What are the dimensions of a standard field hockey pitch?

According to the rules of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), a field hockey pitch is a rectangle 91.40 m long and 55.00 m wide. These measurements come from the old imperial measures of 100 yards by 60 yards.

Other important measurements in field hockey:

The goal is 3.66 m (4 yards) wide and 2.14 m (7 feet) high, measured on the inside.

The shooting circle (the "D") in front of each goal extends 14.63 m (16 yards) from the goal. A goal can only be scored from a shot taken inside this circle.

The 23-metre lines (once called 25-yard lines) are drawn across the pitch, 22.90 m from each back line.

The penalty spot is 6.40 m in front of the centre of the goal.

The ball weighs between 156 and 163 grams and is usually white.

Basic rules:

• Each team has 11 players on the field, including a goalkeeper.
• A match lasts 60 minutes, divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each.
• Unlimited "rolling" substitutions are allowed.
• Players may only hit the ball with the flat side of the stick.

Penalties include the penalty corner (short corner) and the penalty stroke. Cards are green (2-minute suspension), yellow (at least 5 minutes) and red (permanent suspension).

Modern hockey is mostly played on synthetic (artificial) turf, which was first used at the Olympics in 1976 (Montreal).

India has won 8 Olympic gold medals in men's hockey, the most by any country.

Good to know

100 m x 64 m is in the range of a football pitch.

105 m x 68 m is the standard size of a top-level football pitch.

90 m x 45 m is the minimum size for a football pitch in non-international games.