The Ultimate Field Hockey Field Guide

Everything you need to know about field hockey dimensions

Field hockey is a fast-paced and exciting sport that is enjoyed by players across America and around the world. The game is played on a specially designed field, and in this guide, we’ll cover field hockey field dimensions, lines, field colors and more.

A field hockey field or ‘pitch’ is a rectangular shape that is divided into four quarters by a center line. At each end of the field there are semicircular shooting circles and penalty areas that field hockey goals are positioned in. Outlining the field are back and sidelines, and each half of the field also features a penalty box and penalty spot.

The FIH (International Hockey Federation) is the sport's governing body, and it is the FIH that sets out the regulation dimensions of a field hockey field.

According to FIH regulations, a standard field hockey field should measure 91.4 meters (100 yards) long and 55 meters (60 yards) wide. This is the regulation field hockey field size used in all major field hockey competitions including the Olympics.

For a field to meet the FIH regulations they must have the correct markings. Below we run through the key field markings found on a field hockey field.

Shooting circle (D shape)

• Radius: 16 yards (14.63m)

Goal area

• Width of goal: 4 yards (3.66m)

Penalty spot

• Distance from the goal line: 7 yards (6.4m)

Sidelines and Backlines

• Length: 100 yards (91.4m)
• Width: 60 yards (55m)

The striking circle has a radius of 16 years (14.63m) measured from the goalposts. 5 yards (4.57-meter) outside the striking circle is another semicircle which is marked with a broken line. The penalty spot is located 7 yards (6.475 meters) from the goal line. The penalty corner defender and attacker stand at 5 yards (4.975 meters) and 11 yards (9.975 meters), respectively, along the edge of the striking circle.

White lines are mandatory for senior international hockey, however there are other colors such as yellow that are acceptable on multi-sport pitches for improved visibility.

The orientation of a field hockey field is to minimize direct sunlight, so it doesn’t affect player’s vision. Ideally, the pitch should be aligned north to south as this prevents players from facing direct sunlight during afternoon or evening games. The orientation of the pitch is crucial in competitive settings, where having clear visibility is must have for fair play and performance.

The Internation Hockey Federation (FIH) provide specific guidelines for field orientation, especially for top leagues and competitions. These guidelines ensure that the playing conditions are well maintained, and players have optimal visibility.

FIH regulations state that fields should be a uniform shade of green or dark blue for any fields intended for local, national and international competitions, but at lower levels other field colors are permitted.

Blue fields are used in televised events due to largely enhanced visibility for viewers, as yellow hockey balls contrast strongly against blue surfaces. While green remains the traditional color, the FIH recognizes the benefits of blue fields for television broadcasts, and both colors are now common.

Penalty corners are usually conceded after a foul and have quite an intricate set up. The attacking team usually set up with the injector who stands at the penalty corner mark and other attackers including the stopper and hitter standing around the shooting circle (D). The injector passes the ball to the stopper who then sets up the shot for the hitter. The rest of the team stand outside the shooting circle and wait for any deflections or potential counter attacks. Usually there are about 5 attackers involved in this set piece, but the number can vary based on team tactics.

The defensive team are only allowed 5 players behind the back line, which can make the final scramble quite chaotic. The 5 players consist of the goalkeeper, post protector, flyer and high & low trails. Once the injector puts the ball into play, the goalkeeper prepares for the initial shot whilst the flyer runs out to block the shot and the post players defend the goal line. Other defenders must position themselves at the halfway line until the ball is back in play.

Field hockey fields are often wet to enhance gameplay and player safety. The water acts as a lubricant, reducing friction for faster, more consistent ball movement, giving it characteristics of an ice rink. The wet surface also minimizes turf burns during dives and slides and provides shock absorption for players joints. Essentially wetting the field allows for optimal performance and safety which is a key element of modern hockey played on water based artificial turf.

We hope that this guide has given you some insight towards field hockey fields. If you are in the market for field hockey equipment, then check out our range which includes field hockey sticks, balls, goals and field equipment.