Who starts a hockey match, and how?
I · Intermediate · How does a match work, and how is it won? · 2 of 21Checked 13 October 2026
A coin toss decides the start. The winner chooses either which goal to attack in the first two quarters or to take the first centre pass; the other team gets the other choice. Each quarter and each goal restarts with a centre pass from the middle of the field, played in any direction.
How it works
- Toss winner: choose ends for the first half, or choose to start the match.
- The team that starts the match also starts the second quarter. The other team starts the third and fourth quarters.
- After a goal, the team that conceded takes the centre pass.
- At the centre pass, every player except the taker stays in their own half until the ball is played.
- The ball can go in any direction. The free hit rules apply: the ball must be still, and opponents 5 metres away.
- The ends change for the third quarter.
Tricky cases
Can the centre pass be hit straight towards the opposition goal?
Yes. Any direction is allowed, as long as the ball is not raised intentionally with a hit.
Who restarts after half-time?
The team that did not take the first centre pass.
Why the rule exists
The toss settles the start fairly. Sharing the centre passes between quarters evens out who gets the first ball.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | As above | H6.1 to 6.4 |
| Shoot-outs | A separate coin toss decides who takes or defends first | TR App 12 (6) |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rules 6.1 to 6.4, in force from 1 March 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF).