Rule 41. Penalty 4 - 60 Yard Hit

In plain English

Penalty 4: hit from the centre of the 60. Goal is defended.

• One free hit from the centre of the 60 yard line nearest the offending team's goal - and unlike a Penalty 2 or 3, this one is defended.
• The hitting side may stand where it likes. The hit is one stroke, with the intention of scoring.
• Mishit, misdirect or miss and that side is restricted to half shots, the stick head starting below the shoulder, until a defender has hit or hit at the ball. The stick may still be raised above the shoulder to stop or redirect it.
• The defence must be 40 yards from the Penalty 4 line until the ball is hit or hit at, judged against a dot 20 yards off the back line in line with the centre of the goal.

One free hit by the team fouled from the centre of the 60 yard line nearest the goal of the team that has fouled.

Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 41

Read rule 41 in the Blue Book 2026

If the shot is mishit or missed, can any member of the attacking team carry out the half shots that follow?

• Yes ✓
• No

One free hit by the team fouled from the centre of the 60 yard line nearest the goal of the team that has fouled. a. The team taking the hit to be free to place themselves where they choose.

Where can the team taking the hit place themselves?

• They must be positioned behind the ball
• They are free to place themselves where they choose ✓
• They must be positioned at least two pony-lengths away from the ball
• They must be positioned at the goal posts

One free hit by the team fouled from the centre of the 60 yard line nearest the goal of the team that has fouled. a. The team taking the hit to be free to place themselves where they choose.

Penalty 4: When can the stick be raised above the shoulder during a free hit?

• When attempting a half shot
• To stop or redirect the ball ✓
• The stick should never be raised above the shoulder

However, the stick may be raised above the shoulder to stop or re-direct the ball.

Penalty 4: How far should the team defending the hit be from the Penalty 4 line until the ball is hit or hit at?

• 20 yards
• 30 yards
• 40 yards ✓
• 50 yards

One free hit by the team fouled from the centre of the 60 yard line nearest the goal of the team that has fouled. a. The team taking the hit to be free to place themselves where they choose.

Penalty 4: Where is the reference point for the umpires marked?

• 20 yards from the backline and in line with the centre of the goal ✓
• 40 yards from the backline and in line with the centre of the goal
• 20 yards from the Penalty 4 line
• At the Penalty 4 line

One free hit by the team fouled from the centre of the 60 yard line nearest the goal of the team that has fouled. a. The team taking the hit to be free to place themselves where they choose.

Penalty 4: When can the team defending the hit move from their initial position?

• Once the umpire blows the whistle
• Once the ball is hit or hit at ✓
• Only when the ball crosses the Penalty 4 line
• After 5 seconds from the initial hit

One free hit by the team fouled from the centre of the 60 yard line nearest the goal of the team that has fouled. a. The team taking the hit to be free to place themselves where they choose.

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