How high can a penalty corner shot be?
I · Intermediate · Penalty corners and penalty strokes · 13 of 21If the first shot at goal is a hit, it must cross the goal-line no higher than 460 mm, the height of the backboard, or be heading in at that height. A drag flick, scoop or deflection may go to any height if it is not dangerous. Later shots in the same corner may also be raised.
How it works
- First shot a hit: crossing the line, or on course to cross it, no higher than 460 mm, before any deflection.
- The ball may rise above 460 mm in flight if it would drop below that height before crossing, with no danger.
- The height rule applies even if the ball touched a defender before the first shot.
- A first hit that is too high is penalised even if it is then deflected in.
- Flicks, scoops, deflections and second or later hits may be any height, but not dangerous.
- A defender within 5 metres of the first shot who is hit below the knee: another penalty corner.
- A defender within 5 metres hit on or above the knee in a normal stance: the shot is dangerous, and the defence gets a free hit.
- A defender running into the shot without trying to play it with the stick is penalised.
Tricky cases
Why was the goal disallowed when the hit went in high off a deflection?
Because the first hit would have crossed the line too high. A deflection does not change that.
Can a drag flick go into the top corner?
Yes. The 460 mm limit is only for a first shot that is a hit.
The first shot hit a defender's leg on the line. What happens?
It depends on where it hit them. Below the knee, another penalty corner. On or above the knee, in a normal stance, the shot was dangerous: free hit to the defence.
Why the rule exists
A hard hit at head height from close range is dangerous to defenders on the line. Flicks and scoops are pushing and lifting actions, which the rules treat differently from a hit throughout.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | As above | H13.3 l, m |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rule 13.3 l and m with guidance, and Field Specification 1.6, in force from 1 March 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF).