The length of a field hockey pitch length is one of the most important aspects of the game and dictates how large or small the area is where players can actually play. The pitch is a rectangular piece of artificial turf that has netted goals on opposing ends and is regulated by rules for field hockey. The game is similar to soccer in many ways, but with several key differences.
The goal posts consist of two upright posts placed equidistant from the center of the back line and joined by a horizontal crossbar. The inner edges of the posts must be 3.66 metres (4 yd) apart and the lower edge of the crossbar must be 2.14 metres (7 ft) above the ground. There are also several other lines and markings that mark the field for playing hockey.
Getting the Right Length: A Deep Dive into Hockey Pitch Dimensions in All-Weather Construction
These include the back line, which runs lengthwise across the field. A line that sits about a quarter of the way from each end is called the half-way line and divides the field into two equal parts. There are also two circles that sit in each attacking portion of the pitch, a shooting circle and a penalty spot.
The shooting circles are semi-circles that extend from the goal line to about 16 yards (15 meters). They are the only area where players can shoot the ball into the net. A dotted line that sits 5 meters away from the circle dictates the point from which free hits must be taken in the event of a foul within the ‘D’, but this dotted line is no longer an international requirement and many pitches no longer feature it.