Best for regular outdoor training, schools, clubs and recreational hockey.

What are practice balls?

Practice balls are generally hollow, durable hockey balls designed for repeated outdoor use. They are available in various colours for visibility against different pitch backgrounds, and in smooth or dimpled finishes.

Smooth or dimpled?

We generally recommend dimpled practice balls for consistent, predictable performance and familiarity with the dimpled balls commonly used in matches. Smooth balls are also suitable and may be chosen as a deliberate extra challenge for ball-control drills. Personal preference matters.

Which pitch surfaces?

Both smooth and dimpled outdoor balls can be used on approved outdoor hockey surfaces, including sand-based, water-based, hybrid and newer synthetic surfaces. Ball texture does not need to be selected solely according to pitch type.

Can practice balls be used in matches?

Yes, where the competition rules allow. Many lower-league clubs choose durable practice balls for both matches and training to keep costs manageable.

Best for competitive outdoor hockey when performance or competition requirements justify the cost.

How do they differ?

Match balls often use specialist cores, which can include cork, rubber or wool-and-cork materials depending on the model. They can offer a softer first touch, a livelier feel and refined playing characteristics. Some use advanced or double-dimple patterns. They generally cost more and may not last as long as hard-wearing practice balls.

FIH approval categories

The Kookaburra Dimple Elite has been listed as FIH Global Approved; the Kookaburra Dimple Standard and Grays Select have been listed as FIH National Elite Approved. These are approval categories, not a universal rule that every competition must use a particular model. Approvals and competition rules can change: check the current FIH list and the competition regulations before buying.

Should we train with match balls?

Some high-level teams train with match balls to become familiar with matchday performance. For most teams, using expensive match balls for routine training offers limited value compared with durable practice balls.

Are they worth the extra money?

It depends on the level of play, budget and any league requirements. More affordable match balls can offer some performance advantages without the cost of elite-level models. At lower club levels, the benefit often does not outweigh the price.

Best for developing particular skills and techniques, rather than general hitting practice.

Lightweight balls

Help juniors progress towards the feel and control of standard hockey balls without immediately using full-weight equipment.

Oversized / XL balls

Offer a larger target to help beginners and juniors make contact and develop confidence.

Heavy balls

Used for controlled resistance exercises, particularly pushing and flicking techniques. They should not be hit.

Mini balls

Designed for close control, hand-eye coordination and technical exercises, not hitting.

Soft home-training balls

Intended for controlled dribbling and coordination work in suitable spaces. They should not be hit.

Goalkeeper reaction balls

Specialist shapes, sometimes egg-shaped or irregular, create unpredictable movement for goalkeeper reaction drills. They are not intended for normal hitting drills.

Can training balls be hit?

Specialist training balls are made for specific purposes and should not be recommended for normal hitting or shooting practice. Follow each manufacturer’s directions for the individual product.

Best for fun junior games, light gameplay and introductory coaching.

What are novelty balls?

Novelty balls use fun designs such as emojis, glitter, swirls and colourful patterns. They are generally similar in size and weight to standard hockey balls, helping juniors get used to the feel of the ball.

What are they suitable for?

They are primarily intended for light gameplay, controlled hockey drills, confidence-building and fun activities.

Can they be hit?

No. Novelty balls are not recommended for hitting, even when their size and weight resemble a standard ball.

Best for the indoor discipline of hockey.

What makes an indoor ball different?

Indoor hockey balls are made for indoor court play and commonly have smooth surfaces and model-specific construction and bounce characteristics. A smooth outdoor practice ball is not automatically an equivalent indoor ball.

Are indoor balls lighter?

Not necessarily. Do not assume every indoor ball is lighter than an outdoor ball; check the specific product and applicable regulations.

Can indoor balls be hit?

No. Hitting is prohibited under indoor hockey rules, and indoor balls should not be recommended for normal hitting practice. Indoor play uses pushing and permitted flicking techniques.

Best for clubs, schools and coaches purchasing larger quantities.

Are multipacks always the best choice?

Not necessarily. First choose the ball that is right for the intended use. Not every ball is available as a multipack.

What should I compare?

If your chosen ball is offered in a multipack, compare the total price, quantity and contents against buying individually. Some multipacks include a carrier or crate; others do not.