Hockey: Then and now

Hockey is the oldest game played with a ball and a stick.

The origins of the game can be traced back to the earliest civilisations of the world, but the modern sport of Field Hockey was developed in the British Isles as an alternative to Football for cricketers seeking a winter sport in the mid-19th century.

The game spread through the British Empire, largely due to the British Army, who played it at their many bases all around the world.

Until the 1970s, Hockey was always played on grass, but top-level matches now take place on pitches made of synthetic turf, which allows the ball to roll more smoothly.

This has increased the speed of the game and the skill level of the world’s top players.

How to play – and win

Hockey is played on a 100 x 60 yard (91 x 55 metre) outdoor pitch by two teams of 11 players.

Each player is armed with a stick that is flat on one side, rounded on the other. Players must use the flat side of their stick to hit or control the hard Hockey ball.

The aim of the game is to hit the ball into the other team’s net. Goals can only be scored from inside the shooting circle, or ‘D’ - a semi-circular area in front of either net. At the end of a 70-minute match, the team with the most goals wins.

Hockey at the Games

Hockey made its first appearance at the London 1908 Olympic Games. It did not return until the Antwerp 1920 Games, but has remained ever since. The first Women’s tournament was held at Moscow 1980.

Facts about Hockey

• Hockey gets its name from the French word ‘hocquet’, which means ‘shepherd’s crook’.
• In the 1860s, when Hockey was starting to grow in popularity, the ‘ball’ used to play the sport was a solid cube of black rubber.
• Hockey was originally considered too dangerous to be played by women - the first women’s Hockey Club was not formed until 1887.
• The influence of the British Empire on the development of Hockey is seen in the dominance of countries such as India, Australia and Pakistan at the Olympic Games.

Jargon buster

• Bully-off: The way a game is restarted after an unplanned stoppage: two players face each other, and tap their sticks on the ground and together before trying to win the ball.
• Dribble: To move while controlling the ball with the stick.
• Golden goal: A way of deciding a tied match where the first goal scored during extra time wins and ends the game.
• Flick: To push the ball with the stick and raise it into the air.
• Tackle: To attempt to steal the ball from a player of the other team.

Get involved

Hockey develops control, speed and fitness. As a non contact sport, it can be enjoyed by people of both genders and all ages. Find out how you can get involved by contacting your national federation (see 'related websites').