Similar in size to a football field, the rectangular pitch measures 91.40 meters (100 yards) long and 55 meters (60 yards) wide. Three lines cross the width of the field: one in the middle, and two others 22.86 meters (25 yards) from each back line.

Penalty spots are placed in front of the center of each goal with the middle of each spot located 6.40 meters (7 yards) from the inner edge of the goal line. These marks identify the spot where penalty strokes are taken.

Since the 1976 Montreal Olympics, all international field hockey matches have been played on artificial turf. Prior to each game the turf is watered down so the ball sticks better to the ground.

On each half of the pitch, a straight line is drawn 22.90 meters (25 yards) out from and parallel to the corresponding back line. Those two lines, and the sidelines joining them, frame the 23-meters area. Free hits and penalty corners are awarded for infractions committed inside this area.

This is a semicircle extending 14.63 meters (16 yards) from each goal, marking the area where shots can be taken and goals scored. Goal-scoring shots from outside this area are not counted unless a player within the circle deflects it.

Drawn outside and parallel to the shooting circle, broken lines identify the area 5 meters (5.47 yards) from the edge of the circle.