How do the side-boards work?

Side-boards run along the two long sides of an indoor pitch, and the ball can be played off them. Under the FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey:

• Trapping: you must not trap or hold the ball against the side-boards.
• Cornering a player: opponents must not trap a player in possession in a corner or against the boards with their sticks flat on the floor. They must leave a reasonable outlet for the ball.
• Accidental traps: if the ball gets unintentionally trapped against the boards, or between players' sticks, play restarts with a bully. Repeatedly trapping or holding the ball against the boards is treated as intentional and penalised.
• Into the circle: from an attacking free push, the ball may enter the circle off the side-boards once it has travelled at least 3 m.
• Out of play: the ball is out when it goes over the side-boards.

Pitch size: the recommended indoor pitch is 44 m x 22 m. Competition regulations can allow a smaller one, down to a minimum of 36 m x 18 m.