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Field hockey equipment list with all 21 items: stick, balls, shin guards, mouthguard, cleats, gloves, goggles and the team uniform.

Nine of the twenty-one items belong to the player, and four of them are required before a first match: stick, shin guards, mouthguard and shoes. Coaches and teams add six, including goalie pads, a helmet and cones for drills, and the pitch itself accounts for six more, from goals to scoreboard and night lighting. The table below lists all of them with the purpose of each one.

21items in total
9carried by the player
12supplied by club and pitch
Quick answers
What equipment is required in field hockey?
A stick, shin guards, a mouthguard and shoes with grip. Gloves and goggles are added by some leagues, and the ball, the goals and the pitch come from the club.
What do you use in field hockey?
A hooked stick with one flat side, a hard plastic ball of 2.75 inches, and protective gear on the shins and the teeth. Goalkeepers wear a separate set of pads, a helmet and blockers.
What is field hockey training equipment?
Balls by the dozen, cones and markers for drills, portable goals and a board for tactics. Most of it belongs to the coach and stays in the club shed.
What do field hockey players get as far as gear?
Clubs usually hand out the jersey, the skirt or shorts and the socks, plus balls and goalie gear. Stick, shin guards, mouthguard and shoes are bought by the player.

Field Hockey Equipment at a Glance

Nine items are the player's own, six belong to the coach or the team, and six are part of the pitch. Goalkeepers are the exception in the first block, because their pads, helmet and blockers are club property almost everywhere.

ItemWhat it doesWho supplies it
Field hockey stickFlat on one side, only that face may touch the ballPlayer
Field hockey ballsHard plastic, 2.75 inches, dimpled for turf or smooth for grassPlayer
Shin guardsCover the shin against a raised stick and a driven ballPlayer
MouthguardRequired in most leagues, protects teeth and jawPlayer
Cleatsor indoor sports shoesStuds or a turf sole for cuts and turns on a wet surfacePlayer
GlovesoptionalPadding over the knuckles, which sit low on the stickPlayer
Gogglesin some leaguesCage or wire eyewear, mandatory in US high school playPlayer
Uniformjersey, shorts or skirt, socksTeam colors, socks long enough to cover the shin guardsPlayer
Water bottleField hockey runs in quarters with short breaks between themPlayer
Cones and markersSet out grids and channels for passing and dribbling drillsCoach
Strategy boardShows short corner routines and press shapes on the sidelineCoach
First aid kitStick knocks, ball bruises and rolled ankles are the usual casesCoach
Goalie gearpads, helmet, glovesA full kit of leg guards, kickers, chest pad and helmetCoach
Water bottles and carrierA rack of bottles goes to the bench for every quarter breakCoach
Team uniformsHome and away sets handed out for the seasonCoach
Field hockey pitchgrass, turf or indoorWater based turf at the top level, grass and sand turf belowFacility
Goals12 feet wide and 7 feet high, with a backboard along the baseFacility
Team benchesSeats the substitutes, who roll on and off without a stoppageFacility
ScoreboardShows the score and the time left in the quarterFacility
Lighting for night gamesFloodlights over the pitch for evening fixturesFacility
Locker roomsChanging, showers and storage for sticks and bagsFacility

Equipment for Field Hockey Players

#1 Field Hockey Stick

The field hockey stick is the player's essential tool for ball control, dribbling, and scoring. Its unique shape and construction are designed for accuracy and power, defining the player's ability to execute plays on the field.

STX RX 101

36 inch, low bow
  • Length36 inches
  • Composition90 percent fiberglass, 10 percent carbon
  • Bowlow bow
  • Levelstep up from an entry level stick
  • Feelbalance point set for a light swing
Fiberglass with a little carbon is the usual second stick, stiffer than wood but still forgiving on a mishit. The low bow is the shape that suits drag flicks and aerials rather than plain hitting.

#2 Field Hockey Balls

A field hockey ball is key to the game, designed for smooth rolling and consistent performance on different playing surfaces. Its hardness and weight are standardized to ensure fair play and safety.

  • Contents12 balls
  • Diameter2.75 inches, regulation size
  • Constructionplastic shell with a hollowed out center
  • Colorbright orange for visibility on turf and grass
  • Usepractice and high school play
Balls are bought by the dozen because half of them end up in the hedge behind the goal. The hollow center keeps the weight down, which is what makes them practice balls rather than match balls.

#3 Shin Guards

Shin guards offer crucial protection to players from injuries caused by high-speed impacts with the ball or other sticks. They are a necessary safeguard, especially given the fast-paced nature of field hockey.

STX Reversible Shin Shield

Black one side, white the other
  • Designreversible, black on one side and white on the other
  • Strapstwo straps hold the guard in place
  • Backopen design for breathability
  • Weightlightweight shell
  • Sizeadult
Turning them inside out covers home and away colors with one pair, which is the reason this model has sat in club kit bags for years. Socks go over the top, so the guard has to be slim enough to disappear underneath.

#4 Mouthguard

A mouthguard is a vital piece of safety equipment, buffering against dental and facial injuries. It's a small but crucial investment in a player's health, ensuring they can compete with confidence.

SISU Aero

Remoldable, slim
  • Materialhigh tech thermoplastic, 30 percent stronger than standard mouthguard material
  • Thickness50 percent thinner than a standard guard
  • Fittingstarts flat, molds to the teeth, remoldable up to 20 times
  • Comfortperforation pattern with crumple zones and a bite pad
  • Free ofBPA, BPS, latex, PVC, phthalates
A slim guard is the one that actually stays in, because a bulky boil and bite makes talking and breathing awkward for a whole quarter. Remolding matters for juniors whose teeth are still moving.

#5 Cleats (outdoor) or Sports Shoes (indoor)

Cleats or sports shoes are vital for athletes' footing, providing them with the grip necessary to make rapid, complex maneuvers on the field. Indoor and outdoor variants ensure maximum performance on any surface.

  • Typefield hockey turf shoe
  • Buildultra lightweight for reaction speed and agility
  • Gripoutsole built for quick turns and changes of direction
  • Upperhard wearing materials for a full season
  • Sizingtake half a size up to allow for hockey socks
A hockey turf shoe has a flat, dense outsole rather than the studs of a soccer boot, because water based turf gives all the grip a player needs. Running shoes give way sideways on the first hard turn.

#6 Gloves (optional)

Field hockey gloves offer additional protection and warmth for players' hands, optimizing grip and comfort in various weather conditions. They can prevent scrapes and soften impacts during play.

GRYPHON G-Mitt G5

Hard shell knuckles
  • Protectionhard shell over the first knuckle of each finger
  • Paddingdense foam cushion under the shell
  • Fitclose fitting lycra construction
  • Palmclosed palm with grip
  • Useoutdoor field hockey
The lower hand sits close to the ground on the stick, which is where a swinging stick or a lifted ball catches the knuckles. A closed palm keeps the shell from shifting when the grip changes.

#7 Goggles (in some leagues)

Goggles provide important eye protection from potential hazards like flying balls and sticks. In leagues where they're mandatory, they're an essential defense against sight-threatening injuries.

STX 2See-S Goggle

NFHS approved
  • Standardsmeets NFHS field hockey regulations, SEI certified
  • Also forwomen's lacrosse, meets the ASTM standard
  • Paddingsilicone that does not absorb sweat
  • Cleaningwipes down, easy to keep clear
  • Sizeadult
US high school play requires eye protection, which is why the same goggle turns up on every team sheet there. The silicone padding is the part that decides whether they get worn or pushed up on the forehead.

#8 Uniform (jersey, shorts/skirt, socks)

The uniform, including the jersey, shorts/skirt, and socks, represents the team while providing functional athletic wear. These outfits are designed for movement and team identification.

#9 Water Bottle

A water bottle is indispensable for maintaining hydration, a key component of player stamina and health. Easy access to water helps prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion, especially during intense competition and training.

Equipment for Coaches and Teams

#1 Cones and Markers for Drills

Cones and markers are essential in setting up training exercises, establishing boundaries, and organizing skill drills for field hockey. They assist in spatial awareness, movement control, and strategic positioning, elevating the team's practice sessions to a professional standard.

#2 Strategy Board

A strategy board is paramount for visualizing plays and positioning during team discussions. Coaches use it to convey tactical plans and in-game adjustments, fostering a deeper comprehension of roles and strategies among players which is beneficial for teamwork and execution.

#3 First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is indispensable for any field hockey team to manage injuries and health emergencies efficiently. Stocked with necessary supplies, it's the first line of response for treating cuts, bruises, and sprains, ensuring player well-being and safety is always a priority.

#4 Goalie Gear

Goalie gear, including pads, helmet, and gloves, is crucial for the safety of the goalkeeper. Providing essential protection during gameplay and practice, this equipment helps prevent injuries and allows goalies to perform their best without fear of impact from balls or sticks.

#5 Water Bottles and Carrier

Hydration is key for peak athletic performance. Water bottles and a carrier ensure that the entire field hockey team has quick and easy access to fluids, maintaining hydration levels during training and matches, which is vital for endurance and concentration.

#6 Team Uniforms

Team uniforms are symbolic of unity and identity on the field hockey pitch. They distinguish the players, foster team spirit, and are designed for comfort and mobility, which is essential for the athletes to perform optimally during games.

Equipment for Facilities

#1 Field Hockey Pitch

A field hockey pitch with proper dimensions and either grass or synthetic turf provides the structural foundation for the game. It ensures consistent playing conditions and defines the play area, making it essential for accurate gameplay, player safety and adherence to regulations.

#2 Goals

Goals are a pivotal part of a field hockey facility, marking where points can be scored. Constructed to meet official size specifications, they are key for both training and competitive play, offering players specific targets for scoring and goalkeepers areas to defend.

Bownet Field Hockey Goal

Full size with backstop
  • Size12 by 7 feet, the regulation opening
  • Framepowder coated steel, folds for transport
  • Nettingenergy absorption system that spreads the impact through net and poles
  • Setupabout 120 seconds without tools
  • Contentsframe, net, BOW poles, ground stakes, roller duffel bag
Twelve by seven feet is the real goal size, so shots practiced here land where they land in a match. The backstop is what makes it usable on a shared field, because missed shots stay inside the net.

#3 Team Benches

Team benches are a critical aspect of the field hockey facility, providing players a place to rest and engage with coaches. They offer a designated area off the playing field for strategizing and regrouping, which is integral to team dynamics during matches and practices.

#4 Scoreboard

A scoreboard is an indispensable feature at field hockey facilities, allowing players, coaches, and spectators to track the game's progress in real-time. It fosters a competitive atmosphere by clearly displaying scores, remaining time, and other critical game information.

#5 Lighting for Night Games

Proper lighting is crucial to extend playing hours and ensure player safety during evening or night games. It guarantees that the game can continue under optimal visibility, which is key for both players' performance on the pitch and spectators' enjoyment of the game.

#6 Locker Rooms

Locker rooms provide a secure, private space for players to prepare before the game and decompress after. They offer facilities for storing personal and team equipment, changing clothes, and facilitating team discussions, contributing to the players' comfort and readiness for play.

Understanding the roles and responsibilities on the field can help players decide what equipment best suits their position; learn more in our article on field hockey positions and roles.

FAQ

What is the equipment you need to play Field Hockey?

Field hockey stick, ball, shin guards, mouthguard, and appropriate footwear are the equipment you need to play Field Hockey. Additional gear includes gloves and protective eyewear.

What is the most important equipment in Field Hockey?

The field hockey stick is the most important equipment in Field Hockey, as it is essential for dribbling, passing, and shooting the ball during play.

What is a recommended list of Field Hockey equipment for beginners?

Here's a recommended list of Field Hockey equipment for beginners: a beginner-level field hockey stick, shin guards, mouthguard, turf shoes, a practice ball, and a water bottle. This set supports skill-building while ensuring safety.

Taylor is a travel blogger and educator who helps others travel Europe easily. She is a field hockey expert, playing on nationally-competing teams for more than a decade before playing division I field hockey at Liberty University.

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