A BLUFFER’S GUIDE – YOU NEED TO KNOW A BULLY FROM A LICK

Bully: Used to restart play when possession was unclear when play was stopped. Opposing players must tap sticks before they can play the ball.

Penalty stroke: A penalty is awarded when a defender commits a foul in the circle. If it prevented a goal, the penalty stroke is taken by a single attacker in the circle, 6.4 metres from the goal.

Autopath: If a player is fouled, they just have to stop the ball and they can take the free themselves. If any of the opposition players are within five metres, they can’t tackle the player taking the free.

If they do tackle within five metres, they will be handed a green or yellow card and could end up on the bench.

Long corner: If the ball hits a defender’s stick and goes over the backline, this is a free hit to the attacking team.

Penalty lick: A deliberate foul in the circle or when the defender stops the ball within the goal line.

Backstick: Players can’t use the rounded part of their hockey stick and must use the flat part all the time.

Obstruction: It’s important not to lead with the body towards the opposition. A player has to lead with the ball and a player must not shield the ball or back into someone with their body.

Offside: Well, there isn’t one. Those who’ve been confused over that soccer rule for years may find solace in that. There is no offside rule because offside in hockey does not exist.

Rolling sub: This is a high intensity game, so players roll on and off the field with four minutes off and seven minutes on.