FIH Hockey5s, how’s it different from 11-a-side field hockey?
Hockey5s has its own set of rules. Photo: Jana Benscoter
Hockey5s is a condensed version of the sport designed to broaden field hockey's global appeal. It's a fast, skillful, and adaptable game with simplified rules, according to the FIH.
Each match will consist of two, 20-minute halves, eliminating the previously used quarters found in 11-a-side hockey. This change aims to keep Hockey5s short, sharp, and exciting.
We’ve broken down a few key rules differences between an 11-a-side game versus a Hockey5s match.
Penalty Corner:
In Hockey5s, there are no penalty corners. Instead, a "challenge" is awarded when the defense commits a foul within the attacking quarter. This challenge is a 1v1 situation between an attacker and the goalie, similar to a shootout. However, unlike shootouts in 11-a-side hockey (which are used at the end of overtime to determine a winner), a challenge in Hockey5s is woven into the game as an immediate scoring opportunity when a defensive foul occurs in a scoring situation.
During a challenge, the goalie must stand on the endline in their cage, and the attacker begins the 1v1 at the quarterline.
Free hits
In FIH Hockey5s, the relevant distance for free hits is 4 meters. Players must be at least 4 meters away from the ball when a free hit is taken, and the ball must travel at least 4 meters before it can be played at the goal. This applies to both attacking and defensive free hits.
In the full-field 11s game, players must be 5 meters away from the ball on free hits to start the play, with a few exceptions.
Scoring
A goal can be scored from anywhere on the attacking side of the court, provided the ball has traveled at least 4 meters to initiate the play. In 11s, the ball must travel 5 meters beyond the 23 meter before it can enter the offense's scoring circle. If the ball is outside the 23 meter, it can be driven into the circle but it must be touched by an attack player for the score.
Warnings
Green card: fouling player is removed from the court for a one-minute suspension (the warning in 11s is 2 minutes)
Yellow card: fouling player is removed from the court for a two-minute suspension (the warning in 11s is 5-10 minutes)
Red card: both Hockey5s and 11s, player is permanently suspended from the match
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