FIELD HOCKEY 101
New to the game? Get game-ready with this all-in-one beginner’s guide from USA Field Hockey
Click the link to learn more about:
- Game Basics – How field hockey is played and what makes it exciting.
- Field Layout – Understand the markings, lines, and goal areas.
- Player Positions – What each role does on the field.
- Essential Equipment – Everything every player needs, including specialized goalie gear.
- Stick Sizing Made Simple – Stand straight, measure from the ground to your hip bone, and match that length (in inches) to your stick for the perfect fit.
Game Play
| Team Age Group | Field Size | Goal Size | Field Players | Game Format | Corners | Free Hits | Subs |
| 1/2 | Half Regulation Field – 60 yards x 35-40 yards | Small pop-up (non-regulation) | 7v7 no Goalie | (2) 20 min running Halves with a 5 min Halftime | No Corners played | No Self Starts | Allowed any time during game |
| 3/4 | Half Regulation Field – 60 yards x 35-40 yards | Regulation Goals 7’H x 12’W x 4’D | 8v8 7 field plus Goalie | (2) 20 min running Halves with a 5 min Halftime | No Corners played | Self Start allowed | Allowed anytime during game |
| 5/6 | Full Regulation Field | Regulation Goals 7’H x 12’W x 4’D | 11v11 10 field plus Goalie | (4) 10 min Quarters with 2 mins between each qtr. | Corners Allowed | Self Start Allowed | Allowed anytime during game |
| 7/8 | Full Regulation Field | Regulation Goals 7’H x 12’W x 4’D | 11v11 10 field plus Goalie | (4) 12 min Quarters with 2 mins between each qtr. | Corners Allowed | Self Start Allowed | Allowed anytime during game |