In field hockey, what is awarded for certain defensive fouls inside the circle?
VerifiedAnswer: Penalty Corner
Explanation:
A penalty corner is one of the most exciting moments in field hockey and serves as a crucial scoring opportunity for the attacking team. This set piece is awarded when the defending team commits specific fouls within their defensive circle, which is the semi-circular area around their goal.
The defensive circle, also known as the shooting circle or "D," is a 16-yard semi-circle marked around each goal. When defending players commit certain offenses within this area, the referee awards a penalty corner to give the attacking team a fair advantage. Common situations that lead to penalty corners include deliberately hitting the ball out of play over the back line, dangerous play that prevents a scoring opportunity, or intentionally obstructing an opponent who has a clear chance to score.
During a penalty corner, the attacking team gets to restart play from a favorable position. The ball is placed on the back line, and an attacking player pushes or hits it to teammates positioned at the edge of the circle. Meanwhile, only five defending players (including the goalkeeper) are allowed to defend initially, while the remaining defenders must stay beyond the center line until the ball is played.
The execution of a penalty corner requires excellent teamwork and timing. The attacking team typically has several players positioned around the circle's edge, ready to receive the ball and attempt a shot on goal. These situations often result in powerful shots, deflections, or carefully planned plays designed to outmaneuver the limited number of defenders.
Understanding penalty corners is essential for anyone learning about field hockey, as they represent a significant scoring opportunity and demonstrate the sport's emphasis on fair play. When defensive fouls occur in critical areas near the goal, the penalty corner ensures that the attacking team receives appropriate compensation for the disruption to their scoring chances.
