This article contains some valuable tips which can be used to develop field hockey drills, field hockey plays, and assist with field hockey coaching.

Field Hockey Equipment

Goalkeeper in full outfit.

Each player carries a "stick", normally a little over 3 feet (90 centimetres) long and traditionally made of wood but now often made with fibreglass, kevlar and carbon fibre composites, with a rounded handle flattening out on one side and with a hook at the bottom. New rules (2006) limit the curve of the stick so as to limit the power with which the ball can be flicked. The stick is only allowed to have a bow smaller than or equal to 25 mm otherwise this is deemed to be illegal. The flat side of the hook is used to push, dribble, or hit a hard plastic ball. This ball is often covered with indentations to reduce hydroplaning that can cause an inconsistent ball speed on wet surfaces. Each field player normally wears a mouth guard and shin guards. Although the only equipment required for Goalkeepers (under FIH rules, local variants may require more) is a helmet and a stick, invariably they wear extensive protective equipment including chest guards, padded shorts, heavily padded hand protectors, leg guards, and foot guards (called "kickers").

NB: In the case of no goalkeeper being present, what is known as a "kicking defender" can be used for tactical advantage. This player wears kickers and a helmet, and can kick only inside their own D. however, they can play as a normal player outside the D, though they are not allowed past the half-way line. In 2007 a new rule will be brought in, allowing teams to have a full eleven outfield players - and no goalkeeper at all. No player will have to wear a helmet or kickers. This may be used to offer a tactical advantage, or to allow for play to commence if no goalkeeper or kit is available.