indoor
Indoor field hockey is an indoor variant of the “traditional” outdoor field hockey game.
The smaller, hard-surface and the use of sideboards makes game-play much faster. It is also both technically and physically great for skill development.
Indoor field hockey builds a specific skill set that will help to develop your game for the regular season. Any athlete looking to compete at an elite high school level or move on to play in college should consider playing indoor field hockey.
Playing indoor will result in quicker reaction time, sharper stick skills and an overall greater understanding of the game. Indoor is played on a quick surface with 5 field players and a goalie. This unique game forces the athlete to think faster and play faster, ultimately elevating their overall game sense.
Indoor field hockey differs from outdoor field hockey in several ways:
- The court is smaller than the outdoor field.
- Side-boards mark the sidelines helping to keep the ball in play.
- The goals are smaller than in outdoor field hockey.
- The players may not ‘hit’ the ball, but only push it or deflect it, and may not raise the ball except in the shooting circle, with the purpose of scoring a goal.
- Lighter and Thinner Stick
- Left-handed indoor glove is required. Right Handed are recommended.
New USAFH Age Groups
USA Field Hockey’s Events and Club Services Department is pleased to announce an update to the National and Regional Club Events age divisions classifications. This update reflects a thoughtful consideration of club and athletes’ needs and better aligns with the school systems to promote a more cohesive experience for participants. The adjustment to the August 1 birthdate for age groups aims to streamline the process, allowing players to compete alongside their classmates, whenever possible.
This update specifically applies to club-specific events, which include the National Indoor Tournament, National Indoor Tournament Qualifiers, National Indoor Festival, National Hockey Festival, Regional Club Championships, National Club Championships, Summer Bash Series, and Sunshine Showcase. This update will be implemented for the 2025 club season.
Here's a breakdown of the updated age classifications for the 2025 club season:
- Under-8 Age Classification: Players born after July 31, 2016, are eligible.
- Under-10 Age Classification: Players born after July 31, 2014, are eligible.
- Under-12 Age Classification: Players born after July 31, 2012, are eligible.
- Under-14 Age Classification: Players born after July 31, 2010, are eligible.
- Under-16 Age Classification: Players born after July 31, 2008, are eligible.
- Under-19 Age Classification: Players born after July 31, 2006, are eligible.
It's important to note that athletes of a younger age classification may play in older age divisions, but an older age division player may not play in the younger age division. This ensures fairness and appropriate competition levels.
Participants and organizers can refer to the USA Field Hockey’s National and Regional Club Events Age Division Reference Chart for further details and eligibility criteria during the specified period from August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025.
