Field hockey and indoor hockey are close cousins \u2013 but anyone who has played both knows they are two different worlds. Different surface, different pace, different rules and \u2013 most importantly for us \u2013 different equipment. In this post we explain how the two formats differ and how to put together a kit that will serve you well both on the pitch and in the hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outdoor field hockey is played on artificial turf roughly the size of a football pitch \u2013 91.4 \u00d7 55 m, with 11-a-side teams. Indoor hockey takes place in a hall of about 36\u201344 \u00d7 18\u201322 m, with 6-a-side teams and the characteristic side boards the ball can rebound off, much like in ice hockey. The result? Indoor is faster, tighter and more technical \u2013 there is no time to trap the ball and think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most common beginner mistake: playing indoors with an outdoor stick. Indoor sticks tend to be lighter and slimmer<\/strong>, but the weight depends on the model \u2013 the rules of both formats allow the same maximum stick weight (737 g). An indoor stick is designed for pushing, control and play along the boards: the slimmer profile makes it easier to keep the ball flat on the floor and play quick push passes, while the bow should be checked in the specification of the particular model. There is no hitting indoors, so many players choose a more control-oriented flex; composition and stiffness, however, come down to the model and personal preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are just starting your hockey journey, have a look at our guide on how to choose your first stick<\/a> \u2013 the length-selection rules are the same for both formats, and our size guide<\/a>. You will find sticks in the Hockey Sticks<\/a> category of our shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outdoor and indoor balls fall under the same FIH range: a weight of 156\u2013163 g and a circumference of 224\u2013235 mm. Indoor models are often smooth, but dimples are not prohibited by the rules. Shin guards<\/a> are useful in both formats \u2013 indoors, with tight play and the boards, they are strongly recommended. The biggest difference is footwear: for artificial turf choose turf shoes with a fine-studded sole, and for the hall \u2013 indoor shoes with a light, non-marking sole and good lateral stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Poland (and most of Europe) the indoor season runs through winter \u2013 roughly from November to February \u2013 when the weather does not favour outdoor pitches. In spring and autumn the game moves back onto the turf. That is why many players and clubs effectively need two sets of equipment: an outdoor one for the main season and an indoor one for winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In our store every product is marked as outdoor, indoor or universal. At the top of the page you will find the Outdoor (turf) \/ Indoor (hall) \/ Everything<\/strong> switch \u2013 one click filters the whole range for the format you play, with no digging through products you do not need. Visit the shop<\/a> and see for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBall, protection and shoes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When is indoor hockey played?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One account, two worlds \u2013 how to shop at FHZ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n