Hockey: The Game

Hockey is a family of sports in which two teams play against each other by trying to maneuver a ball or a puck into the opponent's goal using a hockey stick. In many areas, one sport (typically field hockey or ice hockey) is generally referred to simply as hockey.

Introduction

Field hockey is played on gravel, natural grass, sand-based or water-based artificial turf, with a small, hard ball approximately 73 mm (2.9 in) in diameter. The game is popular among both males and females in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. In most countries, the game is played between single-sex sides, although they can be mixed-sex.

Introduction

There is a depiction of a hockey-like game from 200 BC in Ancient Greece when the game may have been called "Κερητίζειν" ("kerētízein") because it was played with a horn ("κέρας" in Greek) and a ball-like object.  In East Asia, a similar game was entertained, using a carved wooden stick and ball prior to 300 BC.

History

Two halves 20 – 25 minutes each with a 5 minute half time.

11 players per side, including the goalkeeper.

The ball must be passed or dribbled down the field with the flat side of the stick.

A goal is scored when an attacker strikes the ball into the goal from within the striking circle.

Rules: The Game

Shield or obstruct the ball from an opponent with the body or stick.  All players must have an equal chance to gain control of the ball as it is dribbled or passed down the field.

Play the ball with the rounded side of the stick. Charge, hit, shove or trip an opponent. Play the ball in a potentially dangerous way. Raise the stick above the waist in a dangerous

manner while attempting to play or stop the ball. Advance the ball by any means other than with

the stick. Stop or deflect the ball in the air or on the

ground with any part of the body. Hit, hook, hold or interfere with and opponents

stick.

Rules: Fouls

Each player carries a "stick" that normally measures between 80–95 cm (31–38") long; shorter or longer sticks are available. Sticks were traditionally made of wood, but are now often made also with fiberglass, Kevlar and/or carbon fiber composites.

Standard field hockey balls are hard spherical balls, made of plastic (sometimes over a cork core), and are usually white, although they can be any colour as long as they contrast with the playing surface.

Equipment

The 2007 rulebook has seen major changes regarding goalkeepers. A fully equipped goalkeeper must wear a helmet, leg guards and kickers. Usually the field hockey goalkeepers must wear extensive additional protective equipment including chest guards, padded shorts, heavily padded hand protectors, groin protectors, neck guards, arm guards, and like all players, they must carry a stick.

Equipment: Goalkeeper

The basic tactic in field hockey, as in association football and many other team games, is to outnumber the opponent in a particular area of the field at a moment in time. When in possession of the ball this temporary numerical superiority can be used to pass the ball around opponents so that they cannot effect a tackle because they cannot get within playing reach of the ball and to further use this numerical advantage to gain time and create clear space for making scoring shots on the opponent's goal.

When not in possession of the ball numerical superiority is used to isolate and channel an opponent in possession and 'mark out' any passing options so that an interception or a tackle may be made to gain possession.

Tactics

Olympic Games - held every four years. World Hockey Cup - held every four

years, in between the Olympics. Champions Trophy - currently held

every year, for the top 8 ranked nations. Hockey Champions Challenge - held

every year for teams ranked 9th-16th in the world.

Hockey Champions Challenge II - held every year for teams ranked 17th-24th in the world.

International competitions

Thank YouBy: Apoorvo Chakraborty