Learning About Field Hockey: What is a Penalty Stroke?

In field hockey, one of the types of penalties that a team can receive is known as a penalty stroke. A penalty stroke is awarded to a team when the offending teams commits an intentional foul when the play is within the shooting circle. Additionally, a penalty stoke may be awarded if an unintentional foul occurs that stops the team from scoring on a potential opportunity. Yet another reason that a penalty stoke might occur is if a team constantly breaks early across the back line when a penalty corner is taking place.

When a penalty stroke occurs in field hockey, the game is temporarily stopped and time does not continuing counting down. The players on the field are set up in a specific arrangement so that the stroke can take place. All of the players, aside from one of the defending players (most often the goalie) and the player who is chosen to take the stroke, must be behind the 25 yard line. The actual stroke itself occurs seven yards in front of the goal line.

When the umpire blows the whistle, the player taking the penalty stroke is allowed to attempt to hit the ball into the goal. For a penalty stroke, the height of the ball does not matter, but the player is not allowed to use any kind of fake out moves, drag the ball, or use a backswing. The player defending the shot must stand on the goal line with both feet firmly planted on the ground and is not allowed to move until the ball has been played by the player taking the penalty stroke.

When a penalty stroke takes place, the player hitting the ball is only allowed to take one shot, meaning that he or she cannot get the rebound directly after hitting it. The player cannot approach the ball or even the defensive player after initially hitting the ball. A penalty stroke is a very exciting time in field hockey because it allows players to prove their skills in a one on one fashion. Both offensive and defensive players should practice their technique so that they will be successful when a penalty stroke occurs in a game.

Sources:

Planet Field Hockey
Field Hockey Sticks