Playing the Hits 

Free hits are awarded to field hockey teams when the opponent commits a minor infraction and can quickly shift the momentum of the game. Senior midfielder Sophia Mannino breaks down the common causes of a free hit and what the Nittany Lions do to capitalize on them—and defend against them. 

Among the most common violations that cause free hits are a foot coming into contact with the ball, stick-to-stick contact, and obstruction (using the body or stick to prevent an opponent from playing the ball).

OFFENSE
[1] Players must travel 5 yards with the ball before entering the attacking circle or make a pass of at least 5 yards, while defenders must remain 5 yards away from the ball during the hit. 

[2] The Nittany Lions don’t like to waste time on free hits near the attacking circle. “A lot of times we look for that quick 5-yard supporting pass and then go,” Mannino says.

DEFENSE
[3] When defending a free hit near the shooting circle, Mannino and her teammates look to force an opponent outside or backward: “It’s about getting good position and taking good angles.”