They can charge towards the ball once the penalty corner has been taken, trying to close down shooting opportunities. A penalty stroke can be awarded if a defender commits an offence inside the goal circle in order to prevent a goal from being scored, or prevent a player from having a genuine scoring opportunity. When a penalty stroke is awarded, an attacker places the ball on a spot 6.4 metres from the goal and has just the goalkeeper to beat in order to score. Players cannot lift their sticks above their heads or use them in a dangerous fashion. If a referee judges that a ball has been hit in the air in a dangerous manner, a free hit is awarded.
Players can generally hit the ball in the air when shooting for goal.
Players are prohibited from using their sticks or bodies to obstruct other players. The goalkeeper, who wears protective clothing, is not allowed to lie on the ball. Two referees officiate at each game, each covering half the pitch, which is made from synthetic grass at Olympic level. The pitch is 91.4 metres long and 55 metres wide. The goal is 3.66 metres wide and 2.14 metres high.