Q&A for How to Play Field Hockey

Natural grass isn't the ideal surface—if there's any other kind of turf available, like turf grass, opt for that. Tennis courts are also really great to play field hockey on, as well as gym floors or any kind of indoor carpet.

You will either outgrow the stick that you had before, or the head of your stick gets too worn down from contact with the field during practice and play (though this doesn't happen as often nowadays).

It's a lot like regripping a tennis racket! You start at the top of the stick and wrap the grip tightly so it overlaps as you take it all the way down the shaft until it hits the middle where you'd secure it with some tape.

Go to a practice session and ask plenty of questions. Let the coach teach you the basics and some extra skills. Observe well. Be courageous and give it all a go.

You are allowed to hit the ball, but not like you are golfing. Your stick should never go higher than your waist because than it can count as a "dangerous situation".

Basically a drive is like hitting in golf. If you want to drive the ball, position the ball carefully in front of the curved part of your stick, then lift you stick to waist height (try not to lift it higher than your waist because you might whack someone behind you in the face). Bring the stick down towards the ball with some force.

Push the ball from side to side. So you start on your forehand and give it a little push to the left. Than you stop it with your backhand and give it a little push back to the right and stop it again with you forehand and so on.

You play with skill, run fast, dribble and dodge. Pretend to pass. Use your space well.

Heavy sticks are good for strikers, as they need power. A mid needs a stick capable of hitting hard, but being able to run with it. Defenders need slightly heavier sticks to aid in stopping people.

It is a pretty simple, straightforward sport. You will most likely pick it up very quickly after a few games. Mastering skills like stickwork and dribbling can take more time.

Discuss it with her in a calm, rational matter. There are some risks, so acknowledge them, but remind her that there are plenty of safety procedures. Properly trained players are less likely to get injured. They also wear shinguards, mouthguards, and possibly other gear. Emphasize that small knocks aren't really dangerous and you will be okay playing.

Mainly stop the ball and keep it away from the goal so they can get it back to offense to score.

No. You need power to hit the ball, so you cannot hit without bending down.

Depending on your age, there are many ways to join a team. If you're still in school, you could see if there is a school team. If not, check your local YMCA, or any place like that.

Most people play because they enjoy the rush or energy involved in the sport.

As a winger, your main responsibility is passing the ball to your teammates in the shooting circle. You usually stay behind the main attackers. Sometimes you get to cut in towards goal and take a shot. Don't overcommit to shooting, though. Focus on increasing your field vision and passing abilities.

Fall in, so the left midfield player goes towards the ballplay area, and support the right midfield player for a transfer of play.

A field hockey ball, which is heavier than plastic. They will be near the sticks and other sporting gear in stores.

Beginner sticks tend to have a larger "toe," which is the curved part at the end. The wider toe gives you more ability to strike and control the ball as you develop your coordination. However, the "beginner" label is a little misleading. Many players, particularly midfielders, may stick with this type of stick.

You start by the ref blowing the whistle. One team starts with the ball while the other defends.

Take the opposing player on in the process of drawing them out, then eliminate them with speed.

There are different strategies, but the main role is to get the ball from the defender to the offense.

Do not practice on concrete. It will wreck your stick. You can play on real grass, although it's harder to control the ball on that.

It is not easy when you're still learning to play! It gets easier.