Field hockey
Four quarters, and the score in your pocket.
The clock counts down, every goal takes one tap, halftime is called.
Score a matchA goal scored, in a single tap.
Start the clock at the center pass, tap the color that scored, stop the clock until play restarts. Try it!
- 4 × 15 min
- Countdown clock
- Draws allowed
- Pick field hockey, and name the two teams.
- Start the clock at the center pass. On every goal, tap the color that scored, and stop the clock until play restarts.
- At the end of each quarter, the app says so. The referee calls every goal out loud.
The rules, in short.
What the FIH rules say, and nothing more.
- 4 × 15
Playing time
4 quarters of 15 minutes, a 2-minute break after the 1st and the 3rd, and a 10-minute halftime.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rule 5.1 - 1
The goal
A goal only counts if an attacker played the ball inside the circle, and it crossed the goal line under the crossbar without leaving the circle first.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rule 8.1 - Corner
The penalty corner
For an offence by a defender in their circle, or an intentional one in their 23-metre area. The ball starts on the back-line, with five defenders at most behind it, and it must leave the circle before a goal can count. The quarter is extended until the corner is over.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rules 12.3, 13.3 and 13.4 - Stroke
The penalty stroke
When an offence by a defender in their circle prevents a probable goal, or is an intentional one against an attacker who has the ball. One taker against the goalkeeper, both feet on the line: the ball is played once, from the penalty spot.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rules 12.4 and 13.7 - Stop
Stopped time
Time stops after every goal awarded and every penalty corner, and restarts when the teams are ready. Both teams can agree not to stop it.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rules 5.1, 8.2 and 13.3 a - Draw
A tie
The team that scores more wins; otherwise, the match is a draw. To decide a winner, FIH tournament regulations provide for a shoot-out.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rule 5.2 - 11
Players
Up to 11 players per team on the field at the same time.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rule 2.1 - Ends
Sides
A coin toss: the winner picks which goal to attack or takes the center pass. The direction of play switches for the 3rd quarter.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rules 6.1 and 6.2
Or keep your stick in hand.
One press per goal, on your watch or the three buttons on your earbuds: ⏮ for pink, ⏭ for yellow. ⏯ starts or stops the clock; two quick presses undo the last goal.
The questions people ask.
How is field hockey played?
Two teams of up to 11 players, a stick each and one ball. A goal only counts if an attacker played the ball inside the opponents’ circle.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rules 2.1 and 8.1How long is a field hockey game?
4 quarters of 15 minutes, with a 2-minute break after the 1st and the 3rd, and a 10-minute halftime.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rule 5.1Can a field hockey game end in a tie?
Yes. In tournaments, a shoot-out may decide between the teams, depending on the competition rules.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rule 5.2Why does the clock stop after a goal?
The rules say so: time stops after every goal awarded, and restarts when the teams are ready.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rule 8.2What do the cards mean in field hockey?
Green means 2 minutes off, yellow at least 5 minutes, red the rest of the match. Meanwhile, the team plays one short.
FIH, Rules of Hockey, in force from March 1, 2026, Rule 14.1