Field Hockey
Stick and ball sport on a pitch.
How to start
Join a beginner or social hockey club and learn stick control, passing and basic rules.
How to progress
Play weekly.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular sport. The general physical activity evidence applies.
Take care: Wear a gumshield and shin guards. Sticks and balls can cause injuries.
Sources
12-week starter plan
A weekly session.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 7 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Wear protection.
- Keep your stick low.
- Warm up.
Common mistakes
- Skipping protection.
- Playing with a raised stick.
- Skipping warm-up.
Kit and cost
Moderate Approximate UK prices.
- A hockey stick (about £25 to £80)
- A gumshield and shin guards
- Club fees
Frequently asked questions
Is hockey for beginners?
Yes, many clubs have beginner sections.
Is there contact?
Limited contact.
What do I need?
A stick and protection.
Good for: Heart & fitness Skill Fun & social
Compare with similar options
| Field Hockey | Futsal | Football (Soccer) | Basketball | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 70 min × 2/wk | 60 min × 1/wk | 90 min × 2/wk | 60 min × 2/wk |
| Effort | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ |
| Cost | Low cost | Low cost | Low cost | Low cost |
| Equipment | Some equipment | Basic kit | Basic kit | Basic kit |
| Impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | High impact | High impact |
| Fitness needed | Moderate fitness | Some fitness | Moderate fitness | Moderate fitness |
| Evidence | limited | limited | moderate | limited |