kenttähockey

Kenttähockey is a team sport played with sticks and a ball. Two teams of eleven players compete on a rectangular field, aiming to score by hitting the ball into the opposing team's goal. The game is played with flat-sided sticks, and players can only use the flat side of the stick to strike the ball. A goal can only be scored from inside the opponent's shooting circle, a semi-circular area in front of the goal.

The game is divided into four quarters, with breaks in between. Players can move the ball by dribbling, passing, or shooting. Tackling involves using the stick to dispossess an opponent, but deliberate physical contact with the opponent's body is prohibited. Fouls result in free hits or penalty corners, depending on the severity and location of the infraction.

Kenttähockey has a long history, with origins tracing back to ancient games. It gained popularity in Europe and has since spread globally. It is an Olympic sport and is governed internationally by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The sport requires a combination of skill, strategy, speed, and teamwork. Players typically wear protective gear such as shin guards and mouthguards.