Obvious and Not-So Obvious Differences Between Field Hockey and Ice Hockey
There are some obvious differences between field hockey and ice hockey – the most obvious of which is the name, but sometimes the differences aren’t as obvious to those of us who aren’t in the loop. What about those of us who don’t get our sports television from places like http://www.direct.tv/direct-tv/Colorado/ or the like? Well, thankfully, we have a guide detailing some of the obvious (and not so obvious) differences between the two.
1. Field of Play
Well, field hockey is played usually on a grassy field or turf and ice hockey is played in an ice rink. You run around in field hockey while you can propel yourself on the ice with skates in ice hockey.
2. Equipment
Ice hockey requires more padding while the most any field hockey player will wear is a mouth guard and shin guards. Sticks are also different shapes and sizes – the field hockey stick is curved like a cane.
3. Teams
Ice hockey has teams of up to 20 players with 6 on the ice at any one time. Field hockey has teams of 16 with up to 11 on the field at any one time.
4. Rules
Field hockey is much less physical than ice hockey when it comes to tackles and body checks.