Hockey is played outdoors on a rectangular field. two teams of 11 players each play the game. one of them wears a helmet, protectors and stands in front of the goal with a j-shaped hockey stick. the sport requires a lot of stamina and athleticism as one has to run with the ball and stick to score the goal.
getting ready
The game begins with a draw where both captains are present. one of them calls it correctly and has the option to pass first or choose a particular end of the field; like the draw in other games.
The match is played for 75 minutes which includes a five-minute half-time interval. both sessions are played for 35 minutes each. time stops between games for substitutions, injury treatment, etc., and then resumes.
Quick Glimpse of the Game
The hockey players take their respective positions on the field. one of the teams starts the game with a central pass and continues attacking the opponent to score a goal. the player taking the center pass can only stand on the other half of the pitch, while his team members must stand within his half of the defending goal. the player making the center pass can hit the ball in any direction.
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Team members continue to pass the ball and look for opportunities to score while opponents tackle them and try to gain control of the ball.
If the game is stopped at any time due to injury or substitution, it is resumed when the player passes the ball from the nearest point of stoppage of the game. this is called a thug.
One player from each team stands close to the ball with the defensive goals to their right to catch a stalker. both players hit their club faces and one of the players can hit the ball.
A free throw situation arises when a player hits the ball off the sideline or baseline. the free kick is taken by a defender placing the ball 15 meters in line with the center of the goal.
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If a ball is hit outside the sideline by a player then defender of the opponent team will take free hit by placing the ball in line within 15 meters from where the ball has crossed.
If the ball is hit outside the goal line by a player, the defender of the opposing team will take a free kick placing the ball less than 15 meters from the center of the goal.
If the ball is kicked off the baseline by an opposing player, a penalty corner is awarded to the team attacking the goal. the ball is placed in line with the baseline and to the right of the goalpost at a distance of 15 meters.
If the goalkeeper of the opposing team hits the ball outside the baseline, a corner is awarded to the attacking team. then the ball is placed in line 23 meters away and the player of the attacking team hits it.
length of a match
A normal hockey game lasts 70 minutes and consists of two halves of 35 minutes each. also, sometimes matches end in a draw. but official matches must have a winner unlike other matches. if in any case the game is a draw then extra time is given. if there is a tie again, the penalty kick competition decides the winner of the match.
a player passes the ball between them to advance towards the goal using a triangular passing system. this prevents the opponent from intercepting the ball.
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