What is the D in hockey, and why does it matter?
B · Beginner · How is a goal scored? · 2 of 12The shooting circle, often called the D, is the marked area in front of each goal, about 14.6 metres deep. A goal can be scored only from a ball an attacker plays inside it. It also decides the penalties: a defender's foul inside their own circle gives a penalty corner or a penalty stroke, not a free hit.
How it works
- The circle is two quarter-circles of 14.63 metres radius, centred on the goal-posts, joined by a straight line 3.66 metres long opposite the goal.
- The circle line is part of the circle.
- A dotted line 5 metres outside the circle helps umpires judge the 5-metre rules at free hits. It is required for senior international matches.
- Attack inside the circle: only a ball played by an attacker here can become a goal.
- Defence inside the circle: a defender's offence here gives a penalty corner, or a penalty stroke if it prevented a probable goal or was a deliberate foul on a player with the ball.
- The goalkeeper can use their body as well as the stick to save only inside their own circle.
Tricky cases
Is a defender's foul close to the circle, but outside it, a penalty corner?
It depends on whether it was deliberate. A deliberate foul inside their 23-metre area gives a penalty corner; an accidental one gives a free hit.
Does an attacker's foul in the circle give the defence anything special?
No. It is a free hit to the defence, which they can take anywhere in the circle.
Can the goalkeeper kick the ball outside the circle?
No. Outside their circle a goalkeeper may play the ball only with the stick.
Why the rule exists
It sets a clear zone where scoring happens and where defending carries a higher price, so defenders cannot foul freely next to their goal.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | Circle as above; dotted line required for senior internationals, otherwise up to the national association | H1.6, Specifications 1.4 |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rules 1.6, 10.2, 10.4, 12.2 to 12.4 and Field Specification 1.4, in force from 1 March 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF).