Why do players back away 5 meters on a free hit, and what is a self-pass?

Under the 2026 FIH Rules of Hockey (Rule 13.2), on a free hit:

• The ball must be stationary, and opponents must be at least 5 meters away. An opponent who is closer must not interfere or try to play the ball.
• The ball can be moved with a hit, push, flick or scoop. It can be raised straight away with a push, flick or scoop, but not intentionally with a hit.
• Self-pass: the player taking the free hit can simply dribble off with the ball themselves instead of passing it.
• Attacking free hit inside the 23 m area: everyone else must be 5 meters away, and the ball can't be played into the circle until it has traveled at least 5 meters or been touched by a defender.