Outdoor Field Hockey
vs
Indoor Field Hockey
Playing surface & size
Number of players
Equipment
Rules & Restrictions
Style of Play
Seasons
Outdoor Field Hockey
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Played on a full-size turf field: 100 yards long × 60 yards wide
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11 players, 10 field players plus goalkeeper
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Sticks:
Outdoor sticks can be heavier for power hitting -
Ball:
The same size ball is used, but indoors it tends to travel faster due to the flat, hard surface. -
Protective Gear:
Goalkeepers wear similar full kits in both.
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Hitting, lifting, aerials, and long sweeping passes are allowed.
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Sidelines result in a free hit.
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Emphasis on long passing, switching fields, and creating space.
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Played mainly in the fall and spring
Indoor Field Hockey
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Played inside a sports hall or gym on a much smaller court: the size of a basketball court
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Wooden or synthetic flooring with boards (4x6) along the sidelines to keep the ball in play.
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6 players, 5 field players plus goalkeeper
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Sticks:
Indoor sticks are lighter and thinner with a thinner shaft, designed for speed, precision, and close control. -
Ball:
The same size ball is used, but indoors it tends to travel faster due to the flat, hard surface. -
Protective Gear:
Goalkeepers wear similar full kits in both.
Field players indoors often use extra gloves
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No hitting—only push passes are allowed (to protect players in the small space).
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Ball cannot be lifted, except for a direct shot on goal.
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Players must keep the ball on the ground and close to the stick (no long wind-up swings).
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Boards replace sidelines—ball stays in play unless it goes over the baseline
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Very fast-paced, high-intensity game.
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Requires quick reactions, small-area skills, tight passing, and 1v1 play.
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Indoor: Played mainly in the winter when outdoor fields are unavailable
Purchase your Indoor equipment
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