Players use the flat face of their sticks to hit and dribble the ball down the pitch and attempt to shoot it past a goalkeeper and into their opponent's goal cage. Only shots taken within the striking circle count. The ball cannot be kicked, held or carried by field players. There is no offside in field hockey.

Every player has a hockey stick of which they can only use one side of the stick to hit the ball. A gaol is scored when the ball is successfully hit into the opponent’s goal from within the 16 yard area. The ball must be passed or dribbled using the stick and no other body part is allowed to intentionally come into contact with the ball.

Field Hockey Rules The most important and basic rule when it comes to field hockey is that the ball can only be hit with the flat side of the stick. Because of this, players are unable to use any part of their body (foot, hand, etc) to direct or play the ball.