FIELD HOCKEY GAMEPLAY
Introduction:
In the game of field hockey, the players are allowed to play with any part of the hockey stick except the rounded side. For a right handed person, the flat side is the natural side. There are no provisions for the left-handed hockey sticks.
Player Positions:
Each team of field hockey comprise of at least 11 players and as much as five substitutes. These substitutions are not limited in nature and may not be made at the time of penalty corner. The field hockey is devoid of any set positions. Even the goalkeeper is not needed under the rules of the 2007 season. Most of the field hockey teams organize themselves in forward, midfielders and fullbacks. Most of the teams comprise of a single sweeper. The minimum number of players is not specified for the occurrence of a match. However, most of the competitions do have some sort of local governing on this. This is for the fact that the minimum number of players need to be at least 7.
Goalkeeper:
One player from either team is designated as the goalkeeper. Goalkeepers need to wear a suitable helmet with a full face mask and also, large leg guards, kickers and Glovers and protective padding. Despite the fact that, the goalkeepers may deflect or block the ball using any body part and actuate the ball with the help of the feet, even they need to carry a stick. It is permitted for the goalkeepers to play with the ball outside the defensive circle.
