• The Ball can only be hit with the flat side of the stick.
  
  
• The left hand should always be above the right when dribbling, shooting or passing. Do not hold the stick cross-handed.
  
  
• There are no left-handed sticks. Left handers need not worry as the strong left arm on top will work to your advantage.
  
  
• The ball is pushed or flicked with the hands apart and the knees bent (like an ice-hockey wrist shot). The ball is hit with two hands placed together (left on top, right below) on the upper part of the stick (like a golf club or baseball bat). The emphasis is on pushing, not hitting
  
  
• The ball cannot be played with either the feet or the hand. At under 12 level, only intentional "feet" are called.
  
  
• The ball can be dribbled by running with it on the end of the stick ("straight dribble"), or rotating the stick over the ball ("Indian Dribble").
  
  
• Hockey sticks are made of dense mulberry wood and/or aluminum and fiberglass. Sticks should be kept well below shoulder height at all times - penalised at U.12/14.
  
  
• Sticks cannot be used to hit other players and should not be swung dangerously.
  
  
• There is no body checking in field hockey, and no stick-checking.
  
  
• The ball may not be raised or lifted into another player.
  
  
• There is no off-side rule.
  
  
• The goalie has equipment similar to an ice-hockey goalie, and can use his feet and body to stop the ball, though he cannot fall on the ball or hold on to the ball.
  
  
• Obstruction. A player cannot obstruct if he is stationary, no matter which way he is facing; he must move into a position to obstruct and the obstructed player must be actively trying to play the ball. A player can turn away from a tackler so long as the ball is held in front, and the player moves away from the tackler.
  
  
• Ball off back line: last touched by attacker, 16 yd. hit to defender; last touched by defender, corner to attackers - hit in 5 yds along side line from end line. Balls raised into circle, especially from corners, are usually considered dangerous.
  
  
• All free hits within 5yds of circle - everyone must be 5 yds away.
  
  
• Ball hit off back line intentionally by defender or goalie - penalty corner.
  
  
• Accidental infraction by defender in circle or intentional infraction inside 25 yd line - penalty corner.
  
  
• Penalty corner: five defenders behind goal line; ball pushed out by attacker from point 10 yds from post (any side), defenders can run out after ball; ball must move outside the circle and then go back inside before a shot taken. If shot is HIT it must be not be higher than backboard (18") - if flicked it can be higher.
  
• Intentional infraction in circle or unintentional infraction preventing a sure goal, penalty stoke.
  
  
• Penalty stroke: time out, all players behind 25 yd line except goalie and hitter. Goalie stationary with heels on line. When umpire sees both goalie and hitter are 'ready’ -  blows whistle. Hitter must start behind ball and must then push or flick ball - not hit. Goalie saves or ball misses net - 16 yd hit. ——————————————————

Skills: field hockey is a game of possession, elimination and tackling.

You should concentrate on these simple aspects of the game. Practice until you have mastered them.

• Possession skills: be able to maintain possession both individually and in pairs.
  
  
• Elimination skills: be able to take on an opponent one-on-one.
  
  
• Tackling skills: don’t rush in - hold the stick in the left hand and back up until an opportunity to disposes arises. Channel your opponent to the sides.  

  Play hard and have fun!