The modern version of field hockey was developed in Britain during the 1800's, and since that time the game and the equipment used has evolved significantly.

In this guide we cover everything you could ever need to know about field hockey balls, so read on to find out about hockey ball sizes, weights, materials and more!

What is a field hockey ball called?

A hockey ball doesn’t have a specific name, and they are typically referred to as field hockey balls or hockey balls.

How big is a hockey ball?

A regulation field hockey ball has a diameter between 7.13 and 7.48cm, which equates to 2.81-2.94 inches. This means that a regulation field hockey ball has a circumference that is between 22.4 and 23.5 cm (8.82-9.25 inches).

How much does a field hockey ball weigh?

In accordance with FIH (International Hockey Federation) regulations, a field hockey ball should weigh 156-163 g (5.5-5.75 oz).

What colour should a hockey ball be?

According to the FIH field hockey balls should have a single block colour. White hockey balls are most commonly used although yellow balls can also be used to provide a better contrast with the playing surface/weather conditions.

Why do hockey balls have dimples?

The dimpled hockey ball was invented in the early 1980s and is now the preferred type of ball for high-level matches.

Adding dimples to a ball changes its aerodynamic properties, allowing hockey balls to travel further and faster. This is down to the fact that dimples make the surface irregular, which in turn reduces the amount of drag on the ball as it travels through the air or along the playing surface.

The dimples in a hockey ball allow small air pockets to form on the ball's surface. The pockets of air move with the ball, rather than against it, allowing it to travel more efficiently.

What is a hockey ball made of?

Early hockey balls back in the 1800’s were made with a wooden core and a leather exterior but as you’d expect things have changed since then!

The majority of hockey balls nowadays are made from solid plastic, although higher quality field hockey match balls are usually manufactured with a PVC exterior and a cork, wood and/or rubber core.

FORZA Match Dimple Hockey Balls feature a cork dual composition core, with a heavy-duty PVC exterior. The specialised core improves the ball's connection with the hockey stick and improves the ball’s performance on a range of playing surfaces.

At what speed does a hockey ball travel?

When shooting at goal or passing the ball upfield, top level hockey players will often hit the ball at speeds in excess of 60mph.

A technique called “drag flicking” is used to gain the most speed and acceleration on the ball. The drag flick involves dragging the ball across the playing surface, before flicking it in the desired direction.

The fastest drag flick recorded to date was performed by Indian field hockey player Sandeep Singh in 2010, with a speed of 90mph or 145km/h.

What’s the difference between a field hockey ball and a lacrosse ball?

A lacrosse ball is slightly smaller than a field hockey ball. A regulation lacrosse ball has a circumference of 19.69 - 20.32cm (7.75 - 8 inches), whilst a regulation field hockey ball has a circumference that is between 22.4 and 23.5 cm (8.82-9.25 inches).

A lacrosse ball also weighs less than a field hockey ball. A regulation lacrosse ball weighs in at 141.75 - 155.92g (5.0 and 5.25 ounces), whilst a regulation field hockey ball weighs 156-163 g (5.5-5.75 oz).

A lacrosse ball is made of solid rubber, whereas a hockey ball is made from plastic, sometimes with a cork and rubber core. Dimpled balls are typically used in field hockey, whereas lacrosse balls tend to have a smooth exterior.

Where can you buy hockey balls?

At Net World Sports, we sell a wide selection of FIH regulation hockey match and training balls. Suitable for elite-level matches, our FORZA 5* International Match Hockey Balls have been tested by Hockey Wales, boast a 5* construction rating and feature a dimpled surface to maintain trajectory & speed. Our training hockey balls include the FORZA 3* Smooth/Dimple Training Hockey Balls, which are ideal for home and team practice sessions. We also sell junior hockey balls and 3* Smooth Indoor Match Hockey Balls. We have options available for all budgets and requirements.

Our full range of FORZA hockey balls, and there specifications are outlined in the table below:

We also stock a wide range of hockey ball accessories, including hockey ball machines as well as field hockey training equipment including hockey rebounder nets, hockey goal targets and cones.