Shootout to replace tie-breakers in Azlan Shah hockey

IPOH ( Malaysia): The play-off and the final matches of 2011 Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament will be decided through a shootout instead of the usual penalty stroke tie-breakers.

The FIH has put the shootout under trial before the 2012 London Olympics. It will be put to practice at the Champions Trophy and the Olympic qualifiers if it is converted into a rule by then.

In a penalty stroke, the striker takes a shot at the goal with the ball placed on the penalty spot 6.4 metres from the back line. In a penalty shoot-out, the ball is placed on the 23-metre line. When the whistle is blown the striker has 8 seconds in which to try and score a goal. The striker can move the ball forward before taking the shot.

The FIH Competition Committee has decided to take this new step as they felt it replicates the real game situation better, requires more skills and makes the game interesting.