. The ball has to travel 5 metres or touch a defender first.
Can the attacker dribble 5 metres along the top of the circle and then go in?
Yes. The 5 metres need not be in a straight line.
Can the defenders stand inside the circle close to the ball?
Yes, if the free hit is taken straight away. They may shadow the taker but must not play the ball until it has gone 5 metres or a defender has touched it.
Why the rule exists
Without the 5 metres, attackers would hit free hits straight into a crowded circle at close range, which is dangerous and would turn every foul near the circle into a shot.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | As above | H13.2 c, f |
| Senior internationals | The dotted 5-metre line is marked | Spec 1.4 d |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rule 13.2 c and f with its guidance, in force from 1 March 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF).