The primary difference between a penalty corner and a penalty stroke in field hockey lies in the severity of the foul committed and the subsequent method of restarting play. While both are awarded for fouls by the defending team, a penalty stroke is a direct shot at goal awarded for fouls that prevent a probable goal, whereas a penalty corner is a specific set play involving an injection from the backline.
Understanding Penalty Corners
A penalty corner (often abbreviated as PC) is awarded for various defensive fouls, typically committed inside the defending team's circle or for deliberate fouls outside the circle but within the 23-meter area that prevent a forward move.
- Execution: Play restarts with an attacking player pushing or flicking the ball from the backline, 10 meters from the goalpost, onto the circle edge. The attacking team then attempts to score, while the defending team (limited to the goalkeeper and four other defenders positioned behind the backline) tries to prevent the goal. The remaining defenders are positioned at the halfway line.
Understanding Penalty Strokes
Based on the provided reference, a penalty stroke is when a foul is committed inside the 23-meter area that could have prevented a goal scoring opportunity. This signifies a more serious foul compared to those resulting in a penalty corner, specifically one that unfairly denies a clear chance to score.
- Execution: A penalty stroke is a one-on-one contest. One attacking player takes a direct shot at goal from the penalty spot, which is located 6.4 meters (7 yards) from the center of the goal line. The only defender allowed is the goalkeeper. The reference states, "A goalie and five defenders are allowed to stand behind their backline" for a penalty stroke. Note: While the reference includes five defenders behind the backline, standard field hockey rules typically involve only the goalkeeper defending the stroke. The shot must be a push or flick.
Key Differences Summarized
Here's a table highlighting the core distinctions:
| Feature | Penalty Corner | Penalty Stroke |
|---|---|---|
| Foul Severity | Less severe fouls in or near the circle. | Foul inside the 23-meter area that could have prevented a goal scoring opportunity (Reference). More severe, denying a likely goal. |
| Location | Fouls in circle or deliberate fouls in 23m area. | Fouls inside the circle or 23m area (Reference). |
| Execution | Set play from backline injection onto circle edge. | Direct shot from the penalty spot (7 yards out). |
| Players Involved | Attacking team has all players available; defending team has goalkeeper + 4 defenders in goal, others at half-way. | One attacker vs. goalkeeper. Reference states goalkeeper + 5 defenders behind backline. |
In essence, a penalty stroke is a more direct and punitive consequence for a defensive foul that stops a probable goal, whereas a penalty corner is awarded for a range of less severe defensive infractions within scoring range.
