playing field![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Surface covered with natural or synthetic grass (60 yd x 100 yd) on which a field hockey game is played; a game is made up of two 35-minute periods.
sideline ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line marking the sides of the playing field; when the ball crosses this line, the opposing team puts it back into play at the same place.
25 yd line ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line used to position the players when the ball is put back into play; positioning depends on whether the ball went out of play between the 25 yd lines or between one of them and the goal line.
goal line ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line marking the ends of the playing field; the ball must cross this line for the goal to count as a point.
coach ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The team’s leader; the coach plots strategy and decides who plays in different situations.
5.5 yd line ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line where the attacker puts the ball back into play if the defenders push it behind their own goal line.
striking circle ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Semicircle located in front of the goal; a goal can only be scored when the attacker hits the ball inside the opponent’s striking circle.
goal ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Cage made up of a net mounted on a frame; a goal is scored each time a team hits the ball into the opposing goal from inside the striking circle.
players’ bench ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Area reserved for substitute players and coaches; a team can have up to 16 players but only 11 play at once.
referee ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
One of two officials responsible for applying the rules; this individual penalizes players who commit infractions and awards penalty shots.
officials ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Individuals in charge of keeping time, recording player substitutions and filling out the score sheet.
right wing ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Offensive position to the right of the center forward and near the sideline; this player’s main role is to thwart opponents and score goals.
right back ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Defensive position behind the halfs on the right side of the field; this player attempts to prevent the opponent from creating scoring chances.
right half ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position to the right of the center half; this player tries to take the ball from the opponent and move it up to the wings or forwards.
center forward ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Offensive position that covers the center of the field; this player tries to score goals by getting within the striking circle.
right inside forward ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position to the right of the center forward; a true playmaker, this player receives passes from the defenders or halfs and creates offensive chances.
corner flag ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Small post with a flag on top; it marks the intersection of the goal line and the sideline.
left back ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Defensive position behind the halfs on the left side of the field; this player’s role is to prevent the opponent from obtaining scoring chances.
center half ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Key position behind the backs in the center of the field; this player receives the ball and passes it in any direction.
left half ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position to the left of the center half; this player’s main role is to take the ball from the opponent and move it up to the wings or forwards.
left wing ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Offensive position to the left of the center forward and near the sideline; this player’s main role is to thwart opponents and score goals.
left inside forward ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Position to the left of the center forward; a true playmaker, this player receives passes from defenders or halfs and generates offensive chances.
center line ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line dividing the field into two zones, one for each team; face-offs are held on this line at the start of a period and after a goal is scored.
goalkeeper ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Player whose role is to prevent the ball from entering the goal; the goalkeeper may touch the ball with any part of the body but cannot hold it with the hands.