Field hockey on grass is one of the oldest sports in the world, with roots going back more than 4,000 years to games played in Egypt, Ancient Greece and Persia. However, the modern version of grass field hockey began to develop in England during the 19th century. Today you’ll learn more about this sport, as well as who the best grass field hockey players in the world today are.
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Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in the world today.
Best Grass Field Hockey players in the world today: rules, disciplines and curiosities
The first field hockey association was founded in 1875, and the sport quickly spread to other parts of the world, especially to countries of the British Empire such as India and Australia.
Field hockey on grass was introduced to the Olympic Games in 1908 in London and has since become a constant presence, with the exception of the 1912 and 1924 Games.
The women’s version of the sport was added to the Olympic program in 1980 at the Moscow Games.
Basic rules
- Aim of the game: Each team tries to score goals in the opponent’s goal by using a stick to drive a small, hard ball.
- Duration of the game: a grass field hockey match consists of four quarters of 15 minutes each. If the game ends in a draw, there may be extra time or a penalty shootout, depending on the competition.
- Team: each team consists of 11 players on the pitch, including the goalkeeper.
- Field of play: the game is played on a rectangular grass pitch or, more commonly these days, on synthetic grass. The dimensions of the pitch are 91.4 meters long by 55 meters wide.
- Rules of the game: players can only use the flat side of the bat to hit the ball. The game is very dynamic, with fast passing and lots of movement. The ball cannot be deliberately played high up, except in certain situations.
- Penalties: fouls are punished with free hits, penalty corners or penalty strokes, depending on the seriousness of the infringement.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in the world today.
Modalities
Grass field hockey has several disciplines, including:
- Outdoor: the traditional version of field hockey, played on outdoor pitches.
- Indoor: an adapted version of grass field hockey, played on indoor courts with a smaller, heavier ball.
- Ice hockey: although technically a separate sport, ice hockey shares many characteristics with grass field hockey and is more popular in countries with harsh winters.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in the world today.
Curiosities
- Grass field hockey is one of the most popular sports in India and Pakistan, with both countries having dominated the sport in its early decades on the international stage.
- The field hockey ball can reach speeds of over 160 km/h, making the sport extremely fast and challenging.
- India is the country with the most Olympic gold medals in the sport, with a total of eight.
- The Australian and Dutch grass field hockey teams are traditionally strong in both the men’s and women’s teams, often competing for world titles.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in the world today.
Best Grass Field Hockey players in the world today – Men
Arthur Van Doren (Belgium)
- History: Considered one of the best defensemen in the world, Arthur Van Doren has been a key player in Belgium’s rise in international field hockey.
- Titles: World Champion (2018), Olympic Gold Medalist (2020), Pro League Winner.
- Fun facts: Arthur was named FIH World Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018.
2. Manpreet Singh (India)
- History: captain of the Indian team, Manpreet Singh led the team to bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
- Titles: Bronze medal at the Olympic Games (2020), Winner of the Professional Hockey League.
- Fun facts: the first Indian player to be named the World’s Best Junior Player by the FIH in 2016.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in the world today.
Billy Bakker (The Netherlands)
- History: One of the most experienced players in the Dutch national team, Billy Bakker has been a mainstay in the team’s midfield.
- Titles: Olympic runner-up (2012), European champion (2015), Champions Trophy winner.
- Fun facts: Known for his leadership skills and vision of the game.
Eddie Ockenden (Australia)
- History: One of the most veteran players in the Australian national team, Eddie Ockenden has been essential to the Kookaburras’ continued success.
- Titles: World Championship gold medal (2010, 2014), Olympic silver medal (2020).
- Fun facts: Eddie is one of the few players to have taken part in four consecutive Olympic Games.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in the world today.
Gonzalo Peillat (Argentina)
- History: One of the best drag-flickers in the world, Gonzalo Peillat was crucial to Argentina’s historic victory at the 2016 Olympics.
- Titles: Olympic gold medal (2016), Hockey World League winner.
- Fun facts: Peillat is known for his powerful and accurate drag shot.
Best Grass Field Hockey players in the world today – Women
Eva de Goede (The Netherlands)
- History: One of the best midfielders in the world, Eva de Goede has been a dominant force in women’s field hockey.
- Titles: two-time Olympic champion (2012, 2020), World champion (2014, 2018).
- Fun facts: Eva was named FIH World Player of the Year in 2018 and 2020.
Luciana Aymar (Argentina)
- History: Considered the “Maradona of field hockey”, Luciana Aymar is a legend of the sport and one of the most decorated players of all time.
- Titles: four Olympic medals, FIH World Player of the Year eight times.
- Fun facts: Aymar is known for his unparalleled dribbling skills and vision.
Maddie Hinch (United Kingdom)
- Story: British goalkeeper Maddie Hinch is known for her spectacular saves, especially in penalty shoot-outs.
- Titles: Olympic gold medal (2016), European champion (2015).
- Fun facts: Hinch was instrumental in Great Britain’s victory at the 2016 Olympics, saving four penalties in the final.
Stacey Michelsen (New Zealand)
- History: One of the most versatile players in women’s field hockey, Stacey Michelsen is a born leader and an example of consistency.
- Titles: Hockey World League champion (2017), Several Commonwealth Games medals.
- Fun facts: Stacey is known for her ability to break down the opposition’s defense with precise passes.
Maria Verschoor (The Netherlands)
- History: A talented striker, Maria Verschoor is known for her speed and ability to score goals at critical moments.
- Titles: Olympic gold medal (2020), European champion (2017, 2019).
- Fun facts: Maria started playing field hockey at the age of six and quickly worked her way up through the youth ranks to the senior national team.
Did you enjoy reading about the best grass field hockey players in the world today? Then read on:
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