Rule the Rink: Follow the Basic Rules of Hockey Play

Hockey is a high-intensity sport that originated in the late 1800s and is mostly recognised by multiple names worldwide. It is more popular with the name stick and ball games in Europe, the Game of Hurling, the Game of Chamiare in Scotland, and other sports. Hockey has been one of the most ancient games in the world, and it was played across Rome, Scotland, Egypt, and South America. Hockey is a popular outdoor sport with two opposing teams comprising 11 players and six substitutes who face off against each other to win the game.

If you are a beginner looking to begin your career in hockey, understanding the basic rules of hockey will help you enjoy your game and develop advanced skills. Follow the blog for more ideas for improving popular gaming methods.

Basic Rules of Hockey & Regulation to Follow!

Sports need not be complex; by following the basic rules of hockey, you can learn about the game and enjoy playing it with the same enthusiasm. Here is a list of basic hockey rules and regulations to support players in learning the required skills.

One of the basic rules of hockey is that players can only hit the ball from the flat side for the stick.
There are several ways to score a goal, including penalty strokes, field goals, and penalty corners.
Only goalkeepers are allowed to touch the ball with their feet, while other hockey players cannot touch it with their feet or other body parts.
A field goal is known as an open-play goal that can only be completed within the striking circle and in front of the opponent’s goals.
A hockey player should not charge, shove, trip, interfere with, or forcefully handle opponents.
A goal is not accomplished if the hockey ball hits the goal from outside the circle.
As hockey is a non-contact sport, all fouls, wherever they occur, might count as free hits or penalty corners for the non-offending side.

Basic Hockey Rules for Fouls

Here are cases where fouls can be counted while playing on the ground:

Each team should have around 11 team members and an additional six substitutes.
When the player purposefully hits the ball to another hockey player with the intent of causing harm.
Once the player intentionally uses body parts to move or stop the ball.
If the hockey player hits the ball from the rounded side of the stick.
In case the hockey stick is raised above the waist height.
If the player hits another player’s stick to intervene, their playing experience will be affected.

In all these scenarios, it counts under foul, and players should refrain from following this so

Other Basic Hockey Rules You Should Know!

Here are details on other aspects of hockey rules that help players enjoy the game for a long time.

Duration of Game

Hockey is played for two halves of 35 minutes, with a halftime break that is typically 5 to 10 minutes long.

Offside Rules

No offside rules are specified for field hockey, but the players cannot obstruct other opponents.

Set of Equipments

Some basic equipment used to play hockey includes a hockey stick, ball, Shin guards, mouth guards, cleats or turf shoes, gloves, protective eyewear, and others.

Let’s make you familiar with introducing key terminologies and terms related to the basic rules of hockey:

Hitting the Ball: When the player hits the ball from the flat side of the hockey stick.
Out of Bounds: When the ball falls over the sideline, the opponent takes a side-in at the spot where the ball dropped, known as being out of bounds.
Free Hit: A free hit is awarded to the opposing team when the foul occurs on the field.
Advancing: If a player pushes or advances the ball in any way with their body or hands without coming in touch with the hockey stick.
Dribble: It is a unique way to move the ball without passing it from one field to another; you can refer to it as open or Indian dribble.
Striker: These players can play as forwards and mainly score well for the team with strikes.
Penalty Corner: When the defending team fouls within the shooting circle or if defenders intentionally send the ball over the line to attack the team.
Penalty Strokes: These occur when the opponent deliberately completes the intentional fouls inside the circle more than 25 times.
Obstruction: When a player in a stationary position shields the ball with a stick or other part of his body, any third player takes his position to give the player a chance.

Also Read: Surprising Health Benefits of Playing Basketball You Should Know

List of Top Hockey Tournaments

After going through some basic rules of hockey, here you can take on ideas for some popular hockey tournaments that level up your enthusiasm among players to stay grounded and create one of the best playing experiences:

International Field Hockey Tournaments

Some of the top international tournaments are:

Olympic Games
The Hockey World Cup
The FIH Pro League
The Nations Cup
The Berlin International Tournament
The Euro Ice Hockey Challenge
The Asian Winter Games
The Calgary Cup
The Canada Cup
The World U-17 Hockey Challenge

Hockey: Ultimate Game of Spirit!

Hockey is a popular sport that involves a lot of skills and is referred to as the game of speed and agility. You will find other popular tournaments, such as the Champions Trophy, the Hockey Pro League, the EuroHockey Nations Championship, and the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, to level up the game for players!

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