Field Hockey: Key Notes & Top 25 MCQs for UPSC Exams
If you are a sports enthusiast and especially love team sports, knowing about field hockey is a must. The sport is popular not only in India but all over the world. It is a great combination of teamwork, strategy, and fitness. India has a deep connection with hockey—it has been a part of our proud Olympic history. In this article, you will find complete information about the history, rules, techniques, players, training, and career opportunities of field hockey.
Rules and Guidelines for Hockey
| Rule / Guideline | Short Description |
|---|---|
| Team Size | Each team has 11 players, including one goalkeeper. |
| Match Duration | A standard game lasts 60 minutes, split into 4 quarters. |
| Stick Use | Players can only hit the ball with the flat side of the stick. |
| No Feet Rule | Players (except goalkeepers) are not allowed to use their feet to control the ball. |
| Scoring | A goal is valid only when hit from inside the striking circle. |
| Free Hit | Awarded to a team for a foul committed outside the shooting circle. |
| Penalty Corner | Given for fouls inside the circle by the defending team. |
| Penalty Stroke | Awarded for severe fouls preventing a probable goal. |
| Obstruction | Blocking an opponent’s path to the ball is not allowed. |
| Offside Rule | There is no offside rule in field hockey. |
| Green Card | A warning with a 2-minute suspension from play. |
| Yellow Card | Temporary suspension for 5 minutes or more. |
| Red Card | Player is permanently suspended and cannot be replaced. |
| Substitution | Unlimited rolling substitutions are allowed during stoppages. |
| Attire | Players must wear shin guards, mouthguards, and numbered jerseys. |
When did hockey start in India?
Field hockey originated in England in the 19th century, but its history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times. It came to India during the British colonial era and quickly rose to prominence as the nation's most popular sport. India achieved unprecedented success in hockey at the Olympics from 1928 to 1980. Legendary players like Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh, and Preetam Rani Siwach took it to new heights.
What are the rules of hockey?
Field hockey is a game played between two teams, each team having 11 players. The duration of the game is divided into four quarters (15 minutes each). Using hockey sticks, players attempt to put the ball in the goal. Other players, except the goalkeeper, cannot touch the ball with their feet. Rules like penalty corner and penalty stroke also make the game strategic.
Intense hockey action between male players in red and blue jerseys, capturing the energy and focus of competitive field sports.What do you need to play hockey?
Some special equipment is required during the game, which improves the safety and performance of the players.
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Hockey sticks are made of special fiber and wood, which are suitable for durable and controlled play.
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The ball is made of strong plastic, whose weight and size are fixed as per international standards.
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The goalkeeper wears special safety gear like a helmet, pads, and gloves so that he can stop the ball and avoid injury.
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Players also wear equipment like shin guards and mouth guards, which protect sensitive parts of the body.
Why should you play hockey?
Field hockey is not just a game; it is a means of improving physical and mental health.
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This game promotes heart health, as it requires continuous running and maintaining speed.
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During the game, the habit of teamwork and collective decision-making develops, which also proves useful in life.
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Playing hockey improves the body's stamina, flexibility, and balance.
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It helps in reducing stress and increasing self-confidence, thereby strengthening mental health.
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Playing hockey develops important social abilities like leadership, time management, and discipline in children.
Hockey Gear & Purpose
| Gear | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hockey Stick | Used to control, pass, and hit the ball on the field. |
| Ball | A hard spherical ball used for gameplay in field hockey. |
| Shin Guards | Protect the lower legs from ball hits and stick injuries. |
| Mouth Guard | Shield teeth and jaw from impact during tackles and collisions. |
| Cleats/Turf Shoes | Provide better grip and support while running on turf. |
| Gloves | Protect hands from blisters, impacts, and cold conditions. |
| Helmet (Goalkeeper) | Protects the head and face from direct shots and injuries. |
| Goalie Pads | Shield the goalkeeper's legs and knees from fast-moving shots. |
| Chest Protector | Guards the chest and abdomen during high-impact gameplay. |
| Face Mask (Defenders) | Worn during penalty corners to protect from direct hits. |
Who are the famous Indian hockey players?
India has given many world-class hockey players, who have brought glory to the country at the international level.
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Major Dhyanchand is called the 'magician of hockey,' who won 3 Olympic gold medals.
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In 1956, Balbir Singh Senior captained India and scored numerous goals throughout the Olympics.
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Rani Rampal has been the inspiration for the Indian women's hockey team, which performed brilliantly in the World Cup.
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In contemporary hockey, young players like Savita Punia and Harmanpreet Singh continue to be India's best chance.
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Midfielders like Sardar Singh captained the Indian team for a long time and gave strong leadership.
Can hockey be a career?
If you are interested in this sport, it can also become a way for you to have a professional career.
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Playing in national and international tournaments can give players jobs and awards.
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Players can get selected from the hockey quota in the Indian Army, Railways, Police, and other government sectors.
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Former players can give their experience to the younger generation by becoming coaches, referees, or analysts.
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Scholarships and university admission facilities are also available based on good performance in field hockey.
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A career can also be made in the media by becoming a hockey expert in sports journalism and commentary.
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Why is training important in hockey?
Regular practice and proper fitness are necessary to become a successful hockey player.
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Daily practice improves the game and removes technical flaws.
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A balanced diet, hydration, and exercise improve the performance of the player.
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Players' game strategy and skills are improved under the guidance of the coach.
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Drills like jumping, squats, running, and stretching are extremely important for hockey.
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Meditation, visualization, and self-motivation are also part of the training for mental fitness.
What is the state of hockey in India?
Although cricket dominates, hockey has started gaining popularity again.
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The Pro League, Hockey India League, and Olympic performances have given a new identity to the sport.
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The government and private institutions are providing better facilities and support to hockey players.
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The achievements of the women's hockey team have inspired young girls to take up this sport.
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The number of hockey academies in small towns and rural areas is increasing rapidly.
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Digital media and social media have helped in making hockey popular among the new generation.
Top 25 MCQs on Field Hockey for UPSC Exams
Test your understanding of field hockey through 25 carefully designed UPSC-level MCQs covering history, rules, major tournaments, legendary players, governance bodies, and its significance in Indian sports culture.
1. What is the standard duration of an international field hockey match currently (as per FIH rules)?
a) 70 minutes (Two 35-min halves)
b) 90 minutes (Two 45-min halves)
c) 60 minutes (Four 15-min quarters)
d) 80 minutes (Four 20-min quarters)
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Answer: c) 60 minutes (Four 15-min quarters)
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) changed the format from 70 minutes to 60 minutes in 2019 to make the game faster and more TV-friendly.
2. How many players are there in a standard field hockey team on the pitch at one time?
a) 7
b) 9
c) 11
d) 15
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Answer: c) 11
This typically includes 10 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper, similar to football (soccer).
3. Which side of the hockey stick is permitted to hit the ball?
a) Both sides
b) Only the flat side
c) Only the rounded side
d) The handle
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Answer: b) Only the flat side
Using the rounded back of the stick is a foul. Players must rotate the stick to use the flat face for reverse stick hits.
4. What is the semi-circle area in front of the goal called?
a) The D (Shooting Circle)
b) The Box
c) The Key
d) The Strike Zone
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Answer: a) The D (Shooting Circle)
A goal can only be scored if an attacking player touches the ball inside this 16-yard semi-circle.
5. A "Penalty Corner" (Short Corner) is awarded for:
a) Hitting the ball out of bounds
b) A foul by a defender inside the circle or a deliberate foul inside the 23m area
c) Offside
d) Time wasting
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Answer: b) A foul by a defender inside the circle or a deliberate foul inside the 23m area
It is a major scoring opportunity where attackers line up around the circle while defenders start from inside the goal.
6. What is the color of the "Green Card" in field hockey signifying?
a) A warning (2-minute suspension)
b) A goal
c) Permanent expulsion
d) A substitution
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Answer: a) A warning (2-minute suspension)
Unlike football where cards are just warnings/ejections, in hockey, a green card results in a temporary suspension.
7. Who is known as the "Wizard of Hockey" in India?
a) Dhanraj Pillay
b) Major Dhyan Chand
c) Balbir Singh Sr.
d) PR Sreejesh
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Answer: b) Major Dhyan Chand
His ball control was so magical that authorities once broke his stick to check if there was a magnet inside. His birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day in India.
8. What happens if a player raises the stick above their shoulder in a dangerous manner?
a) It is allowed
b) It is a foul (Dangerous Play)
c) It is a goal
d) It is a timeout
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Answer: b) It is a foul (Dangerous Play)
Safety is paramount. While high balls are allowed if safe, swinging the stick wildly near others is penalized.
9. Which surface is modern professional field hockey played on?
a) Natural Grass
b) Artificial Turf (Astroturf)
c) Wooden Floor
d) Concrete
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Answer: b) Artificial Turf (Astroturf)
The switch to turf in the 1970s made the game much faster and favored skills over raw power.
10. A "Yellow Card" in hockey results in a suspension of at least:
a) 2 minutes
b) 5 minutes
c) 10 minutes
d) The rest of the match
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Answer: b) 5 minutes
The umpire can increase the time (often 10 minutes) depending on the severity of the offence.
11. What is a "Penalty Stroke"?
a) A free hit from the center
b) A one-on-one shot taken 7 yards (6.4m) from the goal against the goalkeeper
c) A corner hit
d) A long pass
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Answer: b) A one-on-one shot taken 7 yards (6.4m) from the goal against the goalkeeper
Awarded for an intentional foul inside the circle preventing a certain goal.
12. Is there an "Offside" rule in field hockey?
a) Yes, always
b) No, it was abolished in the 1990s
c) Only in the shooting circle
d) Only for the captain
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Answer: b) No, it was abolished in the 1990s
Removing the offside rule revolutionized the game, allowing for more goals and less stoppage time.
13. The "Drag Flick" is a specialized technique used primarily during:
a) Dribbling
b) Penalty Corners
c) Goalkeeping
d) Long corners
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Answer: b) Penalty Corners
The player drags the ball along the turf before flicking it high into the net, generating immense power and height.
14. Which country has won the most Olympic Gold Medals in men's field hockey history?
a) Australia
b) Netherlands
c) India
d) Germany
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Answer: c) India
India dominated the sport for decades, winning 8 Olympic Gold medals (6 consecutive from 1928-1956).
15. Can a goal be scored by hitting the ball from outside the shooting circle?
a) Yes, if it hits the backboard
b) No, it must be touched by an attacker inside the circle
c) Yes, if it is a deflection
d) Yes, always
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Answer: b) No, it must be touched by an attacker inside the circle
If a shot from outside goes straight in without touching an attacker inside the D, no goal is awarded.
16. What is the maximum height the ball can reach during a "free hit" (not a shot at goal)?
a) Above the knee
b) Must stay on the ground unless safe
c) Any height
d) Shoulder height
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Answer: b) Must stay on the ground unless safe
Ideally, free hits should travel along the ground. Lifting the ball dangerously into a crowd is a foul.
17. How many umpires officiate a match on the field?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
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Answer: b) 2
Each umpire controls half of the pitch diagonally. There is also a video umpire for major tournaments.
18. What is the "Video Referral" system used for?
a) To watch replays for fun
b) Teams can challenge an umpire's decision regarding goals or penalty corners
c) To check the time
d) To substitute players
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Answer: b) Teams can challenge an umpire's decision regarding goals or penalty corners
Each team gets one referral per match, which they keep if their challenge is successful.
19. Which piece of equipment is mandatory for all outfield players to wear for safety?
a) Helmet
b) Shin Guards and Mouthguard (Gumshield)
c) Gloves
d) Knee pads
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Answer: b) Shin Guards and Mouthguard (Gumshield)
Given the hardness of the ball and the speed of the game, shin and tooth protection are essential.
20. The "Scoop" is a stroke that involves:
a) Hitting the ball hard
b) Lifting the ball off the ground by placing the stick head under it and shoveling it
c) Stopping the ball
d) Passing backwards
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Answer: b) Lifting the ball off the ground by placing the stick head under it and shoveling it
It is often used to lift the ball over an opponent's stick or body ("aerial pass").
21. What happens if the ball hits a player's foot?
a) Play on
b) Foul (Foot), usually resulting in a free hit for the opposition
c) Goal
d) Red card
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Answer: b) Foul (Foot), usually resulting in a free hit for the opposition
Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their feet (and body) to stop the ball within their own circle.
22. "Rolling Substitutions" means:
a) Players roll on the floor
b) Players can be substituted on and off the field an unlimited number of times anytime during the match
c) Only at halftime
d) Only when injured
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Answer: b) Players can be substituted on and off the field an unlimited number of times
This keeps the intensity high, as tired players can rest and return later. Penalty corner substitutions are restricted.
23. The "Bully-off" was an old method of starting the game. How does the game start now?
a) A jump ball
b) A pass back (Center Pass)
c) A drop kick
d) A coin toss
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Answer: b) A pass back (Center Pass)
The game begins with a pass from the center of the field, which can now be played in any direction.
24. In the event of a draw in a knockout match, the winner is decided by:
a) Extra time
b) Penalty Shootout (Shoot-out)
c) Toss
d) Golden Goal
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Answer: b) Penalty Shootout (Shoot-out)
Unlike a penalty stroke, the attacker starts from the 23m line and has 8 seconds to dribble and score against the goalkeeper.
25. What is the standard weight of a field hockey ball?
a) 100 grams
b) 156-163 grams
c) 200 grams
d) 500 grams
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Answer: b) 156-163 grams
It is made of hard plastic, often dimpled to reduce water friction on wet turf, and can cause serious injury if it hits an unprotected player.
Conclusion
Field hockey is not just a sport but an integral part of India's cultural and sports tradition. It not only makes you physically healthy but also enhances human abilities such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership. If you are interested in sports, you can make your future in field hockey. This sport remains a source of inspiration for the youth even today.
Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites
| Category | Resources |
|---|---|
| Online Courses |
• Coursera – Introduction to Sports Coaching • Udemy – Hockey Training Basics • FutureLearn – Sports Performance Science • YouTube – Hockey Skill Drills & Tutorials |
| Reference Books |
• "The Hockey Handbook" by Lloyd Percival • "Hockey: Skills, Techniques, Tactics" by David Wynn • "Field Hockey Techniques and Tactics" by Claire Mitchell-Taverner • "Complete Conditioning for Field Hockey" by Elizabeth Anders |
| Websites |
• FIH.hockey (International Hockey Federation) • HockeyIndia.org • CoachingHockey.com • Sportplan.net |
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