Field Hockey vs Ice Hockey: Key Differences Every Beginner Should Know

If you’ve heard of hockey, you might be thinking of two different sports—and you’re right! Field hockey and ice hockey are both fast, exciting, and full of action, but they’re also very different in how they’re played, where they’re played, and even the gear players wear.

🌍 Where Are They Played?

When someone mentions “hockey,” people in different parts of the world might imagine very different things. In countries like India and Australia, hockey usually means field hockey—a sport played on grass or artificial turf. But in places like Canada, the USA, and Russia, hockey often refers to ice hockey, where players glide across frozen rinks on skates. While both sports share the name and the spirit of competition, they differ greatly in how they’re played, the equipment used, and even the rules that govern them.

Field hockey is typically played outdoors on grass, astro-turf, or synthetic fields. It’s a common sport in warm-weather regions like India and Australia, where players wear rubber-soled shoes and sprint on foot. Ice hockey, in contrast, is played indoors on ice. It requires players to wear ice skates and zoom across a frozen rink, which is more common in colder countries where indoor rinks are easily available.

🏑 How Are the Sticks Different?

One of the most obvious differences between field and ice hockey lies in the sticks players use. A field hockey stick is shorter, made of wood or composite materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, and has a curved head with one flat side. Players are only allowed to use the flat side to control or hit the ball. On the other hand, an ice hockey stick has a longer shaft and a blade that’s slightly curved on both sides, allowing players to hit the puck from either direction. The stick is designed specifically for sliding a puck across the ice.

🏐 Ball or Puck – What Do They Use?

Field hockey uses a hard plastic ball, similar in size to a cricket ball, which stays mostly on the ground. In contrast, ice hockey uses a flat, rubber puck that glides smoothly on ice and can be lifted into the air at high speeds. In fact, a professional ice hockey puck can fly at over 150 kilometers per hour—making protective gear an absolute necessity.

👥 How Many Players Are on Each Team?

The number of players in each sport also varies. Field hockey teams consist of eleven players—ten on the field and one goalkeeper. Ice hockey teams have six players on the ice at a time—five skaters and one goalie. Because ice hockey is more intense and fast-paced, players often switch in and out more frequently, sometimes every minute or two, to stay fresh and alert.

⏱ How Long Is Each Game?

In terms of timing, both sports have a total game duration of 60 minutes, but they’re divided differently. Field hockey is played in four quarters of 15 minutes each, while ice hockey is played in three periods of 20 minutes each.

📏 Rules and Flow of Game
The rules and playing styles of both games offer contrasting experiences.

🌎 Where Are They Popular?

Globally, both versions of hockey enjoy wide popularity, but in different regions. Field hockey is a major sport in countries like India, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and England. It is played in schools and clubs, and is part of the Olympic Games. Ice hockey also holds a strong Olympic presence and has massive fanbases in countries like Canada, the USA, Sweden, and Russia. 

In the end, field hockey and ice hockey may look different on the surface, but they share the same heart—the love of the game. They teach players about discipline, sportsmanship, and never giving up. Whether you’re dribbling a ball on a sunny pitch in Perth or flicking a puck across an icy rink in Toronto, hockey is a sport that connects people across the world.

If you’re just starting out and want to explore more about hockey gear, techniques, or how to get involved locally, our website has everything you need. We offer a wide range of beginner-friendly equipment and guides to help you find your footing—on turf or on ice.