The idea of chasing a ball with a stick is very old. There is evidence that Egyptians and Ethiopians practiced this activity thousands of years ago. Later, the Greeks, Romans and Aztecs also played similar games. However, grass field hockey as we know it today began to take shape in England in the mid-18th century. Shall we find out more about the sport and meet the biggest names in grass field hockey today?
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Read on to find out who the biggest names in grass field hockey today are!
Biggest names in Grass Field Hockey today: historical context
With the formation of the first clubs, the first rules emerged in 1875. In 1890, the universities of Oxford and Cambridge played what is considered to be the first international grass field hockey match.
In 1886, a crucial rule change was implemented with the creation of the throwing area, known as the “striking circle”.
This semicircle, located 14.63 meters from the end line, delimits the area where goals are allowed.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in grass field hockey today are!
This rule made the game evolve tactically, forcing players to exchange more passes before finishing.
The arrival of grass field hockey in India and Pakistan marked another important point in the sport’s history. Introduced by the British, field hockey quickly gained popularity in these countries.
Pakistan has won ten of its twelve Olympic medals in grass field hockey, including four gold.
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India has an even more impressive record, with nine gold medals, one silver and two bronze.
Grass field hockey made its Olympic debut in London in 1908. Since then, the sport has not been included in the Games in Stockholm in 1912 and Paris in 1924.
Until 1976, only men competed in grass field hockey. Women began competing for medals in Moscow in 1980.
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Today’s biggest names in grass field hockey: rules
Grass field hockey matches are played in two 35-minute halves, with 11 players on each team.
The aim is to score more goals than the opposition by driving the ball with the stick and scoring inside the striking circle.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in grass field hockey today are!
Game and field structure
Duration of the match
The game is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each, totaling 60 minutes of play. There are 2-minute breaks between the first and second quarters and between the third and fourth quarters, and a longer 10-minute break in the middle of the match.
Number of players
Each team consists of 11 players, including the goalkeeper. Teams can make unlimited substitutions during the game.
Starting and restarting the game
The game starts with a push-back from the middle of the pitch, just like after every goal.
Goal
A goal is only valid if the ball is thrown inside the throwing area.
Cards and penalties:
- Green card: Warning, the player must leave the field for 2 minutes.
- Yellow Card: Temporary suspension, usually from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the infraction.
- Red card: Definitive sending off.
Absences
They are punished with free kicks, short corners or penalties, depending on the severity and location of the infringement.
- Common Fouls: these include dangerous use of the bat, obstruction, pushing and dangerous play.
- Penalty Corners: these are awarded for serious defensive infringements inside the penalty area.
- Penalty Strokes: these are awarded for fouls that prevent a certain goal.
Dimensions
The pitch is 91.4 meters long and 55 meters wide.
Striking Circle
A semicircle with a radius of 14.63 meters from the goal line, within which goals must be scored.
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Grass field hockey equipment
Sticks
Each player uses a field hockey stick, which must comply with the regulations in terms of size and weight.
The ball
The field hockey ball is spherical and made of hard plastic.
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Strategies and tactics
Passing and dribbling
The game relies on quick, precise passes and skillful dribbling to outmaneuver your opponents.
Defense and attack
Teams must balance defensive strategies to protect their goal and offensive strategies to score.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in grass field hockey are today!
Biggest names in Grass Field Hockey today (Men – World)
Arthur Van Doren (Belgium)
Arthur Van Doren is widely recognized as one of the best grass field hockey players in the world. He plays as a defenseman and is known for his technical skill, vision and ability to lead his team’s defense.
Van Doren was instrumental in Belgium’s gold medal win at the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 European Championship. He was also voted Best Player in the World by the FIH (International Hockey Federation) in 2017 and 2018.
His presence in the Belgian team has transformed the team’s defense, making it one of the most solid on the international stage.
Gonzalo Peillat (Argentina)
Gonzalo Peillat is one of grass field hockey’s top forwards. He is especially known for his skills in penalty shots and short corners.
Peillat was a key player in the campaign that led Argentina to Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games. He also won the Pan American Cup and several other regional titles.
His accuracy and strength in finishing are feared by opponents, making him an essential cog in Argentina’s attack.
Blake Govers (Australia)
Blake Govers is a prolific striker known for his ability to score goals in critical situations.
Govers helped Australia win the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Pro League. He is regularly one of the top scorers in international competitions.
His ability to score goals makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Biggest names in Grass Field Hockey today (Female – World)
Eva de Goede (Netherlands)
Eva de Goede is one of the most complete players in grass field hockey. She is a midfielder known for her vision, passing ability and leadership skills.
De Goede has won several Olympic gold medals (London 2012, Rio 2016), as well as World Cup and European Championship titles. She was voted FIH World Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019.
Her leadership and experience are crucial to the continued success of the Dutch team.
Stacey Michelsen (New Zealand)
Stacey Michelsen is known for her dribbling skills and speed, playing as a midfielder.
Michelsen has led New Zealand to several major tournament finals and is one of the most respected players on the international circuit.
Her ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and her ball control are second to none.
Alex Danson (United Kingdom)
Alex Danson was a phenomenal striker for the British team, known for her accuracy and goal-scoring instinct.
Danson was instrumental in Great Britain’s gold medal win at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Her ability to finish with precision has made her one of the greatest goal scorers of her generation.
Biggest names in Grass Field Hockey today (Male – Brazil)
Rodrigo Faustino
Rodrigo Faustino is one of the main names in Brazilian grass field hockey, playing as a midfielder.
He has excelled in South American competitions, helping Brazil to improve its competitive level.
His experience and leadership skills are essential for the development of grass field hockey in Brazil.
Lucas Paixão
Lucas Paixão is known for his speed and finishing ability, playing as a striker.
Paixão has shown great promise in regional tournaments and is seen as a future leader of the national team.
Her performance has inspired a new generation of players in Brazil.
Biggest names in Grass Field Hockey today (Female – Brazil)
Mayara Fedrizzi
Mayara Fedrizzi is one of the leaders of the Brazilian women’s team, playing as a defender.
Fedrizzi has excelled in South American and international tournaments, contributing significantly to the growth of the sport in Brazil.
His leadership on the pitch is vital to the team, both defensively and in organizing the game.
Juliana Targino
Juliana Targino is known for her agility and ability to create attacking moves, playing as a midfielder.
Targino has been a constant name in important competitions, helping to raise the level of the Brazilian team.
Her vision and technical ability are crucial to the development of women’s field hockey in Brazil.
Which countries are most likely to win medals at the Paris 2024 Games
The favorites for the medals in grass field hockey at Paris 2024 include:
- Netherlands: strong in both the men’s and women’s teams, with a history of success.
- Belgium: world champions, especially strong in the men’s game.
- Australia: traditionally competitive in both categories.
- Germany: always a strong competitor in international tournaments.
These countries are known for their well-prepared and consistent teams, making them favorites to stand on the podium at the next Olympic Games.
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