What is meant by small sided hockey?

Small sided hockey is a new format of the game introduced to maximise the number of people that can play on a pitch, and also work with more informal situations.  It is played on a 1/3 pitch, so works well on any pitches that are separated like this for football.  It also does not require any pre-determined lines - but does require throw-down strips to mark out "scoring zones".  The final benefit is that the format can be played with or without goalkeepers, and either 5, 6 or 7-a-side, and introduces the concept of 1 v 1 challenges rather than Penalty Corners. 

For more details contact participationteam@englandhockey.co.uk, or to discuss how this format might benefit you as a club, get in touch with your Club Development Manager.