How to Make a Backyard Hockey Field
Field Hockey is a fantastic sport that not only provides great exercise, but is also a lot of fun to play. Many schools across the country have Field Hockey programs. However, getting practice time can be tough with so much demand for field space. But don't fret, if you love to play, you can build a Field Hockey field in your backyard. Here's how!
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Instructions
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Scout a location. In your backyard look for a large flat surface. An official Field Hockey field is 100 yards by 60 yards. Most people don't have quite that amount of space. So consider making half of a field as people do with basketball courts in their driveway or simply shrink the size of your field proportionally.
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Clear debris. Look for obstructions in your large flat space and clear all tree stumps, rocks or small plant life that will get in the way of the field.
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Mow the lawn. For the ball to move with any consistency on your lawn, the grass must be clipped short. About two inches is an ideal length for field hockey play.
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Outline the field. Using your tape measure, outline the field in the rectangular shape that fits your yard. Be sure to measure in two places so that your field lines are straight. If you must, dot them or pre-mark them before completely filling in with spray paint. In the center of your field, make a line across the width. This will serve as the center line. Next, cut each half of the field in half again. (This will give you quarters.) On a full scale field, this is marked as the 25 yard line. Next, in front of each goal area, measure out 7 yards and place a short line. This is the penalty shot line. Next measuring in five places at each end of the field, from the center of the goal are, mark a radius of 16 yards. This should give you an outline for a semi-circle on each side. Spray paint that line in. This is the striking circle.
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Purchase Field Hockey goals. Sports stores like Modell's or Dick's Sporting Goods probably don't carry them in stock, but they'll be more than happy to special order for you. Also check out fieldhockey.net for an online retailer that provides all things field hockey. Purchase your goals and add them to your backyard field. They usually stake right into the ground. Congratulations, you have just made your very own backyard Field Hockey field!
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Tips & Warnings
Spray paint obstructions in the field. Sometimes rocks or stumps simply cannot be moved. If this is the case with your lawn, make sure you clearly identify these areas by spray painting them with a bright color so they are easy to see. Also point out such obstructions before play begins.
