When is a penalty stroke awarded, and how is it taken?

Awarded (FIH Rule 12.4):

• for an offence by a defender in the circle that prevents the probable scoring of a goal; or
• for an intentional offence in the circle by a defender against an opponent who has possession of the ball or an opportunity to play it.

Taking it (Rule 13.7):

• Time and play stop.
• All other players stand outside the 23-metre area and must not influence the stroke.
• The ball is on the penalty spot (6.40 m from the goal-line). The taker stands behind it, within playing distance.
• The defender stands with both feet on the goal-line and must not leave it or move either foot until the ball is played. A goalkeeper must wear headgear; a field player defending it may wear only a face mask (and, if the team is playing without a goalkeeper, may only save with the stick).
• Blow the whistle when both are ready. The taker must not feint, must push, flick or scoop (no dragging), may raise it to any height, plays it once only, and must not then approach the ball or defender.

Completed (13.8) when a goal is scored, or the ball stops in the circle, lodges in or is caught by the goalkeeper, or leaves the circle. If no goal, restart with a defence free hit 15 m in front of the centre of the goal-line.

Offences (13.9):

• Taken before the whistle and scores: retake. Before the whistle and misses: defence free hit.
• Other offence by the taker: defence free hit.
• Defender offence (including moving a foot early): retake; if a goal is scored anyway, award it. A defender who moves early and saves it may be cautioned, then must get a green card for a repeat.