The Ball can only be hit with the flat side of the stick.

The left hand should always be above the right when dribbling, shooting or passing. Do not hold the stick cross-handed.

There are no left-handed sticks. Left handers need not worry as the strong left arm on top will work to your advantage.

The ball is pushed or flicked with the hands apart and the knees bent (like an ice-hockey wrist shot). The ball is hit with two hands placed together (left on top, right below) on the upper part of the stick (like a golf club or baseball bat). The emphasis is on pushing, not hitting

The ball cannot be played with either the feet or the hand. At under 12 level, only intentional "feet" are called.

The ball can be dribbled by running with it on the end of the stick ("straight dribble"), or rotating the stick over the ball ("Indian Dribble").

Hockey sticks are made of dense mulberry wood and/or aluminum and fiberglass. Sticks should be kept well below shoulder height at all times - penalised at U.12/14.

Sticks cannot be used to hit other players and should not be swung dangerously.

There is no body checking in field hockey, and no stick-checking.

The ball may not be raised or lifted into another player.

There is no off-side rule.

The goalie has equipment similar to an ice-hockey goalie, and can use his feet and body to stop the ball, though he cannot fall on the ball or hold on to the ball.

Obstruction. A player cannot obstruct if he is stationary, no matter which way he is facing; he must move into a position to obstruct and the obstructed player must be actively trying to play the ball. A player can turn away from a tackler so long as the ball is held in front, and the player moves away from the tackler.

Ball off back line: last touched by attacker, 16 yd. hit to defender; last touched by defender, corner to attackers - hit in 5 yds along side line from end line. Balls raised into circle, especially from corners, are usually considered dangerous.

All free hits within 5yds of circle - everyone must be 5 yds away.

Ball hit off back line intentionally by defender or goalie - penalty corner.

Accidental infraction by defender in circle or intentional infraction inside 25 yd line - penalty corner.

Penalty corner: five defenders behind goal line; ball pushed out by attacker from point 10 yds from post (any side), defenders can run out after ball; ball must move outside the circle and then go back inside before a shot taken. If shot is HIT it must be not be higher than backboard (18") - if flicked it can be higher. 

Intentional infraction in circle or unintentional infraction preventing a sure goal, penalty stoke.

Penalty stroke: time out, all players behind 25 yd line except goalie and hitter. Goalie stationary with heels on line. When umpire sees both goalie and hitter are 'ready’ -  blows whistle. Hitter must start behind ball and must then push or flick ball - not hit. Goalie saves or ball misses net - 16 yd hit.