ALL OVER THE WORLD, TEAM GAMES have evolved that require that a ball be struck or carried, and tossed at the end of a stick. Early forms of these games include hurling, shinty, bandy, and pelota. Field hockey is played by men and women: two teams of 11 players try to gain and keep possession of the ball and score goals by using the hockey stick to propel the ball into their opponents’ goal net. Skills such as passing, pushing, or hitting the ball by slapping or lifting it in a flicking movement, and shooting at goal are crucial. Hockey is played indoors and outdoors on grass or synthetic fields. Lacrosse is played internationally as a 12-a-side game for women and as 10-a-side
game for men. The women’s field has no absolute boundaries but the men’s field has clearly defined side-lines and end-lines. The ball is kept in play by being carried, thrown, or batted with the crosse, and rolled or kicked in any direction. In men’s and women’s lacrosse, play can continue behind the
marked goal areas. Similar skills are required in hurling—a Gaelic field game played on the same field as Gaelic football, using the same goalposts and net. In hurling, the ball may be struck with or carried on the hurley and, when off the ground, may be struck with the hand or kicked. Goals (three points) are scored when the ball passes between the posts and under the crossbar; one point is scored when it passes between the posts and over the crossbar.
