Can the ball be raised indoors?
Rule- England
- England Hockey
- FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey
- Indoor hockey
- All ages
- 2026/27
- Players
Only for a shot at goal. Under the FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey:
- Rule 9.9: you must not raise the ball off the floor except for a shot at goal. It isn't an offence if the ball rises unintentionally by less than 100 mm, unless an opponent is within playing distance.
- Rule 9.10: you must not play the ball while it's in the air, although stopping it is allowed in some situations. Under the 2023 edition, only a player from the team that didn't raise the ball may stop it, except after a legitimate shot that rebounds off the goalkeeper, a defender or the goal. The 2027 edition (effective internationally from 1 November 2026) allows any player to stop it, including pressing it down with the flat of the stick. It also makes clear that a goal only counts if the ball was on the ground at the attacker's last touch.
- Dangerous play (Rule 9.8): a ball that causes legitimate evasive action by an opponent is dangerous and is penalised.
Added 21 Oct 2026