Field hockey pitch dimensions are governed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and have been standardised at 91.4 metres long and 55 metres wide — a playing area slightly larger than a football pitch in one direction and narrower in the other. The pitch is divided at the halfway line, and each half contains a striking circle (the D) — a semicircle with a 14.63-metre radius from the centre of the goal. Goals can only be scored from within this D.

The shooting circle (often called "the D" or "the circle") is the most tactically critical area of a hockey pitch. All goals must be scored from within the circle — any shot from outside is disallowed even if it enters the goal. This rule fundamentally shapes hockey strategy: teams must move the ball into the D before shooting, creating a very different tactical game from football where shots from distance are legal.

Modern field hockey is played on artificial turf (AstroTurf), which replaced natural grass at international level starting in the 1970s. The 1976 Montreal Olympics was the last major tournament on grass. Artificial surfaces allow for much faster, more precise play — the ball travels more predictably, dribbling technique changed entirely, and match speeds increased significantly. FIH mandates water-based artificial turf for international competitions.