Important numbers

• A game is 2 periods of 35 minutes
• The stick is 36-38 inches long depending on the players size
• The ball weighs between 5 1/2 ounces and 5 3/4 ounces with a circumference of 8 13/16 inches to 9 1/4 inches
• A push-in or hit-in is awarded to the opposition if a player hits the ball wholly over the sideline. All other players and their sticks must be a least 5 yards away from the spot where the ball is put into play

History of the sport

Games similar to hockey were traditional in China, Egypt, Pakistan and Persian more than 4000 years ago. Fieldhockey as known today was first played in England around 1870. The first official rules were established.  Shortly before the turn of the century the first, so called "Ladies-Clubs", were founded by women. Hockey was introduced to the United States in 1901 by Constance Applebee, the United States Field Hockey Association was formed in 1922.

Olympic games

1908 in London hockey was included in the Olympic game for the first time. Only six teams participated. 4 British teams, Germany and France. In Stockholm in 1912 only four teams subscribed, and in Paris 1924 hockey was canceled all together. But since Amsterdam 1928 fieldhockey stayed an Olympic discipline constantly. Women played for the first time during the Olympics in Moscow in 1980. India is the most successful field hockey nation. They won the gold medal 8 times.