How to Take a Long Corner in Field Hockey | iSport.com How to Take a Long Corner in Field Hockey How to Take a Long Corner in Field Hockey There are two types of corners in field hockey: Long and short. Short corners are like power plays awarded to the offense for a penalty committed by the defense inside of the shooting circle. Long corners result from the ball being hit over the end line unintentionally by the defense — in that, they are more similar to sideline hits than penalty plays. This field hockey guide will explain the rules of a long corner, providing strategies and suggestions for maximizing your results on the corner. When is a Long Corner Awarded? If the ball is unintentionally hit across the end line by a defender or goalie, a long corner is awarded. If the ball is intentionally hit over, a penalty corner (short corner) is awarded. To set up a long corner, the ball is placed on the same side of the field as where it went out-of-bounds. It’s placed on the sideline, approximately five yards from the corner of the end line. The tricky part to the long corner is that the location where it is hit from falls within the rules for free hits inside the 25-yard zone.

Consequently, the ball must do one of two things before it can enter the shooting circle: Travel five yards Be touched by another player who did not take the free hit Check out iSport's guides, How to Take Free Hits inside the 25-yard Zone or Field Hockey Rules & Regulations , for in-depth information on the regulations for hits inside the 25-yard zone. Strategies Now that you know why it is awarded, you can learn the best practices for taking long corners. Generally, the right or left midfielder will take the long corner, but any player on the team is allowed to start it. Set plays are not commonly used on long corners because on a long corner, the defense's positioning is unpredictable.

Instead, strategies are used — a few of which are listed below: Strategies for the player taking the free hit include: Passing to an open player Passing into space for a teammate to run onto Passing the ball away from the attacking zone to a teammate (called a back pass ) Staying involved in the play after the initial hit Strategies for the offensive players with possession of the ball include: Creating space near the goal by drawing a defender away from it Cutting in front of a defender Passing the ball around the circle Moving around the circle to create passing opportunities Taking quick shots on goal Screening the goalie Drawing fouls to receive short corners The following sections of this guide cover more specific strategies used on long corners. Hot Tip: Score Goals Your main goal on a long corner is to create offensive plays. Most offensive plays revolve around creating the best shooting angles on the goal. So, move the ball around until you’re confident you have a good angle. To better understand shooting strategies, read iSport's guide, Shooting Tactics for Field Hockey . Baseline Run A baseline run is similar to a backdoor play. Its purpose is to force the goalie to cover the near post, leaving the remainder of the goal wide open.

The attacker dribbles the ball along the end line and towards the goal; meanwhile a player opens up near the stroke mark. This creates an easy passing opportunity to the player waiting to take a shot at the penalty spot (penalty stroke mark). A baseline run is extremely hard to defend against because the ball stays on or close to your stick for the majority of the run. Use this to your advantage! As your dribble along the baseline, a defender can only take the ball if she can tackle it without hitting your stick — that’s fairly difficult. More often than not, you can draw a defender into committing stick interference (hacking). You can also push the ball into the defender's foot to force a foot foul penalty. Any call inside the circle will result is a short corner play for your team. On a long corner, the hitter can either pass the ball to a teammate or pass it to herself. If she wants to pass it to herself, she can make a self-pass and then run onto the ball in open space. However, the ball must clearly leave her stick on the first touch. She cannot do a tight dribble off the free hit.

If she wants to pass the ball to a teammate, she do that, run to the baseline, and then have the teammate pass it back to start the run closer to the goal. For more information on the baseline run, check out iSport's guide How to Do a Baseline Run in Field Hockey. Give-and-go Passes Give-and-go passes are short, quick leading passes between two players on the field. A leading pass is a pass that is made slightly in front of your partner so she can run onto the ball. You always want to attack and defend in pairs to have the numbers advantage (playing the ball with more players than your opponents) — you want a two-versus-one situation against the other team. These types of passes are great for long corners because the player taking the free hit can move with a teammate into the circle with quick give-and-go passes. Change the Point of Attack When you’re starting the long corner, your side of the field can get very crowded. In these situations, the best strategy is to switch the point of attack. While you can cross the ball yourself, you’d have to do it through a lot of traffic (both defensive and offensive players). To make it easier, you can change the point of attack.

The hitter can pass the ball back (away from the attacking zone) to a teammate who stands open and away from the crowd. Being in an open space, she will be able to make an easy pass across the field to a teammate waiting on the opposite side of the field. To change the point of attack: Pass the ball back (away from the goal) to a teammate who should be standing in open space. The teammate will receive the ball and cross it flat to the other side of the goal. Make sure the ball is crossed within the area between the 25-yard line and top of the circle. This will keep the ball within the attacking zone, but outside of the crowded circle. A teammate should be positioned near the top of the circle on the opposite side of the goal. Once she receives the pass, she can either shoot or create plays on the opposite side of the field. The benefit of switching the point of attack is to create a new, open attacking zone. Doing so will force the defense and goalie to reposition themselves for the new shooting angles. This creates a lot of confusion for the opposing team, and it opens up more space for your team to make plays.

Look Up When you are taking the long corner, don't approach the ball with a specific strategy in mind. The options listed above are just that — options. You want to decide what play to make once you assess the situation. Where are your teammates? Who is calling for the ball? Are the defenders crowding you or giving you space to play the ball? Look up to analyze the situation before deciding how to play the ball. By doing this, you will make smarter decisions. You will also be more unpredictable for the other team because they will see you surveying the entire field, not just where you aim to pass the ball. So be aware of all your options and be ready to make strategic decisions based on the situation. Playing smart, you will score more goals and create more opportunities for your team! Share this Guide: Field Hockey Rules: How To Play Hockey | Rules of Sport Contact Field Hockey Rules Hockey is a game that is played around the world by many countries. Some of the top hockey playing nations includes India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Netherlands and Great Britain. The pinnacle of the sport comes in the form of the Olympics where it has been one of the top attended sports since its reinstating in 1928.

Object of the Game The object of hockey is to hit a ball with a stick into a goal. Every time the ball goes into the goal then a point is awarded to that team. The team with the most goals at the end of the game is awarded the winner. In the event of both teams scoring the same amount of goals then a draw is called. Players & Equipment Each team consist of 11 players. It’s split up into 1 goalkeeper and 10 outfield players. The outfield players will consist of defenders, midfielders and attackers. The amount of each position will vary deepening on the formation that the team adopts. It’s not massively uncommon for a team to have no goalkeeper at the end of game if they are trying to push for a win or a losing the match. The pitch is 100 yards long and 60 yards wide. It has three lines running across the width of the pitch which are two 25 yard lines and a half way line to signify to players the certain sections of the pitch. At each end the pitch will include a goal which is 4 yards wide. Around the goal is a 16 yard line which is the only sections on the pitch that players are permitted to shoot from.

A goal scored outside the 16 yard line will not be awarded and the ball turned over. A hard ball is used in hockey along with each player having a wooden stick. Only the flat side of the stick can be sued and a foul will be called for any player using the back. The stick can be turned around in the players to hit the ball both ways. For protection players wear shin pads and gum shields. Goal keepers wear a lot more padding due to ball flying in their direction more often. A face mask, helmet, padded gloves, chest pad and leg guards are all part of the attire for a goalkeeper. Some players do wear eye and face masks as well. Scoring A goal is scored when a player hits the ball in between the goal posts and over the line from within the 16 yard area. The ball must be struck with the players stick and any use of the body will be called as an infringement. Goals can be scored from penalty corners which are awarded when a foul is committed in the 16 yard area. From a penalty corner the defending team all line up on their goal line.

The attacking team must all be outside the 16 yard area when one player hits the ball to them from 10 yards either side of the goal line. As the ball is played back a team mate stops the ball before another strikes at goal. Winning the Game The game is decided by the team with the most goals at the end of the game. Each game lasts for two 35 minute halves with a 5 minute rest in between. In the event of the scores being the same at the end of the 70 minutes then the game will end in a draw. Rules of Field Hockey Each team is made up of 11 players and 6 substitutes. Every player has a hockey stick of which they can only use one side of the stick to hit the ball. A gaol is scored when the ball is successfully hit into the opponent’s goal from within the 16 yard area. The ball must be passed or dribbled using the stick and no other body part is allowed to intentionally come into contact with the ball. A foul or infringement is called when a player: Purposely tries to hit the ball off another player with the intent of causing harm to that player.

Intentionally uses a body part to assist in moving or stopping the ball. Hits the ball with the rounded side of their hockey stick. Raise their stick above waist height. Hit their stick off their opponents to interfere with play. Field Hockey Glossary and Terms Field Hockey Glossary and Terms 5- Glossary of Field Hockey Terms Glossary 16-yard hit: Free hit for the defense 16 yards from the goal after an offensive player hits the ball over the end line. Add-10: For delaying the game, such as a defender standing closer than five yards away during a free hit, the free hit is advanced 10 yards up the field. Advancing: Penalty for field player hitting the ball with any part of the body. Bully: Used to restart play when possession is unclear when play was stopped (e.g. injury timeout). Two opposing players start with their sticks on the ground, the ball is placed between them, and they must tap sticks above the ball before they can play the ball. Center pass: Pass from midfield used to start each half and following all goals. “Free hit” rules apply.

Also called “pass-back.” Clearing: Hitting the ball away from the goal on defense, usually as a pass up the field. Cross: Passing the ball in front of the opponent’s goal to create a scoring opportunity. Also called “centering.” Dangerous play: Play that could likely result in injury, such as pushing, tripping, or raising the ball at an opponent who is less than five yards away. Dribble: Moving while alternating the ball from the right side of the body to the left side of the body to elude defenders. Drive: A hard hit made with the swinging motion of the stick. Flagrant foul: Intentionally rough or dangerous play. Player is issued a red card and ejected from the game. Flick: Pass or shot using the wrists to put force behind the ball to raise it off the ground. Free hit: Awarded after most penalties. Defenders must stand five yards from the ball until it is played. Hit: Any contact with the ball using a swinging motion of the stick. A hard hit is called a drive. Long hit: Free hit for offense from the corner, following an unintentional hit over the end line by the defense.

Also called “long corner” or “corner hit.” Marking: Guarding an opponent. Misconduct: Penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, including dangerous play, using obscene language, or taunting. Results in a green card (warning), yellow card (5-minute suspension), or red card (player disqualification). When players are suspended or disqualified, their team must play with fewer members. Obstruction: Penalty for using the body or stick to prevent opponents from pursuing the ball. “Third party obstruction” is called for blocking an opponent so a teammate can play the ball. Penalty corner: Offensive free hit from the endline, 10 yards from the goal, usually following a foul inside the striking circle. Offensive players must be outside the striking circle until the ball is hit, and the offense must control the ball before it can shoot. The defense is allowed five players behind the end line; all other defenders must be behind the center line. A penalty corner ends when the defense takes possession of the ball, the ball crosses over the 5-yard mark outside the striking circle, or the ball exits the striking circle twice.

Also called “short corner.” Penalty stroke: Free one-on-one shot from the penalty stroke line awarded when a foul prevents a likely goal. The goalie must remain behind the goal line until the ball is hit. Push: Method of moving or passing the ball in which the stick is in contact with the ball and the ground as the player pushes the ball up the field. Raised ball: Flicking, scooping, and chipping the ball into the air are legal. Undercutting or hitting that leads to dangerous play are penalties. Scoop: Method of passing or shooting the ball by leveraging the stick underneath the ball to pick it up and fling it through the air. Side-in: Free hit awarded to a team after the opponent hits the ball out of bounds over the sideline. Also called “hit-in” or “push-in.” Striker: The player who shoots the ball. Tackle: Defensive effort to take the ball away from an opponent. Undercutting: Penalty for a hard swing of the stick under the ball to raise it into the air. [ Previous ] © 2005 SportSpectator.com. All rights reserved.

The content provided on SportSpectator.com, such as text, graphics, design, logos, button icons, code, and images, is protected by United States and international copyright law. You may not copy, distribute, reproduce, sell, or modify the content in any form. However, you may link to this page. You may also make one printed copy for your own personal, noncommercial use. Hockey Vocabulary | English Club Download the Prepositions ebook! Hockey Vocabulary This page covers the vocabulary and language of hockey by looking at its background, equipment and people. Check your understanding with the vocabulary quiz and comprehension quiz . There are many games in which two teams compete to get control of a ball (or a puck) by using a stick, and then shoot it into their opponents' net to score a goal. Some of these games are played on a pitch, some on ice, and some on a road or in an empty parking lot. In some of them players wear running shoes, and in others they wear ice skates, roller skates or flippers. In one form players ride unicycles, and in an underwater version called "Octopush" players hit a puck along the bottom of a swimming pool.

All of these games have one thing in common; they are all forms of hockey. But only one of them is played in the Summer Olympic Games, and that's the one you'll read about here. Its full name is "field hockey", though it's usually just called hockey. History The first sport we know of that seems similar to hockey was played in Ancient Egypt over 4,000 years ago. There are no records of the modern form of the game until its appearance in English schools in the 18th century, and the formation of hockey clubs in the 19th century, the first of which was formed in 1849 at Blackheath in south-east London. During this time the game became popular among British military officers and soldiers, and they introduced it to many of the countries Britain was then colonizing. To this day, field hockey is popular in places that were once part of the British Empire, and it is even the National Game of two such countries; India and Pakistan.

The game is also a popular sport for men and women in parts of Europe, South Africa, and Australia, but in North America and Northern Europe, including Russia and the Scandinavian countries, field hockey's "cousin" ice hockey is a much more popular game. How the Game Works Field hockey is played on a pitch that is 100 yards long and 60 yards wide, divided by a center line and two 25 yard lines (see diagram at right). Synthetic surfaces are often used these days, but grass was the traditional surface. Players use hooked hockey sticks to hit, push, pass or dribble a small, hard ball, with the aim of scoring by getting the ball into their opponents' goal. Each team has up to 16 players, of which 11 can be on the pitch at any one time. These include a goalkeeper plus 10 "field players", including attackers, defenders and midfielders. Players can run with the ball (called dribbling) by controlling it with their stick, or they can pass the ball to a teammate, or score a goal, by hitting it with their stick.

A hockey stick has a rounded side (the right-hand side) and a flat side (the left-hand side), and only the flat, left-hand side, and its edges, can be used to play the ball. Field players must not use their feet, or any other part of the body, to control the ball. Only goalkeepers can use their hands, feet, etc. to block or hit the ball when they're inside their own shooting circle. Players can lift the ball into the air with a scoop, a long pushing action of the stick, as long as doing so doesn't endanger other players. When the ball is in the air, a player must not play it if it's above shoulder height unless they're using their stick to block a shot on goal. Goals can be scored from general play or from penalty corners or penalty strokes. A goal from general play has to be scored from inside the shooting circle in front of goal. A penalty corner can be awarded by an umpire if a defending player commits a foul inside the shooting circle, or in any other part of the pitch between the back line and the 25 yard line.

To take a penalty corner, one of the attackers stands with the ball on the back line while the other attackers wait at the top of the shooting circle. Up to four defenders, plus the goalkeeper, stand near the goal in defensive positions. The defenders’ teammates must stand beyond the centre line until the corner is taken. The player taking the penalty corner “pushes out” the ball and the waiting attackers then try to score a goal. A penalty stroke is a free shot on goal from a spot 7 yards out, and only the goalkeeper can try to stop it. A penalty stroke may be awarded for any of several serious fouls, including illegally stopping an attacker from scoring a goal. A hockey match usually lasts 70 minutes, with two 35-minute halves. The team with the most goals at the end of the game is the winner. Games can end in a draw, but if a winner must be found, such as in the World Cup or at the Olympics, a tied match will go into extra time, with the first team to score in extra time being the winner. If neither team scores in extra time, the result is decided by a penalty stroke competition, which is similar to a "penalty shoot-out" in soccer.

Tournaments The most important competitions for field hockey are the Olympic Games, the Hockey World Cup, and the Commonwealth Games. All of these competitions are held once every four years. In the men's game, India and Pakistan were the strongest teams until the 1980’s, but since then the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Australia and Spain have also fielded strong teams. In the women's game, the Netherlands were the strongest team until the 1990’s, but Australia, Argentina, China, Korea, Germany and South Africa have also fielded strong teams since then. The biggest of hockey's annual tournaments are the Champions Trophy for the year's six top-ranked national teams, and the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament. The latter has been held in Malaysia every year since 1983 and has become one of the sport's most popular events, with teams coming from all over the world to participate.

Hockey Vocabulary List How to Take a 16-yard Hit in Field Hockey | iSport.com How to Take a 16-yard Hit in Field Hockey How to Take a 16-yard Hit in Field Hockey The goal of a 16-yard hit is to get the ball out of your team’s defensive zone and to create counter-attack opportunities up the field. To receive a 16-yard hit, the other team has to hit the ball over the end line in your defensive zone. When this happens, your team re-gains possession of the ball and, if you’re the hitter, you want to be prepared to strategically push it up the field. This guide will explain what a 16-yard hit is, as well as a few strategies to get the ball out of your defensive zone. Basics of the 16-yard Hit A 16-yard hit is a free hit awarded to the defending team when the attacking team hits the ball over the end line . This hit is almost always taken by a defensive player, but it can be taken by any player on the team. The ball is placed 16-yards away from where it crossed over the end line.

The standard rules for a free hit apply for a 16-yard hit. Read iSport's guide, How to Take Offensive Free Hits in Field Hockey , for more information on the rules for free hits. The Cardinal Rule The most important thing to remember when taking a 16-yard hit is to never hit the ball to the middle of the field. When on defense, you always want to move the ball away from the middle and towards the sidelines. If you hit the ball to the middle of the field and it gets intercepted by an opponent, she can easily bring it back into the zone to score. How to Take the Hit You do not have to take a full hit on a 16-yard hit; don’t ever feel pressured to slam the ball down the field to your offense. You can also choose to dribble , push , slap , or pass the ball. In fact, hitting the ball is generally not always the best option. In certain situations, a better play would be to pass the ball to a teammate on the sidelines, and then support her as she advances the ball up the field. Hot Tip: Take Quick Hits The time it takes you to set up and take the free hit should be short.

The faster you take the hit, the less time your opponents have to set up their defense. Quick hits also help build momentum for your team. Advanced Strategies One of the more advanced strategies on 16-yard hits is to work the ball up the side of the field in threes — three players working together to form a triangle, using flat and through passes to move the ball around their opponents. Check out see iSport's guide, How to Use Triangle Passing in Field Hockey , for more information on this type of passing. Another common strategy is to switch the ball around the back (passing the ball back before crossing it across the field). You generally never want to cross the ball in front of the defensive goal — except in this situation. There are three essential elements needed to successfully switch the ball: The opposing team needs to be at least five yards away from the player taking the hit. The player taking the hit must pass the ball back to another player to cross the ball (this will create more space between the defense and the opposing team). The player hitting the ball across the field must be able to make accurate, hard hits.

To switch the ball around the back, follow these three steps: The player taking the 16-yard hit will pass the ball back (towards her goal) about five yards to a nearby defender. The defender receiving the pass will trap the ball, and then hit it directly across the field to the opposite sideline. The defender on the other side of the field will receive the ball, and then play it up that side of the field. Get the Ball Rolling Get the momentum going for your team by using the strategies listed above. On a 16-yard hit, your goal is to advance the ball up the field into your team’s attacking zone. Work on the basics — quick hits, aiming towards the sidelines, and using short passes instead of big hits — before moving on to the more advanced strategies. If you use these simple techniques when taking 16-yard hits, your team will be successful getting the ball out of your zone. Share this Guide: Free hits Use of the Self Pass Free hits Use of the Self Pass More All questions, unless otherwise indicated, are answered by Steve Horgan, our nation's rules interpreter. If you have a question, please look through the questions that have already been answered.

If your question hasn't been asked, please use this form to submit your question . Q: Use of the Self Pass A: RULE 13.2 (2009-2010): If the player taking the free hit is the next player to play the ball, the actions of taking the free hit and of next playing the ball must be two separate actions. Before another player of the team which took the free hit is allowed to play the ball, the ball must move at least 1 meter. The ball does not have to move 1 meter before the player taking the free hit may play the ball again. [Rule 13.2 as presented above is incomplete. It's scope has been reduced on this page because the following questions deal specifically with use of the Self Pass option to restart play on the center-pass, free hits, side-ins, and long corners.] Q: If I choose to do a self pass, must the ball move 1 meter before I can play it again? A: No, the ball does not have to move 1 meter if the player taking the free hit will retain possession. But, the ball is to be played (for example, tapped) and then controlled in a second action.

As the player takes the free hit, the player cannot remain in continuous contact with the ball as the player moves off from the position of the free hit (Rule 13.2 f & note). Q: The rule says nothing about the teammates of the player taking the free hit having to be 5 meters away. Can the attacking team have more than one teammate within playing distance of the ball? A: Inside the attacking 23 meter area, players from both teams must be 5 meters from the free hit. Outside of the attacking 23 meter area, two or more players from the same team may be close to the free hit spot (Rule 13.2c). Q: The rule said you do not have to move the ball 1 meter for the next action. I thought the ball always had to move 1 meter at the start of a free hit. What changed? A: This applies only to a player starting the free hit with a self pass. The ball does not have to move 1 meter in order for the same player to collect the ball and continue on. If the player taking the free hit chooses to pass to a teammate, the ball MUST move at least 1 meter before the teammate can play the ball.

Q: Am I correct in understanding the rule that if I take the free hit (not going into the circle) I can play it again and it doesn't have to roll 1 meter but must be two separate actions? A: Correct (Rule 13.2 f). Q: Going into the circle, is it true that the ball must travel 5 meters and I cannot touch it again, another player must? A: Not correct. If the player chooses to start the play with a self pass, they are permitted to move with the ball as if the free hit happened anywhere else on the field. The ball cannot be played into the circle until it has moved 5 meters. This includes a push, slap push and hit. If the player taking the free hit chooses to pass to a teammate, the ball can be played into the circle by the second player. Remember, both teams must be 5 meters away when the free hit is to the attack within the 23 meter area (Rule 13.2h). Q: Does this mean that I cannot hit the ball directly into the circle? A: Correct.

The attack cannot pass the ball directly into the circle from a free hit within the 23 meter area (Rule 13.2h). Q: Does this new free hit rule apply to the center pass, side-ins, hit-ins ("16's"), and long corners. A: Correct. The only restarts of play that this new rule does not apply to is the insertion of a penalty corner. The rule governing the penalty corner (Rule 13.3) has not changed. Q: If the same player is taking the second touch on the ball, the player does not have to move the ball 1 meter, but the player must make two separate actions, no smooth rolling dribble, no dragging the ball, right? A: Correct. Umpires will be instructed to give a free hit to the opponents if the player restarting play attempts a self pass but does not make two separate actions (Rule 13.2f). Q: If Player A is fouled by Player B, and whilst Player B is still close to the free hit spot, Player A takes a quick self pass to restart play. How does Player B get 5 meters away before they are permitted to tackle or otherwise defend against Player A? Possible scenarios...

Player B must be attempting to get 5 meters away from the spot of the free hit. He/She should not be penalized as long as they are not delaying in their attempt to back away. Player A will not be permitted to run at Player B to create a foul. This is more likely to happen within the 23 meter area in order for the attack to manufacture a penalty corner. This action by Player A should be blown against them and handled under misconduct if the actions persist. Rule 13.2.b states that opponents must be 5 meters from the ball. Therefore, this distance must be created before the opponent attempts to tackle or engage the attacker in any way. Q: Does Player B have to get 5 meters from the ball carrier, or 5 meters from where the hit was taken from? A: Rule 13.2b states that opponents must be 5 meters from the ball. Therefore, this distance must be created before Player B attempts to tackle or engage the ball carrier (Player A) in any way. Q: Can Player B run close to the ball carrier for 5 meters without interfering and then engage? A: No.

Any opponent running close to a player is interfering even though they may not be tackling. They would be preventing the attacker from moving in any direction by placing their body close to the attacker. This will not be permitted. As stated in the answers to Q9 and Q10, the opponent must create a 5 meter distance from the ball before tackling or engaging the ball carrier (Player A). Q: From an attacking free hit inside the 23 meter area the ball cannot be played directly into circle by the attack when it is 5 meters away, right? But because every free hit has to be 5 meters away the requirement that the ball has to be played indirectly into the circle would only apply to a foul that is awarded when the ball is within 5 meters of the circle, right? So if I am standing anywhere outside the dotted line I can hit the ball into the circle as it will have traveled the required 5 meters, correct? A: Not Correct.

The rule says the ball cannot be "played" into the circle inside the 23 meter area until it has traveled 5 meters—but that doesn't include traveling 5 meters from an initial hit or push into the circle or from a hit or push directly into the circle after a short-tap self pass. Let's put it this way, on these attacking free hits inside the 23 meter area, unless the attacker taking the free hit decides to self pass and then dribble into the circle, a second touch by a different player (from either team) is required before the ball can enter the circle unless the player who took the free hit has dribbled at least 5 meters before passing into the circle. If I'm taking the free hit and pass to a teammate, who has to be 5 meters away anyway, they can hit into the circle. If they're already in the circle, I can't pass the ball to them unless I dribble at least 5 meters before making the pass. This is to prevent the short-tap self pass and then crushing the ball into the circle when the free hit started from inside the 23 meter area.

Q: Any free hit to the attack within 5 meters of the circle must be moved back to be 5 meters away from the circle? A: Correct. Q: On the EHL video that was shown at the NFHCA convention and is now circulating on YouTube, there are several examples of the ball being hit directly into the circle off a free hit or being passed into the circle after a self pass/carry of less than 5 meters. I assume that the rules were still evolving when these videos were taken? Or did the umpires just miss it? On the same footage there is also an example of a side-in where the ball carrier appears to just keep dribbling in a straight line without "two separate actions" ... will USA Field Hockey be posting video that complies with the latest revisions? The footage I've seen so far does not seem to agree with what I'm reading! A: Video of the FIH rule in action may not be available until after May 1st when the FIH officially begins its use. While the Euro Hockey League lead to this change and has been playing with a similar "self pass" free hit rule, USA Field Hockey will be using the FIH rule and there are some important differences.

This is important to keep in mind due to the popularity of Euro Hockey League's videos. These videos provide insight to the rule's positive impact on the game but they should NOT be considered instructive with regard to how the FIH rule will govern free hits. Q: Are the dashed lines outside the circles still required? If so what purpose do they serve? A: The proximity markers serve the purpose of defining the 5 meter area outside the circle and now indicate the minimum distance away from the circle that a free hit can be taken when the foul occurs near the circle line. Q: Rule 13.2 (c) when a free hit is awarded to the attack within the 23 meters area, all players other than the player taking the free hit must be at least 5 meters from the ball. Does this mean on any free hit awarded inside the 23 meters area the ball is pulled outside of the 23 meters area AND all players other than the player taking the free hit must be at least 5 meters from the ball. The ball does not have to be brought outside the 23 meter area when a free hit is awarded within that area.

Only within the 23 meter area do players from both teams have to be at least 5 meters from the player taking free hit. Q: When you used the the phrase "Played into the circle" for attacking free hits in the 23 meter area, does that included carrying the ball into the circle? A: Yes. All free hits must be taken from at least 5 meters from the circle, therefore, carrying the ball into the circle from a self pass on a free hit is permitted. Q: Can you just take a touch into the circle and shoot as soon as it enters the circle whilst the defense is still 5 yards away? A: The starting point for the free hit will be at least 5 meters from the circle so this will not happen—unless a player is fortunate enough to carry the ball all the way into the circle and can get a shot off without being contested. If so, good for them but, realistically, there will be no opportunity for the player taking the free hit to just "tap-and-shoot" or make a little touch on the ball followed by a direct shot.

Q: Can an attacking side use a self-pass instead of an injection at a short corner or gain an advantage from an injection error and strike the ball a second time? A: The rules governing the penalty corner have not changed. The injector on a penalty corner can only play the ball once as the "self pass" aspect of the free hit rule does not apply to a penalty corners. Even in error, the Injector must not approach within playing distance after their initial attempt to play the ball. Q: In a self pass, how do you distinguish two separate actions? A: The easiest way to explain this is "a definite separation of stick and ball" before the ball is carried on as a self pass. Beginning with a smooth rolling dribble or a drag action, even with a change of direction, is not allowed. Q: Does distinguishing two separate actions have to do with the distance the ball travels after the first touch? A: No. There is no required distance if performing a self pass. If passing to a teammate, the ball must still travel 1 meter. Q: Do you believe that the self pass rule will be applied to games between high school teams as well?

A: This rule was not published when the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) had their meeting to establish new rules for the upcoming year. Therefore, the self pass rule will not be played in games between high school teams during the Fall of 2009. Q: Will the new self pass rule be in effect for the 2009 Regional Futures Tournaments and 2009 National Futures Championships? A: Yes. All outdoor USA Field Hockey events. Q: Is there a definition given for the term played? A: The term played is meant to require a touch of the ball by the initial taker of the free hit, another teammate or a defender after it has moved a minimum of 5 meters in any direction outside of the circle. It can also includes a player carrying the ball into the circle if action is restarted with a self pass. Q: Under the new free hit rule, can a defending team hit the ball into or across the circle from a hit-in ("16"), side-in or free hit inside their 25? A: Yes. There is no new restrictions for the defense when restarting play within the 23 meter area they are defending.

Q: Under the new free hit rule, can a player from a defending team stand within 5 meters of a teammate at a hit-in, side-in or free hit within their defending 23 meter area? A: Yes. There is no new restrictions for the defense when restarting play within the 23 meter area they are defending. Q: What does the umpire do if the attack pushes or hits the ball into the circle without first meeting the requirements of the new rule governing attacking restarts (long corner, free hit, side-in) within the 23 meter area they're attacking—immediately blow the play dead or hold for advantage? A: This is not a situation where advantage is to be played. If the criteria for entering the circle is not met, a foul has occurred and should be penalized accordingly. Q: Do you have to use the self pass on all/any free hits, side-ins, hit-ins ("16's") or long corners? A: No. The team restarting play is not required to use the "self pass" action. Q: When a free hit is called do you have to move the ball one meter before any hit/push is taken by the initial player or a teammate?

A: Very simply, the answer is no. The ball does not have to be moved one meter BEFORE a hit/push is taken. Only when the defense has fouled within 5 meters of the circle does the ball need to be moved—it has to be moved 5 meters away from circle before play resumes. Q: I'm a college goalkeeper and was thinking about whether goalkeepers can self pass by starting with my stick and then kick the ball? A: Yes. Goalkeepers have to restart by playing the ball with their stick but their second action on the ball can be a kick. Q: [The goalkeeper continues...] If so, when I do can I tap it, pop it up, and then punt it? I bet I could just about reach the other circle. A: There is nothing in the rules preventing you from trying this action. It has not been attempted much in recent years as it is a very uncontrolled action. Aerials are intended to send the ball into an open area or to a specific player. Any player attempting to come in and tackle the goalkeeper who has started the free hit will be put in danger by the attempt at this action due to the timeframe needed to execute it.

Q: Prior to the new self pass rule, a long hit (long corner) could always be driven directly into the circle, is this still true? A: No. Attackers may not drive the ball directly into the circle when they are restarting play within the 23 meter area. This restriction applies to side-ins, free hits, and long corners. Q: What signal should umpires use when the self pass has not been executed correctly, i.e. when the player does not use two separate actions on the ball? A: The umpire should whistle a little louder than normal and give a strong, firm directional signal. If the player asks why the reversal on the free hit, let them know (in a calm demeanor) that they need two actions to start the free hit with a free pass. Q: If my team is awarded a free hit 5 meters from the circle or even a long hit, can I hit the ball directly at the circle to one of my teammates who then tips or deflects it into the circle? If I'm reading the rule correctly, as long as my hit goes 5 meters and my teammate touches it before it enters the circle, this should be legal, right?

A: You can hit the ball directly at the circle—that is not a foul. But, even if you are more than 5 meters away from the circle, for example on a long hit, if you hit the ball directly at the circle and it crosses the circle line untouched by another attacker or defender, this will be considered hitting directly into the circle and that is a foul. Under these circumstances, a foul occurs at the moment the ball crosses the circle line untouched by a second player. Q: On an attacking free hit from inside the 23 meter, if the attacker restarting play wants to hit the ball into the circle without first passing to a teammate, must the player using the self pass dribble 5 meters away from the initial placing of the ball or can the player simply move a total of 5 meters? Asked another way, as an example, can the player use a self pass and move the ball 3 meters in one direction, then move the ball back 3 meters to the initial spot, thus constituting more than 5 meters? Or, must a player starting with a self pass move the ball until it is outside a 5 meter radius from the starting point before hitting it into the circle?

A: Prior to being played directly into the circle [from an attacking free hit inside the 23 meter area], the ball can be moved in any direction over a distance of at least 5 meters. So, yes, the player can self pass and travel 3 meters away from the initial spot of the free hit and then move back to the starting point for a total of 6 meters, thus exceeding the 5 meter requirement needed for the restarter to self pass and then play the ball directly into the circle from an attacking free hit inside the 23 meter area. Q: If I self pass on a free hit, do I have to dribble 5 meters before I can pass? A: No. The 5 meter travel requirement only applies when you want to play the ball directly into the circle from an attacking free hit inside the 23 meter area [including side-ins and long corners]. Q: Attacking free hit inside the 23 meter area—one meter outside the proximity marks—given that the defense must be five meters away, they setup one meter outside the circle. The attacker hits the ball directly at the circle (no self pass). A defenders stick touches ball outside the circle and the ball goes into the circle.

The ball never touches the stick of an attacker. No foul? A: Correct. No foul. [13.2.h, page 31, "from a free hit awarded to the attack within the 23 meters area, the ball must not be played into the circle until it has traveled at least 5 meters or has been touched by a player of either team other than the player taking the free hit."] Q: If the attack has a side-in within the 23 meter area, do the attack players have to be 5 meters away from the ball as they do on a free hit? A: Yes. Procedures for free hits, center passes and putting the ball back into play from a side-in, hit-in ("16"), or long corner, are all governed by the new free hit rule. Therefore, when a free hit/side-in/hit-in/long corner is awarded to the attack within the 23 meters area, all players from both teams must be at least 5 meters from the attacker restarting play. If the attack is getting play restarted quickly, they can do so while another player is within 5 meters as long as that other player in not judged to be influencing play.

Q: Is there a small list of maybe 5 of the most common ways the new free hit rule is being violated by the defense and the offense so we all can start with a common focus? A: As of April 8, 2009, our umpires and teams have been playing with the new rule for about three weeks. No major issues have arisen and I am concerned that we are already focusing too much on this rule and not on the whole game. I would prefer not to add to the attention it has received by creating such a list and, rather, allow our umpires to focus on the entire game. Q: The game really moves quickly and I know we can verbally communicate with the players but what are the basic signals to deal with the fouls related to the self pass or other aspects of the new free hit rule so that it's clear and understood why we blew our whistle as the game quickly moves on? Or are we just to talk? A: (Updated on 08/02/2010 for clarity.) This is one of many examples when there is no secondary signal to "explain" why the umpire blew the whistle.

What is the secondary signal for intentionally running behind the cage, or for an attacker waiting for the ball while straddling the opponent's goal-line, or the goalkeeper using their hand to play the ball over a long distance, or an attacker coming into the circle early on a penalty corner? Sometimes there is only a primary signal (typically direction). The signal in this case is for the umpire to blow the whistle and show direction. There simply isn't an official signals for every possible foul that can occur in a game, or on a free hit. Umpires should not feel the need to talk just because there is no secondary/explanatory signal for breaches of the rules. If someone doesn't know what happened, it's up to them to move on with the game in the direction indicated by the umpire. That said, many umpires have found it helpful to hold up two fingers on one hand when a player uses a self pass to restart play but do not use two actions to begin.

For the various violations that can happen with regard to 'distance' (the opponents or teammates weren't far enough away, the attack didn't travel 5 meters—or 7 yards/6.4 meters in high school games—before entering the circle) holding up on open hand (showing "five") seems to help. While these are not official secondary signals, they seem to be universally understood and are acceptable in 2010. Q: If a free hit is awarded outside the 23 meter area, must the offensive players be five meters away (before they could be 1 meter) and can the ball be hit directly into the circle? A: Outside of the attacking 23 meter area, other than the option of restarting with a self pass, the free hit rule has not changed. Q: If there's a side-in for the attack inside the 23 meter area, let's say at about the 22, and without self-passing the attacker hits the ball directly into the circle, at the top, in front of the cage, where does the defense take their free hit? Up at the 22 on the side line or where the ball went into the circle?

A: A free hit is awarded to the opposing team from the spot where the free hit was incorrectly executed. Q: During a free hit to the attack inside the attacking 23 meter area, a defender is 3 meters away and tips the ball. The ball goes to an attacker who was only 4 meters away from the start of the free hit. Is this a held whistle? A: You have already recognized that the defender was not 5 meters from the spot of the free hit. This is a breakdown of the play. Only attempt to play advantage IF you see there is a clear possibility for the attacker to control and constructively continue the attack. Otherwise penalizing the breakdown is appropriate. Q: [The situation continues...] Does the defender's touch negate the 5 meter rule for the attack? A: Once the ball is touched by a defender or an attacker other than the restarter, the requirement that the restarter's teammates be 5 meter away does not apply. Q: [The situation continues...] Does this call change as the situation occurs closer to the circle? A: Not at all. Q: In a self pass, can the second action be an aerial ball, i.e. flick or lifted hit?

A: You can restart play with a self pass and then flick the ball safely, but you are not allowed to intentionally lift the ball with a hit except for a shot on goal. Q: If my team gets a free hit inside the 23 can we move it outside the 23 so we can hit it directly into the circle? A: No. Intentionally moving the location of an attacking free hit and restarting outside the 23 meter area to create an opportunity to play the ball directly into the circle must be seen as an unfair advantage and penalized accordingly. Q: On a self pass within the attacking 23 meter area, can you tap it to yourself, move it 5 meters, and then lift it safely into the circle? Safe on the way up and safe on the down? A: Yes but recognizing that when the ball is coming down in the circle in this situation, danger is very likely. Q: On a long hit/long corner. Player A restarts with a self pass, travels/dribbles less than 1 meter, then passes to a teammate who was 5 meters away when the play started but is closer than 5 meters when they receive the pass.

This teammate one times the ball with a drive directly into the circle. Legal? A: Yes. Q: For a foul between the proximity markers and circle, the ball must be brought back and placed 5 meters outside the circle (inline with the proximity markers). If the ball is hit directly towards the circle, the play can only be legal if the ball is touched on the circle line, not before and not after, correct? A: Not correct. The ball is considered as in the circle once the ball has touched the circle line therefore, based on your description, it reached the circle without being touched by another player. Q: The attack is awarded a free hit just inside the attacking 23 meter area. The attacker starts with a self pass and dribbles about one meter outside the 23 meter area, then dribbles back into the 23 meter area. Does the requirement to dribble 5 meters before hitting into the circle still apply? A: Yes. The attack would still have to travel 5 meters with the ball or the ball would still have to be touched by a teammate or defender before the ball could legally enter the circle.

[Note: The rule requirement is for a total movement of 5 meters, not a requirement to move the ball a minimum of a 5 meter radius from the starting point of the free hit. Therefore, while 1 meter back and 1 meter forward would not be allowed, 3 meters back and 3 meters forward would be allowed.] Q: In a self pass, can the first action be a simple tap on the top of the ball or does it have to physically move away from its original spot? A: A simple tap on top of the ball does not constitute the start of a free hit. Q: In working DI college spring hockey I came across an umpire (a Level III I believe) who feels that there are now more bump-ups to a penalty corner on defensive fouls within 5 meters of the circle because the attack no longer has the advantage of a quick hit, i.e. they must stop and pull the ball 5 meters away from the circle. So on a poor tackle within 5 meters of the circle by the defense she is bumping-up to a penalty corner.

My thought is we cannot bump-up on a foul that prior to the rule change would not have been bumped-up to a penalty corner just because there is a new free hit rule. Obviously if you have a breakdown foul within 5 meters of the circle that you would have bumped-up last year then you would still bump-it up this year, but minor fouls should not be bumped up. We got into quite a discussion on this. Her feeling was the advantage to the attack has been taken away by having to stop and bring the hit back to a point 5 meters away from the circle so it, the advantage, should be replaced by awarding a penalty corner. Can you put out some type of clarification to umpires on the use of bump-ups within 5 meters of the circle? A: Intentional/breakdown fouls by the defense inside the attacking 23 meter area but outside the circle are penalized with a penalty corner. It is not considered an "upgrade" or "bump up"—it is simply the appropriate penalty for the appropriate foul. There is no change to any interpretation that would allow anything more than the appropriate penalty for the appropriate foul.

Q: With the new free hit rule, when there is a long hit do both teams have to be 5 meters away [from the restarter]? A: Yes. However, if the attack is getting play restarted quickly, they can do so while another player is within 5 meters as long as that other player in not judged to be influencing play. [See # 38 for more details.] Q: I was at a scrimmage and we had a discussion on the free hit rule inside the attacking 23 meter area. An athlete who recently played in Argentina says the ball must move at least 5 meters in one direction before playing the ball into the circle. The answer to question 51 says that the attacker inside the 23 meter area who starts with self pass can play the ball into the circle after going in two directions as long as they dribbled a total distance that's greater than 5 meters. So which way are we going to allow? A: Even if the attacker stands still and dribbles the ball back and forth in front of their feet, as soon as they have amassed a total distance of 5 meters, they can play the ball into the circle.

Before posting our answer to question 51, we verified with the FIH that movement outside a 5 meter radius drawn from where the free hit is taken is NOTthe intent of the rule's 5 meter requirement. Q: Before players could self pass, if the restarter swung at the ball and topped it, we would let them try again if the ball didn't travel two rotations. I heard with the self pass that if the player swings and mis-hits like that and the ball only does one rotation, that's not a self pass and the restarter has to back away from the ball and let the other team take possession. Is that correct? A: Incorrect. As long as the ball has ANY movement it is considered in play. The person taking the free hit (including side-ins, hit-ins, long corners and center passes) may play it again and is not required to back away.

Q: If I get a a free hit inside just inside the 23, I'm an attacker, I know I can't just start outside the 23 so I can hit it right into the circle but, what if I start at the 22 and then dribble back so I'm outside the 23, then can I hit it directly into the circle? A: No. The ball must travel 5 meters or more in any direction or directions before being played directly into the circle. It does not matter that you moved the ball outside the attacking 23 meter area. The 23 meter line has no subsequent bearing on this particular play. Q: [The attacker continues...] What if I get a free hit just inside the 23, can my teammate, as long as he's behind me, stand just outside the 23 area so I can hit it to him and he can hit it into the circle? A: No. On attacking free hits inside the 23 meter area, ALL players must be 5 meters from the spot where the free hit will be taken. The 23 meter line has no subsequent bearing on this particular play.

Q: I know on a self pass that my second action can be an aerial. If I'm taking a corner—you know, a "long hit"—and I self pass about a foot, then I can lift the ball up and over the circle to my teammate on the other side of the field as long as he's outside the circle, right? A: Initially, this was considered a foul by the FIH. Current practice, however, allows this action at all levels of the game. Q: The attacking team fouls inside the circle and the defensive player "moves the ball" by tapping or taking small hits to the 15m line simulating, but not intentionally conducting a "self pass". Is the ball now in play? Also, what if the same events happen after the ball crosses the back-line? A: If the team that has been given possession has met the criteria for starting a free hit/side-in/hit-in, and they play the ball with a legal first action, then—at that instant—the ball is in play.

If the player "tapping" the ball forward continues to play (self pass) after the ball has reached the 15 meter line (assuming the ball was initially stopped to indicate the beginning of a free hit), this is perfectly legal. When the player attempts to do the same thing on future plays, the umpires must be consistent in their judgment. The player DOES NOT get the opportunity to decide halfway through the play to now want to stop the ball and set up for a "traditional" free hit. Umpires must be very focused on the play and the players' actions to decide when the free hit is or is not taken. Q: I understand that if the self pass option is attempted and the restarter carries the ball off in a "contact dribble", that the free hit has not been taken legally. Should the restarter get to re-set and try again? A: No. The restarter fouled. Free hit to the opponent. Q: If the ball is 1 meter above the 25yd line and the attacker does a self start and moves the ball 1 meter below the 25yd line and then hits it directly into the circle this is legal correct?

A: This is a legal play because the foul occurred outside the attacking 23 meter area. Q: Can you discuss dragging as the first motion? If we are on a crappy grass field and the drag is attempted but there is a definite separation of ball and stick because the ball is stuttering on the grass. Is that ok? On another similar situation, can someone drag the ball 6" and then release and tap the ball? A: Dragging the ball as the first action of a self pass is not allowed. It must be a tap, hit or push to move the ball. Q: Players are taking free hits from the broken line circle and tapping the ball forward 1 meter, then tapping it again a second time about a meter and letting the ball roll ever so slightly (2-3 meters) into the circle. The players are claiming that it is considered a dribble, but I have been told that the tap that puts the ball into the circle has to occur after the ball has moved a total of 5 meters. Am I correct? A: Yes. Before entering the circle the ball must be played again after it has traveled a cumulative 5 meters.

Q: Some attack players are starting the self-pass with a slow push that goes one meter or less before tapping it again. Sometimes, before the second tap, the defense (who moved 5 meters away) has approached and is trying to play the ball even though the second tap hasn't yet occurred. How long can the initial touch go before it is considered too long? What do we do about the approaching player if the second touch hasn't been completed? A: As soon as the restarter plays the ball, the defense can approach, provided that the defender gets 5 meters away from the spot of the free hit prior to engaging the attacker. The defense does not need to wait for a second play on the ball. Some players are attempting to use this slight drag to scan the field before deciding whether or not to stop and try to restart the free hit [as if they didn't self pass] when they find no options. Umpires must be consistent. So, if a restarter plays off of this action once as a self pass, the umpire should judge that the same action taken later by the player is also a self pass—that the free hit has been taken.

Q: When play is restarted with a self pass by the blue team inside the circle they're defending, if there are not two separate actions, would this be penalized by awarding a penalty corner or a penalty stroke for the red team [the attack]? A: When a defender attempts to self pass on a restart within circle but fails to begin with two actions, the attack is awarded a penalty corner. Q: After attending a high school rules interpretation meeting last night some umpires were discussing the self-pass from a long hit or a side-in inside the 16 yard line. For a violation of the indirect circle entry requirement (i.e. the ball is played directly into the circle), the NFHS's Officials Guide VI.B.6.e (page 69) says that, "Violations result in a free hit taken by the opponent at the spot where the free hit, side in or long hit was incorrectly executed." Does this mean that the ball is place on the long hit mark or the sideline for the ensuing free hit? A: No.

For all violations by the attack inside the 16, the defense can choose to take the resulting free hit up to 16 yards away from the back-line, in line with where the foul occurred. This governance does not change because the attack illegally Self Passed or violated the Indirect Circle Entry requirement. Remember, the violation is considered the exact same as any free hit to the defense inside the 25 yard / 23 meter line. For more details on the Self Pass and the Indirect Circle Entry, please visit our SPICE page ( ). Q: When you have a free hit inside the attacking 25 yard line (NFHS) and you use the self pass, when moving the ball 5 yards do you also have to move your feet when moving the ball? A: No. The player is not required to move their feet or body in any direction. The umpires must decide if the BALL has moved a cumulative 5 yards to satisfy the rule (5 meters in the Rules of Hockey). The decision has nothing to do with the player himself or herself. For more details on the Self Pass and the Indirect Circle Entry, please visit our SPICE page ( ).

Q: I heard that if the ball is stationary and the restarter just taps the top of the ball, that counts as the first action on the self pass even if the ball doesn't move. Is that correct? And, let's say a player is at the 16 waiting for her teammate or the ball girl get the ball and roll it to her. Does stopping the ball count as the first action? A: No. No. The ball must be moved. The initial stopping of the ball or tapping the ball on top does not constitute movement or the action of a hit / push to begin the play. Q: Player A takes an attacking free hit in the attacking 23 meter area. She takes two touches (legally utilizing the self restart), then stops the ball—or allows the ball to stop by itself—for attacking player B to come and play the ball into the circle. The ball has not traveled 1 meter. Am I correct that the ball doesn't need to travel 1 meter because player A self started? A: No, you are not correct.

The ball must move 1 meter [or 1 yard in games between high schools governed by the NFHS rules] before another player of the same team can play the ball, taking a self pass does not negate this rule. Only the player who initially took the free hit, whether they choose the self pass option or not, can play the ball before it has moved 1 meter [or 1 yard in games between high schools governed by NFHS rules]. Q: In a NFHS game, it is easily accepted that there must be two contacts with the ball. A first touch followed by a drag appears to be acceptable but can the drag be the first contact? If so should a distance apply. A: With the exception of using a lift as the first action, any two actions can be used in NFHS games to restart play with a self pass. A measurement of distance that the ball is or is not moved with these actions is not a factor used by the umpires to assess the legitimacy of any given free hit. If the "drag" goes long enough that a defender can play the ball, or the self starter continues the drag beyond playing distance of the foul, then only one action occurred and not two separate ones.

It is of primary importance that the athlete restarting play begins from the appropriate location and has made it clear, having stopped the ball if even for only the blink of an eye, that the free hit has been taken. INFORMATION

Question: In what sport are there "16 yard hits" and "penalty corners"?
Answer: Hockey