In hockey, what is the standard ball material for field hockey?
VerifiedAnswer: Plastic.
Explanation:
Field hockey uses a hard plastic ball as the standard equipment for gameplay. This plastic construction is specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of the sport, providing the perfect balance of durability and performance that players need during matches.
The choice of plastic material offers several important advantages for field hockey. Unlike softer materials, plastic provides consistent bounce and roll characteristics across different playing surfaces, whether on natural grass or artificial turf. The hard plastic surface also allows for precise ball control when players use their hockey sticks to dribble, pass, and shoot during the game.
Field hockey balls are typically white in color, though they can also be found in other bright colors for better visibility during matches. The standard ball has a circumference of approximately 224-235 millimeters and weighs between 156-163 grams. These specifications are regulated by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to ensure uniformity across all competitive levels.
It's worth noting that field hockey is different from ice hockey, which uses a rubber puck instead of a ball. The plastic ball used in field hockey is specifically engineered to withstand the impact from hockey sticks while maintaining its shape and performance characteristics throughout extended gameplay. This makes plastic the ideal material choice for this popular sport played by millions of people worldwide.
