Come Play Field Hockey!#
Field hockey is played throughout the United States in clubs and in multi-sport organizations such as elementary, middle and high schools, colleges and universities, park and recreation centers, YMCAs, camps and more.
How to Play#
Field hockey, known as “hockey” outside of North America, is a safe and fun sport to learn and play. Hockey is played in many different formats and in all climates. Below are International Hockey Federation (FIH) governed competition formats.
Hockey is also played and enjoyed in multiple small-sided and modified game formats for recreational and developmental purposes and for some competitions. Here are a few popular versions that USA Field Hockey uses and recommends. Small-sided games can be adapted to suit the age and stage of development of the players. Goalkeepers are not essential but can be incorporated if numbers and resources permit. The goal of developmental and recreational formats is fun and action for all, as outlined by USA Field Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM), shown below.
Where to Play#
Field hockey is played throughout the United States in multi-sport organizations such as schools, park and recreation, YMCAs and camps, clubs, colleges and university, and more. USA Field Hockey has information, tools and resources specifically designed to help you and/or your organization get started and thrive with field hockey. Need help getting started? Reach out to sportdevelopment @usafieldhockey.com.
American Development Model
USA Field Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) is a guiding framework for athletes, coaches, umpires, program leaders and fans to get into the sport earlier and stick with it longer.
The ADM is built on six core values and provides best principles for age and stage appropriate development on how, what and when we teach, train and play to maximize fun and enjoyment of field hockey.
Equipment
Field hockey is a safe and affordable game, requiring minimal equipment. USA Field Hockey offers affordable introductory equipment especially for beginners so you can get the ball rolling in your own backyard. Shop now for plastic or wood field hockey sticks and for USA Field Hockey’s oversized GO Balls, perfect for trying the sport.