Field hockey / Protocols & guidance
Penalty stroke explained
FIH · 2026In short
One attempt · Other players and outcomes
One attempt
The ball starts on the penalty spot. The taker waits for the whistle, then uses a push, flick or scoop, without a feint or dragging action. Only a single touch is allowed; the taker may not follow up. The defender keeps both feet on the goal-line until the ball is played.
Other players and outcomes
Other players stay outside the 23-metre area. A field player defending the stroke has only stick-saving rights. A defensive infringement normally means a retake unless a goal is scored. After a completed stroke without a goal, the defence restarts 15 m in front of the goal’s centre.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Independent summaries of the supplied FIH Rules of Hockey, effective 1 March 2026, for outdoor eleven-a-side hockey. Competition regulations and national implementation can differ. References use PDF pages.
Sources & approach ↗
Sources & approach ↗