Can you use your body to shield the ball in field hockey?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

In short answer: No, they cannot play the ball everywhere on the field, only within their own defensive area.

According to the rules, when in the circle with stick in hand, a goalie may use any part of their body to save or deflect a shot at goal. When in the circle they may use kickers, legguards, feet, legs, and their stick as normal to "propel the ball forcefully so that it travels a long distance", i.e. clear it from the circle.

When the ball is within the 23-metre-area, they may only use their stick to hit the ball like a field player. If they are not within their own 23m area, they are not permitted to influence play, thatis tackle or contact the ball.

The sole exception to this is that a goalkeeper may come forward to take a penalty stroke.

Answer 3

Yes, it is legal. The criteria is that no part of the tackling player or their stick touches the player in possession. Other than that a player can tackle from any direction, even between the legs.

Answer 4

no you can't; this would result in a foul

Answer 5

Yes