How is a penalty stroke taken?
I · Intermediate · Penalty corners and penalty strokes · 16 of 21The ball goes on the penalty spot, 6.40 metres from the goal. After the whistle, the taker pushes, flicks or scoops it once, at any height. The goalkeeper stands with both feet on the goal-line and cannot move either foot until the ball is played. Every other player waits outside the 23-metre area.
How it works
- Time stops. All other players stand outside the 23-metre area.
- The taker stands behind the ball, within playing distance, before the whistle.
- The defender stands with both feet on the goal-line and cannot leave it or move either foot until the ball is played.
- The umpire whistles when both are ready. Neither may delay.
- The taker pushes, flicks or scoops the ball, once, with no feint and no dragging action. It may go to any height.
- The stroke ends with a goal, or when the ball stops in the circle, lodges in the goalkeeper's kit, is caught by the goalkeeper or leaves the circle.
- If no goal is scored, the defence restarts with a free hit 15 metres in front of the centre of the goal.
| Offence | Result |
|---|---|
| Taker goes before the whistle and scores | Retake |
| Taker goes before the whistle and misses | Free hit to the defence |
| Any other offence by the taker | Free hit to the defence |
| Defender's offence (such as moving a foot early) and no goal | Retake |
| Defender's offence and a goal anyway | Goal stands |
| Another defending player offends and no goal | Retake |
| Another attacking player offends and the ball goes in | Retake |
Tricky cases
Can a player who is not the goalkeeper defend a stroke?
Yes. A field player can defend it, wearing only a face mask. If a team playing without a goalkeeper defends with a field player, they can save only with the stick.
The goalkeeper moved early but saved it. What happens?
The stroke is taken again. The goalkeeper may be cautioned, and any further offence brings a green card, then a yellow.
Can the taker play the rebound?
No. The ball may be played only once, and the taker must not approach the ball or the goalkeeper afterwards.
Why the rule exists
It is a clean one-on-one test, close enough to score from but with the goalkeeper able to react once the ball is played.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | As above | H13.7 to 13.9 |
| Shoot-outs | A stroke given in a shoot-out can be taken and defended by any eligible player on the match sheet | TR App 12 (13) |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rules 1.7, 6.6 and 13.7 to 13.9, and Umpiring 3.4 i, in force from 1 March 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF).